Last Updated: January 2, 2020 Ashwini
In the coming month of October from Oct 17 – Oct 25, 2020 entire India will celebrate Navratri and Durga Pooja. Celebrating the victory of good over evil, the theme is reflected in the celebrations. But there lies another world-famous celebration of Navratri in the colorful state of Gujarat, it’s called Garba and Dandiya celebration. Throughout the 9 days, entire state dresses up and come out of their house to celebrate this auspicious and joyous festival. Navratri Festival in Gujarat holds prime cultural importance and is a major tourist attraction in Gujarat. People from all over the world come to Gujarat to witness this colorful festival. Gujarat is famous for its cultural heritage which is reflected in the celebrations. Every street organizes Garba and Dandiya event but if you are planning for a royal and epic celebration this October, we have curated a list of Dandiya and Garba Celebration places in Gujarat. If you live in Gujarat or planning a sightseeing tour in Gujarat, this list will be your guide for an ultimate Navratri celebration.
Rajpath Club, Ahmedabad
Experience Ahmedabad and the festival of Navratri like the way it was meant to. The lavish ambiance, impressive musics, and thrilling competitions make up for Rajpath Club to be one of the best places to enjoy Dandiya. The theme for last year Navratri celebrations was “Experience Ahmedabad” in response to Ahmedabad being declared as UNESCO World Heritage city. The major crowd attraction is the disco Dandiya. An all-night saga of dance and music, Rajpath Club Navratri celebration is one of the best Navratri celebrations in Gujarat. The entry ticket costs around INR 500.
Venue: S.G. Highway Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380059
United Way of Baroda, Vadodara
Contender of the best Garba Pandal in Gujarat, United Way of Baroda is the place to be for Navratri celebrations. The reason for a huge fan following of the event is the combination of energetic music, mesmerizing ambiance and an amazing lineup of singers. The estimate of each day attendance in the Garba event is believed to be roughly around 30,000. You would have to be here during Garba nights to understand why United Way of Baroda is one of the best Garba Pandals in Gujarat. Also, the money raised from the event is donated to 140 charities and organizations across the city. So, there is a morally good deed you can accomplish while having fun at the Dandiya Nights. The Entry tickets roughly cost around INR 3,500 for male and INR 700 for females.
Venue: 9th Floor, Sidcup Tower, Race Course Rd, Gautam Nagar, Vadiwadi, Vadodara
Vadodara Navratri Festival, Vadodara
One of the most popular Garba Venues in Gujarat, Vadodara Navratri Festival has created a fan base of its own. Famous for its traditional Garba-Raas, Vadodara hold the famous Vadodara Navratri festival every year for its enthusiastic fans. You wouldn’t be able to say no to these events once you see the list of guests arriving which include Bollywood superstars. Held every year since 2015, this year the festival promises another saga of adventurous Dandiya nights.
Venue: Behind Reliance Mega Mall, O.P. Road, Akshar Chowk, Vadodara
University of Baroda Faculty of Fine Arts, Vadodara
Faculty of Fine Arts, Baroda University organizes the annual festival of Dandiya and Garba. Welcoming people from all across the state of Gujarat, University plays some of the grooviest tones and has an amazing atmosphere to relax and enjoy with your friends. With its big ground, the University can easily house hundreds of keen attendees looking to groove on hearty Garba music.
Venue: Professor C.C Mehta Road, M.S.U. Pushpa Baug, M.S.U. Campus, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Sayajigunj, Vadodara
Mirchi Rock and Dhol, Ahmedabad
Organized by Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM, every year thousands of people visit the trendy event for Navratri Celebrations. One of the must-visit Garba Pandals, the event is full of Bollywood stars grooving on the music of the Garba nights. Last year Varun Dhawan and Tapsee Pannu visited the Mirchi Rock and Dhol event. Guests are only allowed in the traditional dresses; this event is perfect for Dandiya Raas Garba in Gujarat. The price of entry tickets ranges from INR 300-700.
