Gujarat Police warns against Garba partner for rent: ‘Forehead kiss for 2,000, basic dance steps for 1,000’

The Gujarat police have issued a public warning about a growing trend of “rent‑a‑Garba partner” advertisements that have appeared on social media platforms in the weeks leading up to the Navratri festivities. The notices, which were circulated on official channels and local news outlets on 18 September, caution citizens that the offers are illegal, exploitative and potentially linked to organised crime networks that have been known to operate in the state’s entertainment and hospitality sectors.According to a statement released by the Gujarat Crime Branch, the advertisements typically present a tiered pricing structure for what the promoters describe as “companionship services” during the nine‑night dance festival. The lowest‑cost package, advertised as a “basic dance lesson”, is priced at ₹1,000 and promises to teach a partner a few elementary Garba steps..

A higher‑priced option, listed at ₹2,000, claims to include a “forehead kiss” in addition to the dance instruction. The adverts are often accompanied by glossy photographs of young women in traditional chaniya cholis, and they use hashtags such as #NavratriBuddy, #GarbaPartner and #FestivalFun to attract potential clients.Police officials say the schemes are a clear violation of several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including provisions against the procurement of women for sexual purposes and the use of false pretences to obtain money. They also note that the advertisements may breach the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, as some of the individuals featured appear to be minors or are presented in a manner that could be construed as sexualised..

The Gujarat State Women’s Commission has been asked to monitor the situation and to provide support to any victims who may come forward.The crackdown follows a series of investigations launched earlier this year after a spike in complaints from families who reported that their daughters had been approached by strangers offering “Garba partnership” services for a fee. In many cases, the young women were coaxed into meeting the clients in private venues under the pretext of rehearsing dance routines, only to be subjected to harassment or extortion. A senior officer from the Crime Branch, who asked to remain unnamed, said that the modus operandi often involves a “front‑line” of seemingly legitimate dance instructors who later hand over the client to a separate group that handles the more illicit aspects of the arrangement.Legal experts note that the phenomenon reflects a broader pattern of commodification of cultural events in India, where festivals such as Navratri, Diwali and Holi are increasingly being used as backdrops for commercial exploitation..

Professor Anjali Mehta of Gujarat University’s Department of Sociology explained that while the market for dance teachers and professional performers is legitimate, the blurring of lines between cultural instruction and sexualised services creates a gray area that can be easily abused. “When the language of ‘packages’ and ‘pricing’ is introduced into a traditional communal activity, it invites a transactional mindset that undermines the very spirit of the celebration,” she said.In response to the police warning, several community organisations and cultural groups have called for stricter regulation of online advertisements related to festival activities. The Navratri Federation of Ahmedabad, a coalition of local dance schools and event promoters, issued a statement urging social media platforms to remove the offending posts and to cooperate with law‑enforcement agencies in tracing the originators..

The federation also announced that it would launch a series of free, public Garba workshops across the city, aiming to provide safe, affordable alternatives for those seeking dance instruction during the nine‑day period.Social media companies have so far been slow to act, with some users reporting that the advertisements continue to appear in their feeds despite multiple reports. A spokesperson for one of the major platforms, when contacted on 20 September, said that the company “takes reports of illegal content very seriously” and that “content removal is subject to internal review processes which may take some time.” The spokesperson added that the platform is working with Indian law‑enforcement agencies to identify and block accounts that repeatedly breach community guidelines.The police have also urged citizens to be vigilant and to report any suspicious postings or offers. A dedicated helpline, 1800‑120‑3456, has been set up to receive complaints, and officers have promised swift action against anyone found to be facilitating or promoting the “rent‑a‑Garba partner” services..

In addition, the Crime Branch has announced that it will conduct random checks at popular Garba venues and dance schools in major cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat to ensure that no illegal activities are being conducted under the guise of legitimate instruction.While the warning has generated considerable media attention, some observers caution that focusing solely on the sensational aspects of the story could distract from deeper systemic issues. Human rights advocate Ramesh Patel argues that the problem is symptomatic of gender‑based exploitation that thrives in environments where traditional norms intersect with modern technology. “The internet provides anonymity and reach, which can be weaponised by those looking to profit from women’s bodies and cultural practices,” he said..

“A comprehensive response must therefore include education, empowerment and stricter enforcement of existing laws, not just a reactive police alert.”As Navratri draws near, the atmosphere across Gujarat is already humming with preparation for the traditional dances, music and communal gatherings that define the festival. Local authorities hope that the heightened awareness and coordinated efforts between police, community groups and online platforms will curtail the spread of exploitative advertisements, allowing the celebrations to proceed without the shadow of illegal profiteering. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding public order and protecting women’s dignity during the festive season, reminding citizens that cultural heritage should be enjoyed responsibly and respectfully..