A public display of affection (PDA) is an act of intimacy between a couple that which they display openly. Hugging, kissing, or holding your partner’s hand in public are some examples of PDA. Sharing a private intimate moment in a public forum such as social media can also be a form of PDA.

In our society public displays of affection is often looked down upon due to our cultural and traditional norms that underline modesty and privacy in personal relationships. In many parts of India, there is a strong emphasis on conservative values and respect for traditional behaviour. Public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging in public, are often considered brazen and may be seen as a violation of cultural norms. Additionally, the influence of religious and societal beliefs plays a significant role in shaping attitudes towards public displays of affection in Indian society.

75% of men think kissing without tongues in public is acceptable, but just 62% of women agree. Young people are significantly more likely than older groups to be comfortable with it  eight in ten (78%) 18 to 24s are fine with a public kiss, compared to six in ten (58%) of those aged 55 and above.

Public displays of affection (PDA) are generally not as common in India as they are in some other countries. In many parts of India, there is a strong cultural emphasis on modesty and caution, particularly in public spaces.

A lot depends on your upbringings. If we grew up in a family where our parents were affectionate and demonstrative with each other, we may see PDA as normal and acceptable. On the other hand, if we grew up in a family where our parents didn’t display their affection openly, were distant or divorced, we may see PDA as undesirable. It’s important to be mindful and respectful of others’ boundaries and comfort levels when engaging in PDA. Ultimately, whether PDA is considered good or bad is subjective and varies from person to person.

I go for evening walks. And I stay in an area with lots of schools and colleges. During my walks in evening, I witness a lot of younger as well as older couples occupying garden seats engaged in kissing, inappropriately touching each other, hugging inappropriately in public. I look in other direction because I feel uncomfortable watching PDA. Some elderly couples in their 40s and 50s are involved in adultery, it shows from their body language. It is practically impossible to act natural in such situations. I avoid going for walks in such places, especially of walking near the affectionate couples.

Is public display of affection banned in India? Under section 294 of the Indian Penal Code, causing annoyance to others through “obscene acts” is a criminal offence with a punishment of imprisonment up to three months or a fine, or both.

Some people may feel uncomfortable witnessing intimate behaviour in public, as it can intrude on their personal space or make them feel awkward. Cultural and social norms also play a role in shaping attitudes towards PDA, with different societies having varying levels of acceptance for public displays of affection.

Some partners do not have compatible preferences when it comes to PDA. For example, while some people are comfortable being openly affectionate with their partners, many people are more private with their relationships and prefer to not be affectionate in front of others, due to their upbringing, family culture, or social norms. 

All couples are not the same. Some dislike PDA because it feels like their relationship is being put on display for others and that makes them uncomfortable. Some people don’t like attention of other around them and they don’t like being forced to kiss the partner in a non-romantic setting. Some people don’t like being touched intimately in public settings because it feels a bit like showing off to other people and that looks crass.

Having different values and upbringing or preferences around PDA can harm the relationship, particularly if one person is trying to be affectionate and the other person is rejecting the advances, which could be combined by the public aspect of the interaction. Many people fear the consequences of damaging their reputation both socially or professionally, especially when PDA could be easily photographed and shared on social media.