Attack dampens garba festival spirit

Navratri would no more be the same in Sanskari Nagri Baroda this time. Uncertainties are looming large over the garba organisers in the city as they find that financiers are now hesitant about investing money in garba following communal disturbances during Ganesh visarjan in Baroda and the terrorist attack on Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar.

Just when the situation was returning to normalcy and Navratri mood was capturing the city, the two incidents have shaken organisers who were planning for the Navratri mahotsav in a big way. Also the big question about the timing of the garba has proved instrumental for organisers as Baroda police is contemplating on keeping the deadline at 10 pm.

When contacted, different organisers admitted that apart from the fear psychosis among people, financiers too have started backtracking because of the recent communal disturbances. Add to that, singers and decorators have slashed down their rates owing to the recent disturbances.

Yogesh Akolkar of Maa Shakti Garba Mahotsav admitted that after Akshardham tragedy, most financiers have started doubting success of the nine-day-long event. He said, "Financiers are putting conditions. Some even say that if the event gets cancelled they would not give back the money. Add to that the police commissioner has come up with an idea of closing down the garba at 10 pm which is ridiculous."

He added, "I would rather say that the successful organisation would build confidence and bridge the gap between the two communities."

Similarly, Dinesh Yadav who is organising garba for children in Karelibaug area said, "The communal disturbances during Ganehsh visarjan and Akshardham attack have affected the psyche of the participants at large Decorators, music system people, singers and orchestra -everyone has slashed prices to half."

Even the hardcore garba enthusiasts especially girls, said they don’t feel so secure during navratri this year. Akruti Joshi, a MSU commerce student said, "Communal riots have taken its toll on one of the best cultural event in Gujarat. But sadly, it would not be the same anymore. Being a girl I am wary about moving out in the city till late night this year."

Nairuti Patel, another garba enthusiast working with a private company too said, "I was planning to take part. But after the riots during Ganesh visarjan, I have dropped the plan since it would not be safe for girls this year."

Republished from The Asian Age