Over 15,000 women don jewellery worth Rs 1,300 crore at Gujarat garba festival

Rajkot witnessed a spectacular display of cultural celebration as more than 15,000 women from the Ahir community gathered for the annual Ahir Garba Mahotsav, dressed in traditional garments and elaborate gold jewellery. According to festival organisers, the total weight of ornaments worn by participants exceeded 900 kilograms, with an estimated combined value surpassing Rs 1,300 crore.

The festival showcased the community's rich heritage through the traditional circular dance form of garba and rasa, performed in elaborate gold jewellery and vibrant traditional attire. The scale of ornament display reflected both the cultural significance of the festival and the community's participation in the celebrations.

A significant highlight of the event was the grand aarti dedicated to Lord Dwarkadheesh, the presiding deity, which was performed as part of the festivities. The religious ceremony underscored the spiritual dimension of the community gathering beyond its celebratory aspects.

The Ahir Garba Mahotsav has become an established annual event in Rajkot's cultural calendar, drawing participants from across the region. The festival continues to serve as a platform for preserving and promoting traditional Gujarati dance forms and community customs among younger generations.