Udaipur: The Gujarat government today announced that Gujarat Tourism Corporation will host a “Vibrant Gujarat Pre-Navratri Festival 2025” in Udaipur to bring the famous Gujarati folk dance, Garba—recognized by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”—to the residents of the lake city. For the first time, the event will be held on September 14, 2025, at 7:30 pm at the Field Club, Udaipur.

The event will feature live performances by renowned singer Parthiv Gohil, along with folk dances such as Talwar Ras, Gop Goonthan, and Maniyaro Ras. The festival will be attended by Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, Union Cabinet Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Gujarat Tourism Minister Mulubhai Berani.

Additionally, for the first time, a special post-Navratri Garba festival will be organized on the night of Sharad Purnima for residents of Delhi, as stated by Gujarat Tourism, Gandhinagar.

As part of the festival preparations, free Garba workshops will be conducted from September 8 to 13 at the JCA Dance & Sports Fitness Hub, Udaipur. These sessions aim to help locals and visitors connect with the rhythm, beats, and spirit of Gujarati Garba. The workshops will run from 10 am to 1 pm and 7 pm to 11 pm. A helpline number +91 63581 44611 has also been issued for public inquiries.

A spokesperson from Gujarat Tourism extended a public invitation to all citizens, stating that the workshops and main program are designed to immerse participants in the rhythm and emotion of Garba. The festival will serve as a cultural bridge between Gujarat and Rajasthan.

It is noteworthy that during the festival, traditional attire will be mandatory for both experienced dancers and first-time participants. Entry will be free for all visitors, and attractive voucher prizes worth up to ₹5,000 will be awarded for the best traditional attire, best Garba performance, and best performers.

Moreover, the festival will not be limited to dance and music alone; it will also offer participants a taste of Gujarat’s rich handicrafts and traditional cuisine, providing a holistic cultural experience. DeshGujarat