As Gujarat prepares to celebrate the vibrant Navratri festival from October 3-12, six major garba organisers in Vadodara have secured insurance coverage worth Rs 30.18 crore for over three lakh participants. The insurance, which is Rs 7 crore higher than last year, ensures the safety and security of participants in some of the city’s most renowned garba events.
Vadodara, known for its grand and disciplined garba formations, is taking unprecedented precautions this year, with organisers securing coverage for large-scale events like the United Way Garba and the Vadodara Navratri Festival. Special safety measures have also been arranged at Vadodara’s iconic palace venue, including a dedicated rescue team to handle potential encounters with snakes and other reptiles. First aid stations prepared for snake bite cases will also be available on-site throughout the festival.
The breakdown of the insurance coverage is as follows:
- United Way Garba: Rs 14 crore
- Vadodara Navratri Festival (VNF): Rs 5.68 crore
- Vadodara Vibrant Navratri: Rs 4 crore
- Shree Samast Patidar Samaj Garba: Rs 1.50 crore
- Shree Navshakti Garba: Rs 2 crore
- Karelibaug Sports Garba: Rs 3 crore
Among these, the United Way of Baroda Garba, often referred to as “United Garba”, stands out as one of Gujarat’s most iconic garba events. In 2022, United Garba set a world record for hosting the largest number of garba dancers at a single venue. Beyond its cultural significance, United Garba is known for its charitable focus, with funds raised supporting community projects like education, healthcare, and women empowerment.
Innovative Measures to Combat Rain Disruption
As monsoon rains pose a potential disruption, Vadodara Navratri Festival (VNF)-CREDAI has implemented an innovative solution to keep its venue dry. The organisers have drilled 24 percolation wells around Navlakhi Ground to prevent water accumulation and ensure efficient drainage. This method allows rainwater to flow into the wells, recharging the groundwater table and preventing waterlogging during the festival.
“The percolation wells drained rainwater in under an hour during recent showers, keeping the venue dry and safeguarding against disruption,” said a trustee from the Art and Culture Foundation of Vadodara.
With these safety measures and innovative preparations in place, Vadodara is all set to host yet another spectacular Navratri, ensuring both the safety and enjoyment of its garba participants.
