At the venues, the experience ranges from community celebrations in housing societies and villages to ticketed events offering personal security, butlers and private dining.
For a growing number of young Gujaratis, preparing for Navratri begins months before the first night of garba, with IV drips for glowing skin and energy, grooming appointments and carefully planned outfits.
Everyone wants to enjoy the festival in their own way, and for me, the preparation is part of that experience,” said Shaivi Agarwal, 22, a college student in Vadodara. At Sadu Mata ni Pol in Shahpur, Ahmedabad, men from the Barot community wear saris and perform garba on Ashtami, continuing a tradition said to be more than 200 years old. I think change is natural, as long as we do not lose the spirit of inclusivity that makes garba special,” said Suketu Shah, a 28-year-old IT professional from Ahmedabad’s Satellite area.
“I wait for Navratri all year, and getting ready is a big part of the excitement. We plan our outfits, focus on grooming and want to look our best for the garba nights. There is also the excitement of meeting friends and family at the venues. Away from commercial venues, residents continue to organise garba in housing societies and villages, raising money through member contributions and local donations. These gatherings offer a community-led alternative to party plots and ticketed events, where organisers sell passes and provide facilities at different price points. Navratri also retains customs that differ from the mainstream garba circuit. “Navratri has changed with the times. The festival now brings together community celebrations, traditional customs and commercial events catering to different audiences. However, the growing focus on appearance, premium services and social media visibility has also raised questions about how Navratri is changing for participants.
Earlier, the focus was on dancing and spending time with friends and family. Today, people also want to look their best, invest in fitness and grooming, and share their experiences on social media.
