With the YMCA–Karnavati Club stretch on SG Road shut for six months due to the Prahladnagar flyover work, the area has turned into a nightmare for commuters and event organisers. Heavy traffic, sky-high rentals, and no space for parking have forced wedding planners to cancel bookings and pushed garba organisers to look elsewhere.
New garba hotspots emerge
This Navratri, the city’s favourite garba venues are shifting to Shilaj-Thol Road (including Rancharda), Ognaj, Khodiyar, Bhadaj, Santej, Zundal, and along the Vaishnodevi–Gandhinagar highway. These locations, once considered offbeat, are now in demand for one big reason: ample parking.
“Shilaj-Thol Road has become the new premium garba hub,” said Keyur Patel, MD of Prasang Event Organiser and host of Anant Experience Garba.”The facilities are far better than SG Road, with three to four times more parking, and costs are often lower too.”
Sagar Vadher from Common Event Planning Team, which hosts Mandli Garba, added: “We deliberately chose a venue away from SG Road and SP Ring Road so that we get bigger parking space and can play garba till late night in true mandli style.”
Costs rise, but convenience wins
For some, the move hasn’t been cheaper. “Our venue near Ognaj costs 30–40% more than before, but since our aim isn’t profit-making, we’re fine with it,” said Esha Shah, co-founder of Foodaholics.
Experts point out that hosting a premium garba on SG Road costs ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore a night. On the Shilaj-Thol stretch, the cost is nearly the same or slightly less—but with far better facilities.Average garbas still cost around ₹25 lakh per night.
Clubs scale down celebrations
Top city clubs are also cutting back. Rajpath Club will hold garba only for members on three nights.”Traffic and parking problems are too big, so we aren’t renting out space this year,” said Senior VP Dr Vikram Shah.
At YMCA, uncertainty continues.CEO Shyam Mehta said: “Some weddings have already been cancelled, and garba organisers are rethinking their plans. Talks are on, but many are waiting and watching.”