September 27, 2025

Navratri, the festival of dance and joy, is feeling a bit too costly and cramped this year! Many garba lovers, especially those who have just come back from abroad, are sharing their frustration on social media about soaring ticket prices and crowded venues spoiling the festive spirit. A Reddit user, freshly returned from studies overseas, spilled the beans after attending the first two nights of Navratri 2025. He reported, "Everything has a money tag. Parking ₹100, bottled water ₹100, food ₹300, passes ₹2,000." Why pay so much just to dance? The issue isn't just about money. The big AC domes where these events happen are often packed beyond limits. The user mentioned that air conditioning feels useless unless you stand right under the vent, which sometimes blows unpleasant air. Entry and exit points are a mess, making the whole experience tiring. For example, the popular Jigardan Gadhvi garba at Swarnim Nagri was bursting at the seams, with crowds waiting outside just to get in! Another sore point is the dancing itself. The commercial events repeat the same steps for hours on end, promising dance until sunrise. Sounds fun, but long hours with huge crowds limiting your moves can quickly become a bore. Food and drinks add to the headache. Tiny portions sold at sky-high prices leave many feeling cheated. The Reddit user praised smaller society or street-level garbas where you get tasty food and water included, and everything is much more affordable. The verdict? Many festival lovers are craving a return to simpler, community-level Navratri celebrations. These offer cheaper entry, better food, a relaxed vibe, and a chance to enjoy garba the traditional way. As one user summed up, community garbas mean “entry is affordable, food quality is better, and the experience is more relaxed.” So, as Navratri samba rounds continue, will the big commercial events rethink their approach, or will the heart of garba beat strongest in small, friendly neighborhoods? Festival fans are watching closely!

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Tags: Navratri, Garba, Festival costs, Crowded events, Community celebrations, Navratri 2025,