Couple celebrates son’s birthday in Kashmir’s first Vande Bharat, video angers Internet

A Varanasi couple celebrated their son’s sixth birthday by cutting a cake in Kashmir’s first Vande Bharat Express.

A Varanasi couple’s attempt to make their son’s birthday memorable in Kashmir’s first Vande Bharat Express has displeased the internet, with several questioning the safety and appropriateness of the celebration.

According to a video post shared by news agency ANI, Rakesh and Neha Jaiswal celebrated their son Moksh’s sixth birthday by cutting a cake in the train as it crossed the Anji Khad Bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6.

In the video, Neha Jaiswal is seen lighting candles on a cake as the family celebrates the occasion.

As the video went viral on social media, many viewers slammed the act as irresponsible and inappropriate in a public transport setting.

“A train is not your party hall. Lighting candles inside is not only unsafe but shows a lack of basic civic sense,” a user said.

Others raised concerns over potential safety violations. “Lighting a matchstick, I thought, was prohibited inside trains,” a comment read, tagging the Railway Ministry and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Another user added, “You should punish such passengers for putting the lives in danger of other travelers.” Set an example before it is too late and turns into a tragedy.”

Questions were also raised over whether Indian Railways permit such celebrations: “Burning candles in Indian Railways is allowed or against the rules? If prohibited, what is the punishment? Also mention under which sections.”

“We should refrain from lighting matchsticks inside trains for everyone’s safety,” another user added.

The Indian Railways is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident