Vadodara witnessed chaos on Sunday as thousands of garba enthusiasts rushed to collect passes for the popular United Way Garba (UWay), leaving several people injured in the melee.
Heavy rain ahead of Navratri had delayed the courier delivery of passes. Organisers then asked participants to collect them directly from Alkapuri Club, triggering a massive turnout.
Passes this year are priced at ₹5,500 for men for all nine days, with an additional ₹100 courier charge. However, many who had paid for delivery were still told to pick them up in person. The rush led to crowding, pushing, and shoving, causing minor injuries to some attendees.
Police had to intervene, halting distribution and dispersing the crowd, which further angered participants.
Organisers later assured that those yet to receive passes would be allowed entry by scanning their QR codes at the venue. However, many remained sceptical and demanded physical passes. Talks are on to resume distribution directly at the garba ground.