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Navratri Garba Expands Into a Sprawling Seasonal Economy
Garba is a dance people enjoy during the nine nights of Navratri.
More and more people are celebrating it in cities across India and in other countries.
This has created work for singers, event organisers, food sellers, dance teachers and clothing businesses.
Some events are free or community-run, while others offer expensive tickets and special services.
People can rent outfits, take dance lessons or choose events featuring their favourite singers.
Some Gujarati communities have held these celebrations for decades.
In Ahmedabad, there are even garba gatherings for pets and their owners.
The festival is now both a cultural celebration and a large seasonal business.
The garba industry in Gujarat is estimated at Rs 15,000 crore, and one industry executive says it is growing at 33% annually.
Navratri events now span Indian metros and smaller cities, as well as Gujarati diaspora communities in the US and Canada.
The festival supports businesses including event venues, performers, food stalls, coaching classes, beauty services, clothing rentals and ticketing platforms.
Ticket prices range from volunteer-curated events with no fixed pass price to luxury packages costing up to Rs 2 lakh per person in Mumbai.
Organisers and communities also hold traditional gatherings, while Ahmedabad has hosted garba events for pets and their owners.
- Who
- Garba participants, performers, event organisers, vendors and Gujarati communities.
- What
- Navratri garba and dandiya have grown into a large seasonal economy.
- Where
- Across Gujarat and other Indian cities, as well as Gujarati diaspora communities in the US and Canada.
- When
- During the nine-night Navratri festival, with coaching and related preparations taking place beforehand.
- Why
- Growing participation and demand for festive experiences support events and businesses connected to the celebrations.
Key facts
- Estimated Gujarat industry size
- Rs 15,000 crore
- Reported annual growth
- 33% CAGR, according to Kalash Shah of LIT Growth Agency
- A-category artiste fee
- Can reach Rs 25 lakh per day, including chorus and junior performers
- Mumbai ticket prices
- Standard passes can reach Rs 20,000 per day; luxury events can cost up to Rs 2 lakh per person
- Radiance Dandiya Navratri Utsav 2025
- Recorded over 100,000 attendees across 10 days
- Rang Morla
- Featuring Aditya Gadhvi, it recorded more than 60,000 footfalls across cities
- BookMyShow Navratri experiences
- The platform reported growth of over 25% year-on-year
Quotes
Radhikaraje Gaekwad
Member of Vadodara’s royal family and organiser of the Lukshmi Vilas Palace Heritage Garba.
“Navratri experiences are witnessing over 25% growth year-on-year, reflecting the growing appetite for large-scale festive experiences.”
financialexpress.com
“Where one wants to go and where one can afford to go does not diminish his or her excitement for garba.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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