Navratri 2025 | From pandals to protection: How insurance is becoming key to Garba events

Navratri festivities in Gujarat are not just about dance, music, and devotion anymore—they now come with a layer of financial protection. Organisers of large-scale Garba events are turning to insurance policies worth crores to safeguard against unforeseen risks during the nine-day celebrations.

In major cities, thousands of people gather under a single pandal for 4–5 hours every evening to play Garba, dine, and spend time with their families.

Given the scale, organisers have started taking comprehensive insurance covers, according to CNBC Awaaz report.

Jagdish Patel, President of Rajpath Club, told CNBC Awaaz, “This year, we have taken an insurance cover of ₹7.50 crore.”

Similarly, Ketan Desai, Founder of Astha Marketing, said, “For the last 16 years, I have been taking insurance for my events and Garba functions.”

According to industry estimates shared in the CNBC Awaaz report, Garba organisers across Gujarat have collectively taken insurance worth ₹150–200 crore this year.

The idea is to ensure that in case of any mishap, compensation can be provided to those affected.

Even participants now look for insured venues while choosing where to play Garba. Ravina, a participant, told CNBC Awaaz, “We also prefer to play in pandals where insurance cover has been taken.”

While accidents may not occur every year, organisers believe the presence of an insurance safety net allows them to host large gatherings with greater confidence.

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