Participants at Kirtidan Gadhvi’s Garba event at Gopal Farm on Ahmedabad’s SP Ring Road have expressed anger after the collapse of the event’s AC dome forced organisers to change their plans. The dispute intensified after organisers announced that Garba would begin on the second day of Navratri in an open-air venue, with ticket prices reduced by half.
Many participants had purchased passes in advance, with some reportedly paying around ₹2,000 per day. After the shift to an outdoor venue, they demanded refunds for the difference in ticket prices. However, the organisers’ alleged refusal to refund the amount led to protests and a commotion at the venue.
Participants allege discrepancies in ticket prices
Tickets for the event were listed online at ₹999, ₹1,399 and ₹2,499. Since the event was advertised as an AC dome Garba, many participants had booked their passes in advance.The dome reportedly collapsed just two days before Navratri, preventing the event from being held on the first night. Organisers then announced that the programme would begin on Monday, the second day of the festival, at an outdoor venue and that ticket prices would be halved.
Participants who had already paid higher prices sought refunds, but some alleged that their requests were rejected. Organisers reportedly assured some participants that refunds would be processed to calm the situation. Participants also claimed that the original prices continued to appear on the online booking platform, raising further questions over ticket pricing.
Overcrowding at Garba venues raises safety concerns
Separately, concerns have emerged over alleged overcrowding at several Garba venues during Navratri. Some organisers have reportedly sold more tickets than the approved capacity of their grounds, leaving participants unable to enter or play Garba comfortably.Rules governing crowd capacity are intended to prevent overcrowding and reduce the risk of stampedes and other accidents.
However, reports of commotion at around seven to eight venues have raised questions about whether these limits were followed.The incidents have highlighted the need for transparent ticket pricing, clear refund policies and strict enforcement of crowd-management and safety rules at Garba events.