Vadodara: On the first day of Navratri, Thursday, around 34,000 people gathered to play Garba at United Way of Baroda, one of the most famous Garba events in the state. However, these Garba lovers were left disappointed and troubled as the ground was a muddy swamp, causing significant difficulties for participants, many of whom saw their expensive costumes damaged.

Sludge and water inundated the pathway from parking to the Garba ground, forcing players to navigate through mud to reach the event. Even before dancing on the muddy ground, the Kheliya’s costumes and dresses got dirty as they walked from the parking area to the venue. Anger mounted among participants as they encountered flooded spectator stands and inadequate seating arrangements. In addition to the muddy conditions, players struggled to move freely on the saturated ground.

One Kheliya voiced concerns about the management of parking and traffic, stating, “The arrangements are unacceptable, especially considering the fees paid for passes. It seems United Way will only last as long as Atul Dada is involved; after that, it will fade away. Just look at this ground—it’s impossible to walk here, let alone dance during Garba. Our costumes are getting ruined, and we’re slipping in the mud due to poor management.”

વડોદરાના યુનાઇટેડ વે ગરબા ગ્રાઉન્ડ પર જવાનો મુખ્ય માર્ગ કાદવ કીચડ થી ભરેલો pic.twitter.com/Y12q0a4mjB

— Our Vadodara (@ourvadodara) October 3, 2024

Another Garba enthusiast said, “We arrived at the Garba ground at eight o’clock in the evening but couldn’t find parking, so we had to leave our vehicle on the road. Once we got to the ground, there was no proper management, and the mud made it impossible to enjoy the event. We request that an additional day of Garba be organized to compensate for the current deteriorating situation.”

Pritiben Patel, chairperson of United Way of Baroda, defended the preparations, stating, “Our team has worked diligently to set up the ground, and we’re proud to have welcomed around 34,000 players on the first day. Despite the adverse conditions, the enthusiasm for the event remains strong among participants.” DeshGujarat

 

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