Christmas decorations at Ahmedabad mall vandalised, Bhagwa Sena workers detained

Ahmedabad, Dec 28, 2025: A situation of unrest unfolded in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Saturday over Christmas celebrations after members of a little-known Hindu group, Bhagwa Sena, allegedly damaged Christmas decorations at a prominent mall on SG Highway, leading to police intervention.

Bhagwa Sena chief Kamal Raval stated that his organisation was not against celebrations of other religions, but asserted that malls should also mark Hindu festivals throughout the year.

Police said four to five workers linked to the group abruptly entered the mall, proceeded to the central atrium, and pulled down the Christmas tree installed as part of the Christmas and New Year décor.

The incident, carried out openly, caused alarm among shoppers and prompted mall security to step in as the situation escalated within minutes.

“The workers demanded that all Christmas trees and related decorations be removed immediately,” a police official said, adding that mall authorities tried to pacify the protesters and explained that the decorations were part of routine year-end festivities.

“Despite repeated requests, they vandalised the decorations, following which we were informed and reached the spot,” the officer said.

Police detained the workers at the scene to prevent further damage and restore order, while security inside the mall was briefly tightened to manage the sudden rush and confusion. However, no case has been registered so far.

The episode occurred amid widespread Christmas and New Year decorations across the city, where malls and public spaces traditionally display Christmas trees, Santa Claus figures, and festive lighting between December 25 and December 31. What is usually regarded as a commercial and seasonal practice has now acquired political and social overtones.

Three days earlier, the Federation of Parents Associations, along with a saffron outfit, had protested against Christmas celebrations and holidays in schools. In a letter addressed to the state Education Minister and the District Education Officer, the federation demanded that Christmas holidays should not be granted and warned that schools celebrating Christmas could be forced to shut.

The letter alleged that some schools were making Christmas celebrations compulsory before December 31 and involving children in activities such as dressing up as Santa Claus. “No religious celebration should be imposed on students without prior consent of parents,” the memorandum stated, claiming that such practices hurt cultural sentiments and were unnecessary, especially when, according to the federation, there was “no justification” for holidays during Christmas.

Courtesy: Indian Express