VADODARA: He has been playing garba at United Way, one of the most popular venues in the city, for decades. But Nehal Sutariya swung to the tunes of garba in his neighbourhood for the first time this year as the government has banned commercial Navratri venues amid Covid-19 concerns. And Nehal said that the experience has been thrilling.
“I have always played garba at big venues with my group. I never thought that some day I would be playing sheri garba that usually has a limited crowd. But what fun it has been to play with friends, family and neighbours this year. There is also this feeling of community gathering as we all know each other,” Nehal, an advocate, said.
A resident of Sama-Savli Road, Nehal said that sheri garbas are hassle-free and also save a lot of time and energy.
Like Nehal, many Barodians are experiencing the joy of sheri garbas for the first time this year. “It’s not just pocket-friendly but also much more fun than playing in huge crowds,” said Nakul Chavda, M S University student.
The ban on big venues has led to a sudden increase in the number of people at sheri garbas and Navratri celebrations in residential colonies this year. While some have hired singing troupes to perform, others preferred to play on pre-recorded garbas on the music system. The city hosts some of the biggest sheri garbas near Mandvi, Nyay Mandir, Fatehgunj, Akota and Manjalpur.
“Sheri garbas has always been an identity of the cultural capital of Gujarat but many Barodians took to the big venues that offered better music and facilities,” said Bharti Naik, a professional.
“So, I have been swirling to the tunes of Sheri Garba and the enjoyment is unparalleled. Even if the big venues host Navratri from next year, I may play in here for some days,” she added.
Organisers of sheri garbas too are overwhelmed with the crowd this time.
“I never thought our venue would get so many revellers. After the big venues became popular, sheri garbas saw a thin crowd for many years. But after witnessing a large number of revellers at our venue, I recalled the old times when these garbas were the most happening place during Navratri,” said Minesh Shah of Mehta Pol sheri garba.
