Navratri 2025: Pune, the cultural hub of Maharashtra, is renowned for its rich heritage and thriving educational ecosystem. Every festival is celebrated here with immense gusto — and Navratri is no exception. The city lights up with vibrant Garba and Dandiya nights, attracting large crowds of students, working professionals, and families. However, these festive gatherings also bring to light a growing concern: women’s safety at such high-footfall events.

With a significant portion of Pune’s young population comprising students and newcomers who’ve relocated for education or jobs, the need for better event management becomes even more pressing. While the number of Garba and Dandiya events has surged, featuring ticketed entries, themed venues, and even celebrity DJs, attendees often cite poor crowd control and lack of security as issues that overshadow the festive cheer.

Numerous participants contend that it is the duty of the organizers to foresee large crowds and make appropriate arrangements. Sejal Patil, who attended an event at Bibwewadi, shared with the Indian Express that her experience this time was improved compared to the previous year, primarily because she was accompanied by her male friends.

However, she noted that the management remained poor, with overcrowding issues, people nearly piling on top of each other, and a lack of bouncers inside. There was significant chaos, and she believed the management could have been significantly better. Others expressed similar worries. There was a lack of crowd control. Only about five security staff were assigned to manage nearly 500 attendees. Many people had to leave halfway due to the overcrowding.

As garba becomes an integral part of Pune's festive scene, the disparity between its increasing popularity and the standard of its management is apparent. Although the festivities add vibrancy and excitement to the city, participants emphasize the need for safety and organization to keep pace with the rising interest.

Male participants also mention that they feel responsible for ensuring safety. In discussions with the Indian Express, Anshul Desai, who attended an event at Koregaon Park, stated, "I always go with my female friends. Although the events we attend are secure, I've heard of numerous places where disorder occurred. Therefore, every season, accompanying them and ensuring their safety is a priority."