Ey, haalo! Get ready to garba all night in Gujarat as state govt lifts midnight cap on celebration events

AHMEDABAD: This Navratri, garba enthusiasts can literally dance the night away as the Gujarat govt lifts curbs on celebration timings at both commercial and residential venues.

Making celebrations for Navratri — the world's longest dance festival held to worship Goddess Durga —extra special this year, MoS home Harsh Sanghavi announced on social media that there will be no restrictions on garba timings. The vibrant festival will kick off on Oct 3 and wrap up on Oct 11.

Until last year, loudspeakers had to be silenced by midnight, with celebrations usually winding down within an hour. But this year, revellers can groove till 5 AM if they want. However, Sanghavi urged organizers and DJs to keep the volume in check, particularly 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," Sanghavi said.

Sanghavi assured that the state govt has set the stage for hassle-free, late-night garba fun. The announcement sparked joy among garba fans and organizers, many of whom spend months learning new and intricate garba steps and putting in great thought into their attire for these nine nights of revelry.

Bhargav Korat, a professional from Ahmedabad, said, "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 equally thrilled, predicting a major business boost. "Earlier, people would get off from work, hurry to get dressed in traditional attire then rush to the venues. Now, they can come at their pace and dance to their heart's content," said an organizer from Ahmedabad, requesting anonymity.

Harshal Maheshwari, a garba organizer, said, "We hold garba on the theme of ‘suryast thi suryoday' (from sunset to sunrise) and we see at least 4,000 people every day after midnight even when we play music without speakers. The easing of restrictions will help boost businesses around the garba venues."

Durgesh Buch, president of Karnavati Club, said, "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."

However, some organizers remain confused about the rules for loudspeakers, leaving them to figure out the finer details of noise control while ensuring the party doesn't stop.

Ahmedabad: This Navratri, garba enthusiasts can literally dance the night away with the Gujarat govt lifting curb on timings at commercial and residential venues.

Making Navratri celebrations extra special this year, MoS home Harsh Sanghavi took to social media, announcing that there will be no time restrictions on garba celebrations. Navratri will begin on Oct 3 and culminate on Oct 11 this year.

Till last year, the use of loudspeakers was restricted till midnight though revelry would continue for another hour or so at most venues. The minister took to social media to say, "The auspicious festival of Navratri is approaching. Devotees are all set to immerse themselves in the devotion and power of ‘Maa Amba'. To ensure that all garba enthusiasts can enjoy, arrangements have been made to allow people to play garba late into the night."

The minister, however, urged people to be mindful of playing loud music. "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," Sanghavi said. "People can enjoy garba and other religious activities till 5am if they wish, but the current rules and regulations must be followed," he added.

Sanghvi assured that the state govt has made all necessary arrangements to facilitate late-night garba celebrations. The decision brought about a wave of cheer among garba enthusiasts as well as organizers, many of whom wait all year long for the grand nine nights of revelry and prepare months in advance, brushing up their steps and deciding on their attire.

Bhargav Korat, a professional from Ahmedabad, said, "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 such times."

Meanwhile, organizers expect that the spirited celebrations will bring in big business. "Earlier, people would get off from work and rush to get dressed and drive to the venue. Now, they can come at their pace and dance to their heart's content," said an organizer from Ahmedabad, requesting anonymity.

Harshal Maheshwari, a garba organizer, said, "We hold garba on the theme of 'suryast thi suryoday' (from sunset to sunrise) and we see at least 4,000 people every day after midnight even when we play music without speakers. The easing of restrictions will help boost businesses around the garba venues."

Durgesh Buch, president of Karnavati Club, said, "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." However, organizers are confused about rules regarding loudspeakers.