Navratri 2026 Opens with Global Spotlight on Garba, Gujarat’s Heritage on Display

Ahmedabad witnessed the grand inauguration of the Vibrant Navratri Mahotsav 2026 on October 11, as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel cut the ceremonial ribbon at the GMDC ground. The ceremony was attended by ambassadors from six countries, senior state officials and local community leaders.

Patel lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forward‑looking cultural agenda that has propelled Garba onto the world stage, granting it a coveted international status. He connected this cultural milestone to the broader objectives of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which aims to place Gujarat’s business ecosystem in front of global investors.

During his address, the chief minister referenced a suite of development initiatives – from the Somnath Swabhiman Festival and the Statue of Unity visitor experience to the upcoming Ran Utsav, the Ambaji Corridor, and a historic flag‑hoisting event in Pawagarh that marks a five‑century milestone.

He also spotlighted the Kedarnath Dham and Kashi Vishwanath corridor projects, positioning them as strategic investments that reinforce cultural nationalism and boost pilgrimage tourism. Marking the 25th anniversary of Prime Minister Modi’s public service, Patel prayed for divine guidance and reaffirmed Gujarat’s role in achieving the “Developed India 2047” goal.

The event concluded with the launch of an exhibition featuring handcrafted items and cottage‑industry products made by women’s self‑help groups and Sakhi Mandals, a venture supported by the Gujarat LiveLivelihood Promotion Company.