Venue: Aman Aakash Party Plot, Beside Trustnagar Society, Shreyas Crossing Road, Vasna
Maa Shakti Garba, Vadodara
This Navratri celebrations be a part of the Limca Book of World records holder and attend the Maa Shakti Garba celebration in Vadodara. Vadodara is referred to as the cultural capital of Gujarat and rightly so Vadodara organizes some of the greatest Navratri celebrations in Gujarat. In 2004, 40,000 dancers took part in the biggest Navratri celebration in World. Groovy music, amazing playlist, mesmerizing ambience, and euphoria makes this place ultimate top tourist destinations in Gujarat. You would have to register yourself and buy a ticket from the official website of Maa Shakti Garba event to be part of the amazing Gujarati Garba event.
Venue: Samta Ground, Opposite Samta Police Booth, Samta Road, Vadodara
Friends Garba, Ahmedabad
Unlike the usual 9 days Navratri celebration, Friends Garba lasts only for two days but the two days of mayhem will make up for the entire 9 days festival. Organized by Akash Aman Party plot, the last two days of Navratri witness thousands of people flocking this Garba venue. Famous for its modern funky Garba music, the youth of Ahmedabad have unofficially declared Friends Garba as their go-to destination.
Venue: Vrundavan Party Plot, S.G. Highway, Ahmedabad, India 380060
Garba at GMDC Ground, Ahmedabad
Organized by Gujarat Tourism, a must-visit Garba Pandal at GMDC Ground is the testament of the joyous celebration of Durga Puja and Navratri in Gujarat. Ahmedabad throughout the Navratri hosts several Dandiya celebrations but if you are looking for a spectacular concert like feel head down to the GMDC ground. There are various small exhibitions of traditions and cultures of Gujarat within the premise. But the crown of the event lies in the grand stage set in the middle of the ground which is the epicenter of the celebrations. One of the best places to enjoy Dandiya, there are also numerous Dandiya competitions organized in the events that you can take part in. A kid-friendly Garba celebration, GMDC ground hosts various events and competitions specifically for kids. They also have a special designated zone for kids where they can play with toys and other kids attraction are also present.
Venue: GMDC Ground, Ahmedabad
Baal Raas: Adukiyo Dadukiyo, Ahmedabad
This Navratri, dance on the groovy Garba music with your little ones. The only Dandiya event in Gujarat meant for mother and her child, Baal Raas by Adukiyo Dadukiyo has gone onto become a major hit amongst the people of Gujarat. If you are looking for the best things to do during Navratri head down to the Baal Raas and enjoy some family time with your loved ones. The maximum age for the child is 16. Last year’s highlight was the Robotic Arti and this year promises to be another extravaganza. The entry tickets are priced around INR 800 for mother and child.
Venue: Opposite Silver Square Building, Near Mercury Farm.Thaltej Shilaj Road, Thaltej, Ahmedabad
Heritage Garba: The Festival of Gujarat, Ahmedabad
With their tagline, The Festival of Gujarat, the Heritage Garba festival has shown to be a haven for those seeking Garba venue in Gujarat. Famous for its light ambiance, groovy music, and a serene environment, Heritage Garba has attracted a lot of enthusiasts over the year. The entry ticket for the event cost around INR 300. You can book it from Bookymyshow or directly from their website.
Venue: Amiraj Farm, Near Kargil Petrol Pump, Sola Bridge, S. G. Highway, Ahmedabad
Navratri is a festival which brings joy and you shouldn’t miss out on having fun. So, follow the guide and enjoy this Navratri in style. Do tell us your experience in the comments section below. Also, if we have missed any famous Navratri venues, do let us know.
Published: 27 Sep, 2018
Born and brought up in the Lucknowi tehzeeb, Ashwini wishes to someday settle in a quaint little town in the Himalayas. If you do not find him daydreaming about his travel plans, you’ll find him exploring the vastness of Youtube and Netflix. A travel romantic and a cricket fanatic, he also wishes to try every cuisine ever made in this world.