‘Land of penance’: Sunny Leone’s New Year event cancelled in Mathura after seers protest

The event, reportedly planned at a bar on New Year’s Eve, drew protests soon after its announcement, with several seers expressing anger

Published on: Dec 30, 2025, 20:26:32 IST

By HT News Desk

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A New Year 2026 event involving actor Sunny Leone at a restaurant in Mathura has been called off following strong objections from seers and religious groups.

The event, reportedly planned at a bar on New Year’s Eve, drew protests soon after its announcement, with several seers expressing anger over the proposed programme, ANI reported.

All preparations had been made for the programme. In a letter to the district magistrate on Monday, Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas sought cancellation of the event.

Amid the opposition and protests from religious groups and citing the sanctity of the holy city, the event organisers decided to call off the programme.

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Religious leaders against event

Girraj Singh, a Hindu group leader, told ANI that he was grateful to the state government for heeding public sentiment. Praising the decision, he said: “I would like to thank the Uttar Pradesh government on behalf of all the people of Braj Bhumi. I want to express my gratitude to the government for considering the sentiments of the people of Braj Bhumi and also for respecting the sadhus and sants.”

Another religious leader, Dinesh Falhari Dharmacharya, explained the reasons behind the opposition. Referring to Braj Bhumi as a land of penance and devotion to Lord Krishna.

“The sadhus and saints had opposed this event because this is Braj Bhumi, the land where Lord Krishna performed the Maharas. This is a land of penance, and such events should not be held here. We would like to thank the administration for understanding our feelings and cancelling this event.”

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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