Garba all night! Gujarat govt lets Navratri lovers dance till 5 AM

The Gujarat government has lifted restrictions on garba celebration timings for this year's Navratri festival, having enthusiasts to dance the nights away.

Announced by MoS Home Harsh Sanghavi on social media, there will be no time restrictions on garba events at both commercial and residential venues. The festival of Navratri is set to begin on October 3 and end on October 11.

Previously, loudspeakers had to be turned off by midnight, and festivities usually concluded within an hour. This year, garba lovers can continue dancing until 5 AM. However, Sanghavi advised organizers and DJs to manage volume levels, especially near hospitals and residential areas, to avoid disturbing residents.


“I request all garba enthusiasts and organizers to ensure that loud music from sound systems, bands and disc jockeying do not disturb residents, especially those living near hospitals," he said.


The announcement has been welcomed by garba fans and organizers, who have been preparing for the nine nights of festivities over several months.

Bhargav Korat from Ahmedabad expressed excitement and told TOI, "The decision to allow celebrations all night long reminds me of my childhood days when my friends and I used to enjoy celebrations till late and then go out to grab a bite. I look forward to reliving those times."

Organizers are also anticipating an increase in business.

One organizer from Ahmedabad noted that the extended hours would allow people to attend garba at their own pace. Harshal Maheshwari, another garba organizer, told TOI that their theme of “suryast thi suryoday” (from sunset to sunrise) draws at least 4,000 people daily after midnight, even without speakers. The extended hours are expected to boost nearby businesses.

Durgesh Buch, President of Karnavati Club, confirmed that they would organize garba as per government guidelines. "People love celebrating Navratri and have been asking for the time restrictions to be lifted for several years now. We will organize garba at the club as per govt guidelines," he said.

Despite the excitement, some organizers are still unclear about the rules regarding loudspeakers and will need to manage noise levels carefully.

(With TOI inputs)