VADODARA/AHMEDABAD: Forget crowded grounds, chaotic parking, long queues at food counters and the frantic hunt for a decent seat. This Navratri, traditional garba is getting a luxury makeover, with organisers offering revellers everything from valet parking and VVIP seating to butler service, personal photographers and even foot massages — at a premium ranging from Rs 14,000 a night to Rs 1.21 lakh for a VIP table.Several major garba organisers in Vadodara have rolled out premium packages for those seeking the traditional experience without the usual festival scramble. Depending on the package, guests can get special entry, reserved parking, food, VVIP seating and even access to aarti.At Laxmi Vilas Palace Heritage Garba, the premium package costs around Rs 10,620 per night on regular days and Rs 14,750 on weekends and the eighth night. It includes a player’s pass, aarti access, VVIP seating, special entry, reserved parking, food vouchers and a guest relationship executive.The organisers say the package has found takers particularly among visitors from outside Vadodara. “The premium package is useful for people coming from outside who may not know their way around the venue. Many come for just a day or two to experience traditional Garba. It is similar to the premium experience offered at large music events,” said Prachi Shah, member of the advisory committee of LVP Heritage Garba, organised by the royal Gaekwad family’s trust.Kanku Pagla, hosting garba for two nights, has gone a step further. Its premium offering includes valet parking, quick entry and specially designed photo spots. A VIP table for up to 10 people costs Rs 1.21 lakh and comes with player passes, butler service, a dedicated photographer and food. “These services are particularly popular with people coming from outside Gujarat and NRIs. The players and audiences want to enjoy garba without chaos and we are offering it,” said Nitin Nanavaty, one of the organisers of Kanku Pagla.Vadodara Vibrant Navratri (VVN), meanwhile, has introduced combo packages. Its Rs 25,000 elite package includes seats in the elite tower, food, VIP parking and four unisex player passes. A corporate package offers 15 player passes, audience passes and two VIP parking slots. “We also offer direct access to the food arena and special facilities to all the players,” a VVN spokesperson said.Ahmedabad’s luxury garba circuit is taking the premium experience further, with one event charging up to Rs 27,500 per person for an exclusive Gazebo package.Safed Parindey, billed as an ultra-luxurious garba experience, has priced regular passes at Rs 15,000 per person. Its top-end Rs 2.75 lakh Gazebo for 10 people works out to Rs 27,500 per person and includes home pick-up and drop, personal security, private dining with coffee, in-Gazebo foot massages and a goodie bag.The event follows an all-white luxury theme, with the Ahmedabad venue yet to be revealed. Organisers are also promising a flower-shower welcome, premium décor, photo and selfie zones and a spacious garba area.(With inputs from Niyati Parikh)
