A highly anticipated New Year's Eve DJ performance featuring Bollywood actor Sunny Leone at a prominent rooftop restaurant in Mathura was abruptly cancelled following intense opposition from local saints and religious organisations. The groups argued that such an event was incompatible with the sacred traditions of the Braj region and would offend the sentiments of devotees.
Religious Groups Voice Strong Opposition
Priests and religious leaders in Mathura, which they describe as a "divine land," mounted a campaign against the scheduled programme. They formally expressed their objections in a letter submitted to the district administration, urging them to intervene. The core of their argument centered on the sanctity of the Braj Bhoomi, the land associated with Lord Krishna's legends.
Dinesh Sharma Falahaari of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas articulated the sentiment, stating, "Braj Bhoomi is the land of penance of the deities. It is here that Lord Krishna performed the Maha Raas, the Makhan Chori Leela and the Raas Leela. In such a sacred land, if an actress associated with pornographic films dances on Braj Bhoomi, it will deeply hurt the sentiments of our revered Lord." The objection specifically highlighted Leone's past association with adult films as a point of contention.
Event Organiser's Perspective and Financial Fallout
Speaking to the media, event organiser Mitul Pathak presented a different view. He clarified that Sunny Leone was invited strictly as a performing artist for a DJ set, not in any other capacity, and that she is widely recognised in India as an entertainer. Pathak emphasised that all necessary administrative permissions and legal norms had been secured for the event, which was planned as a ticketed show for a limited audience of 300 people on January 1.
Despite having the required clearances, the organisers chose to cancel. "We decided to cancel the programme in view of social and religious sentiments," Pathak stated. This decision came with a significant financial cost; the cancellation is expected to result in a revenue loss of approximately Rs 30 lakh. In a promotional video released before the controversy, Sunny Leone had expressed her excitement about ringing in the New Year in Mathura with an "unforgettable night."
Broader Implications for Culture and Commerce
This incident underscores the ongoing tension between evolving commercial entertainment and deeply held religious traditions in certain Indian cities. Mathura, as a major pilgrimage centre, often sees such conflicts come to the fore. The cancellation sets a precedent for how local authorities and businesses might navigate similar situations in the future, balancing economic opportunities with community sensitivities.
The episode also highlights the powerful influence of religious organisations in shaping public events in culturally sensitive areas. While the organisers complied with formal regulations, the overwhelming social and religious pressure proved to be the decisive factor, leading to the last-minute scrapping of the New Year celebration.
