Navratri, the world’s longest dance festival, is finally here, and Gujarat in western India is all excited to sway to the beats of the dhol and dandiya from today.
Garba revellers in finely embroidered chaniya-cholis, kediyus with intricate designs, colourful bandhani dupattas in red, green and blue, oxidised jewellery, and vibrant accessories will make this festival look ethereal. Cities across the state are set to create uber-cool, luxurious experiences this year—ones that may cost a hefty amount but will leave you wanting more.
With 500 venues in Ahmedabad and passes at some venues costing up to ₹12,000 per night (about 206 AUD), Navratri celebrations in Gujarat have come a long way from their humble beginnings with traditional sheri garbas. This year, even as rains loom over the festivities, garba experiences have been given a makeover few could have imagined in the past.
What does that mean? Think limited entry promising exclusivity, curated music line-ups, themed lounges, gourmet food counters, live mixology stations, spa-like massages, and Insta-worthy photo booths. Depending on the services offered, all this can cost anywhere between ₹3,000 and ₹12,000 per night.
Maneesha Joshi, a young garba enthusiast, says, “This is the OG of festivals for me. I love celebrating with my friends and prefer not-so-crowded venues. If it costs a little more, I’m fine with it.”
Most organisers agree that Navratri celebrations have completely changed over the past few years. Young revellers want unique experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Many are even willing to travel to venues on the outskirts of cities if they offer something out of the box.
Celebrating Navratri across Gujarat has now become huge and grand in scale. Gone are the days when garbas were limited to familiar community gatherings. Sheri garbas, with their intimate celebrations and neighbourhood bonding, added a magical charm to the simple yet lively pol life of old Ahmedabad. But like everything, garba too has undergone a massive transformation.
From music to fashion, the changes are visible everywhere. In the age of Insta reels, your Navratri outfit is no longer just an outfit—it’s a statement of individuality. For many, bespoke designs are the only way forward.
Heena Shah, a young graphic designer and self-confessed garba lover, says, “For me, Navratri is much more than a festival. It gives me a chance to express my creativity and imagination. I spend weeks planning my outfits and always add a personal touch. This year, I’ve also thought about repurposing because I believe in slow fashion. I haven’t bought anything new, but I’ve given wings to my imagination while designing my outfit.”
Interestingly, many garba venues have prepared to deal with rain this year. Organisers have embraced dome culture to overcome issues caused by unseasonal showers that turn open grounds muddy and damage expensive sound equipment. Leading the way is Surat, with five mega AC domes costing ₹1 crore each. These weatherproof venues can welcome up to 20,000 revellers under one roof.
From raised floors to seepage-proof walls, organisers are leaving nothing to chance. With air-conditioning on full blast, it’s all about tradition meeting technology as the night pulses with energy. Of course, these venues come at a price: daily tickets range from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, while season passes go from ₹4,500 to ₹25,000 depending on the category. For smoother entry, some venues are even offering face scanning instead of the old wristbands.
In Vadodara, where garba is still performed in its most traditional form, Navratri has also grown into something larger—a celebration with a social conscience. The city has given the festival a distinct identity, turning it into a platform for social change and women’s empowerment.
At the Laxmi Vilas Palace Heritage Garba, devotion meets dialogue for a more humane society. Each year’s Navdurga theme honours the goddess while also reflecting the struggles and triumphs of women today. The most evocative initiative is Bolto Ambo—the Speaking Mango Tree—where the palace grounds turn into a listening space, inviting women to share their stories and concerns about safety, violence, and everyday challenges.
Meanwhile, garba revellers in Rajkot have added their own twist. While garba typically ends at midnight, Rajkot introduces a second stage that lights up behind the main venue. These late-night performances have made Navratri in Rajkot extra special, mixing live music, food courts, and pulsating energy well past midnight. Instead of only folk songs and dhol beats, revellers here can enjoy ghazals, retro Bollywood hits, indie pop, and even Punjabi music.
And amid all the chic, expensive, new-age celebrations, there are still those who swear by small, intimate gatherings. Samir Mistry, a young entrepreneur, says, “I prefer to celebrate with my family and friends in our housing society. There’s a charm in the togetherness and intimacy that makes our celebrations special. We don’t have to deal with traffic jams or pay high entry fees. We’re all involved in the preparations, from the aarti before the garba to the nasta (snacks) with neighbours every night—that adds so much warmth and fun.”
And that’s the beauty of Navratri in Gujarat—a festival where everyone finds their own way to celebrate, whether in dazzling domes or in the cosy courtyards of their homes, but always with joy and warmth.
Deepika Sahu has been a journalist for 29 years and she has worked with some of India’s leading media houses. Right now, she is independently engaged in content creation and curation. Twitter: @menondeepika | Instagram@moodydeepika | Facebook: Deepika Sahu
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