Vadodara: The cultural capital of Gujarat and globally known “Garba capital” is battling persistent rainfall just a day before the start of Navratri, leaving grounds and parking areas at major Garba venues wet and muddy. With the nine-night festival—extended to ten nights this year—set to begin on Monday, uncertainty looms over whether the opening celebrations will go ahead smoothly.

Several Garba organizers have taken precautions, including covering entire grounds with large plastic sheets. Confident of hosting the event despite the downpour, the organizers of the Vadodara Navratri Festival said they had installed a well-planned rainwater drainage system. “Unless it rains during the Garba itself, festivities will proceed without disruption,” they assured.

However, conditions at the Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s flagship Ratri Before Navratri venue told a different story, with the grounds visibly drenched and muddy, raising doubts about its readiness. The VMC staffers worked hard to make ground ready by 3 am, but then there was a fresh round of rain. The VMC staffers said they would use sponge in attempt to soak water on the ground. The city’s premier Garba ground, United Way, along with other popular venues, also remains slightly waterlogged.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast more rainfall over the next three days, compounding concerns. In the past, moderate showers during the early days of Navratri have forced the cancellation of events, disappointing thousands of revelers.

For now, organizers remain optimistic, but the weather will ultimately decide whether Vadodara can uphold its reputation as the world’s Garba capital without interruption. DeshGujarat