Ahmedabad: There was a time when Amdavadis only needed to plan their outfits and jewellery for the nine nights of Navratri revelry. The music, the crowd and the circle of friends set the rhythm for the rest of the night. But now, ticket timing has also become a crucial part of Navratri planning, with early-bird passes starting at Rs 1,000 and premium tickets going up to Rs 10,000.Moving beyond the traditional pass-based model, organisers are releasing tickets in phases, with early-bird discounted rates giving way to higher prices as Navratri approaches. Some seek to justify the premium by promising lounges, snacks, coffee and celebrity performers. But for those who want to dance all nine nights, the rising costs are prompting concerns about affordability and access.At Rang Morla Navratri, where singer Aditya Gadhvi is scheduled to perform, early-bird tickets were priced at Rs 1,000. The current price is Rs 1,700, while a premium VIP pass costs Rs 5,000 for the night.Organisers are also using season passes to encourage early bookings. Mandli Garba’s early-bird season pass was priced at Rs 11,000. At its current rate, the pass works out to Rs 1,800 per night.Premium pricing is increasingly being linked to what a ticket includes. Dholki Garba, a nine-night event, currently offers a premium pass at Rs 2,500. The pass includes lounge access, a water bottle, packaged snacks, a Starbucks coffee, coupons and other benefits.
With Navratri round the corner, Law Garden in Ahmedabad was chock-a-block with shoppers looking to find the perfect outfit and jewellery for nine nights of revelry Massive crowds gathered at Law Garden as shoppers flock to find the perfect chaniya choli ahead of Navratri.ahmedabad,Sunday,27,September,2026
Photo Yogesh Chawda
For khelaiyas, the shift has made planning Navratri more like planning a concert. Booking early can mean securing a lower price, while waiting could result in paying more for the same night.“Every event is marketed as a never-before experience, and I am sure each one has something different to offer. But ultimately, for khelaiyas, it is about dancing to good music and enjoying the evening,” said Nirjari Shah, a garba enthusiast.“A clean venue, crowd management, parking and basic facilities matter more than exclusivity,” Shah said.Premium passes at several major single-night events now start at around Rs 2,500. Prices can rise to Rs 5,000 and, in some cases, Rs 10,000 as demand builds. Organisers are packaging celebrity performers, lounges, food, beverages, VIP zones and hospitality into the ticket price.Tanya M, another garba enthusiast, said season passes were considerably more affordable when she was growing up in Vadodara.“Even today, a season pass there can cost around Rs 2,500 for nine days, which is affordable. I do not understand the concept of single-night events, whatever the luxury or exclusivity they offer,” she said.“Garba is about inclusivity and making merry with friends to the music. Why price it so high that it becomes inaccessible?” she added.Actor and art educator Krutik Dave said social media had fuelled demand for curated garba events.“Garba has become more about making money. Social media culture has created FOMO around curated events, and that is driving demand,” Dave said.“I have been a garba enthusiast for years. All I care about is a clean space, my friends and suitable music. Someone like me who enjoys dancing all nine nights cannot afford to pay Rs 2,500 per night. That would amount to Rs 22,500 for passes alone. Fuel, attire and food come later. I see no justification for such high pricing for curated events,” he said.
