Gandhinagar: In good news for Garba enthusiasts, the Gujarat government has decided not to enforce the time limit for Garba events during Navratri until a specific complaint for the specific venue is received by the Police.

The time limit for Garba events is set at midnight, after which in many places, police would go and enforce the closure of Garba events. However now, the Police will intervene and enforce the winding up of the event only in case someone approaches the police and makes a complain about it.

It is learned that the Minister of State for Home, in a directive issued to all district police chiefs today, stated that there would no longer be any imposition of time restrictions on Garba and Dandiya Raas during Navratri. As a result, the police will no longer suo motu interrupt the festivities by halting the Garba celebrations after midnight.

This government decision reinstates the traditional timing of Navratri celebrations. In the past, the lively sounds of Garba would continue well into the early hours, with both men and women reveling in vibrant Garba in their communities. Over time, Garba timings were regulated for security reasons, imposing a curfew that ended the festivities at midnight. However, the government has now relaxed these regulations. The Minister of State for Home issued this notification to ensure that the people of Gujarat can fully enjoy Navratri without constraints. All police officers have been instructed not to intervene after midnight to halt the Garba celebrations.

This decision, on the third day of Navratri, allows participants to enjoy Garba without any time restrictions until Dussehra. It’s worth noting that in spite of the midnight time-limit at most of the places, Garba events continue post 1.30 a.m. on public demand. In fact as per Ayurvedic tradition, Ratriyacharya (being outside through night) is advised during Navratri period.

In related developments, the government has also instructed the police not to harass street vendors during the festive season. The Home Minister has notified the police department that inhumane treatment should not be inflicted on street vendors as they strive to make a living during the festive seasons of Navratri and Diwali. DeshGujarat