Vadodara: After initially canceling permission for the BITA Garba Mahotsav at Akota Stadium, the city civic body has reversed its decision and granted permission once again. The Municipal Commissioner’s move has brought relief and happiness among the organizers and participants.

The permission was revoked following an incident involving a BITA (Baroda IT Association) representative and a Vadodara Municipal Corporation employee. According to officials, a BITA member allegedly slapped a municipal employee while making a derogatory remark. The act sparked outrage among civic staff, who expressed strong displeasure over the humiliation of their colleague. Taking serious note of the incident, VMC Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu had ordered the immediate cancellation of BITA’s stadium allotment.

However, today the permission was restored. In an official statement, the VMC noted that Vadodara, known as a cultural and art city, has celebrated the nine-day Navratri festival for years with great devotion and vibrancy. Considering the citizens’ and participants’ enthusiasm for Garba, and respecting the sentiments of the city’s residents, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation decided to reinstate permission for the event.

With the approval reinstated, thousands of Garba dancers in the city can now look forward to celebrating Navratri with full zeal. DeshGujarat