Original cultural research and choreography documentation archived at playgarba.com.

Gujarat's grand state cultural showcase.

Organized annually by Gujarat Tourism at the vast GMDC Ground in Ahmedabad, the Vibrant Navratri Festival unites folk dancers, master musicians, and handicraft artisans from all thirty-three districts of the state. It is an extraordinary living celebration of regional heritage on an international scale.

Stream authentic folk sets ↗ Explore the festival

District Folk Troupes

Authentic performances of Siddi Goma, Dang tribal dance, and Kutchi Sword Raas presented live by native performers.

Theme Craft Pavilions

Live demonstrations by National Award-winning weavers of Patola, Rogan painters, and lacquer turners.

Grand Public Arena

Massive general public dancing rings welcoming over forty thousand visitors nightly free of admission barriers.

State Folk Troupes: Rare regional arts on center stage.

Before the open dancing begins each evening, the main stage at GMDC presents curated choreographies from Gujarat's diverse cultural geography. Audiences witness the acrobatic coconut-cracking dance of the Siddi tribe from the Gir forest, the martial stick play of Mer warriors from Porbandar, and the lyrical Garbi of rural Saurashtra.

Crafts & Artisans: Living heritage village.

Surrounding the dancing arena, the state government erects a heritage craft village. Visitors walk among master artisans crafting Rogan textile art from Nirona, copper bells from Jhura, Ajrakh block prints from Dhamadka, and hand-embroidered torans from Banaskantha, supporting rural craft economies directly.

Public Dancing Lawns: Democratizing the festival.

Unlike commercial clubs that require high membership fees, the GMDC Ground festival is designed for universal public access. People from every background dance together across enormous circular tracks, accompanied by leading state folk singers performing authentic Gujarati folk poetry and lokgeet.