New Delhi, September 28, 2025

The twirl of vibrant skirts, the rhythmic clash of sticks, the hypnotic beats of dhol—Garba and Dandiya nights were once a soulful tribute to Durga Maa. Today, some of these celebrations resemble crowded nightclubs more than sacred Navratri rituals.Observers warn that this shift dilutes the cultural significance of Garba and Dandiya and risks sending the wrong message to younger generations, who may begin to see the festival purely as entertainment rather than devotion.

Traditionally, Navratri dances were a celebration of devotion, community, and cultural pride. Families and friends gathered to honor the goddess with joy and discipline. But modern iterations of these events are increasingly dominated by loud music, suggestive dance moves, and alcohol consumption and smoking  —transforming what was once spiritual into pure spectacle.

“The heart of Navratri is devotion and collective celebration,” says cultural historian Dr. Meera Shah. “When people treat Garba as just another party, it erodes centuries of tradition and misrepresents our cultural heritage. These dances are rituals, not just entertainment.”

Overcrowding has added another layer of concern. Many venues, packed to the brim, are ill-equipped to handle the crowds. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and fainting have been reported, especially among the elderly and children. Attendees complain of blocked exits, insufficient seating, and chaos that overshadows the festival’s joy.

One participant at a recent Vadodara Garba, speaking anonymously, described the scene: “It’s fun, but overwhelming. People are pushing, there’s barely any airflow, and it feels more like a concert than a traditional celebration. I worry about my younger cousins attending such spaces.”

Organizers, however, see high turnout as a testament to the festival’s popularity. Rajesh Patel, who runs a major Dandiya night in Ahmedabad, said, “Navratri is huge, and naturally, people want to attend. We do our best to ensure safety, but managing thousands in a closed space is challenging.”

Still, critics argue the festival is veering into excess. Cultural groups are calling for stricter regulations—banning alcohol and smoking , improving ventilation, and enforcing crowd safety—to protect both tradition and participants.

“Enjoy the festivities, yes—but remember why they exist,” Dr. Shah warns. “Garba and Dandiya should foster devotion, community, and cultural pride, not reckless partying.”

As Navratri approaches, the question looms large: Can these modernized celebrations balance cultural respect with social enjoyment, or has the sacred rhythm of the festival been drowned out by the beat of modern entertainment? For those who care, the answer lies in conscious celebration—honoring tradition while making memories that truly reflect the spirit of Durga Maa.