Khargone, MP: A festive Garba celebration turned tragic in Bhikangaon, Madhya Pradesh, when a 19-year-old woman collapsed and died while dancing with her husband during a Navratri event.
The deceased, identified as Sonam Yadav, had been participating in a Garba performance at the Sant Singaji temple in Palasi village, Khargone district. A video of the incident, which later surfaced online, shows Sonam dancing on stage in front of a Durga idol before suddenly collapsing mid-performance. Initially, some spectators mistook the fall for part of the act and were seen laughing.
Her husband, Krishnpal Yadav, who had just joined her on stage, quickly realized something was wrong. “She fell suddenly while we were dancing. There was no sign of life. We rushed her to a nearby private hospital,” he said. Sonam was later referred to a government hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Krishnpal, who works at a grocery store in Bhikangaon, said the couple had been married just five months ago and that Sonam had no known health issues. “It was her first visit to the Singaji temple. We had no idea anything like this could happen,” he added.
Local community leader Hawsi Lal Yadav, who had helped organize the event, expressed shock over the incident. “It happened just after the evening arti. The whole atmosphere turned somber in an instant. No one saw this coming,” he said.
Despite the incident taking place in full public view, the police were not informed. Sonam’s family chose not to pursue a post-mortem, citing the public nature of the event and absence of suspicion. Her last rites were performed the following day.
The sudden death has cast a pall over the Navratri festivities in the region, with villagers mourning the loss of a young life during what was meant to be a joyful celebration.
