Navratri 2025: Soaring Costs and Overcrowding Dampen Festive Spirit

As the Navratri festivities unfold in 2025, social media users have been voicing their frustrations over the rising costs and overcrowding that have impacted the traditional garba experience. Many festival-goers, including those returning from abroad, have expressed disappointment with the commercialization of these celebrations.

Attendees have reported that large commercial events have become increasingly expensive, with high ticket prices, parking fees, and overpriced food and beverages. A Reddit user who recently returned from studying abroad shared their experience, noting that passes for popular events can now cost thousands of rupees, while parking, bottled water, and snacks add significantly to the overall expense.

Beyond the financial burden, the celebrations have also become physically uncomfortable due to overcrowded venues and poorly designed entry and exit points. Some events, such as the Jigardan Gadhvi garba at Swarnim Nagri, have been described as packed beyond capacity, with crowds waiting outside to gain entry.

Many festival-goers are now longing for smaller, community-level or street celebrations where the entry is more affordable and the amenities are better managed. These smaller garbas are seen as offering better value, a more relaxed atmosphere, and an overall more enjoyable experience compared to the large, commercial events.

As the Navratri festivities continue, the call for a return to the traditional, community-driven celebrations has grown louder, with social media users expressing a desire for a more authentic and accessible garba experience.