Vadodara: After a dry spell over the past few days, many parts of Gujarat, including Vadodara city, received widespread rainfall on Thursday. Vadodara alone was lashed by nearly an inch of rain, bringing much-needed relief to residents.

However, with Navratri celebrations set to begin on September 22, the showers have raised concerns for Garba lovers, as several Garba grounds being prepared for the event were drenched. Known as the Garba capital of Gujarat, Vadodara hosts some of the most prominent events of the nine-day festival. Today, visuals emerged of waterlogged Garba venues, including the United Way Garba Ground and the Vibrant Navratri Garba Ground, leaving organisers and revellers worried.

While organisers remain hopeful that the grounds will dry up in time for the festivities, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain across most parts of Gujarat—except North Gujarat and Kutch—until September 25. If fresh showers lash Vadodara, Garba venues may once again be left muddy, dampening the festive spirit and posing challenges for thousands of ‘raas-garba’ enthusiasts eagerly waiting to take the floor. DeshGujarat