In Gujarat’s garba capital, kids’ garba raises the bar!

Vadodara: It's that time of the year when the elders take a backseat and let kids have their share of fun. It's garba again and Vadodara has at least half a dozen grounds that provide space for the tender feet! Vadodara is the only city in Gujarat that has witnessed garbas catering to kids and teenagers. Adukiyo Dadukiyo garba was started in 2001 to provide space for kids aged 5 to 17 years.

"We ensured that even the singers and musicians are children," said Dr Dinesh Yadav of Adukiyo Dadukiyo Sarvajanik Trust. It was with the same motto that sisters Sonia Shah and Avani Patel started Shishu Sanskrutik Garba in 2000 with kids adding to the fun quotient. "Earlier, there was no safe place to play garba.

Also, most venues used to start garba after midnight, which would continue till early morning. That is when we decided to launch our kid-based garba," said Shah. This Navratri is the 24th year of Shishu Sanskrutik garba theme.

With tiny feet dancing to the ‘Hove Hove' beats, places like Alaiya Balaiya Sarvajanik Trust, Bal Gopal Garba Mahotsav, and Bal Garba have become popular. Organised by the Baroda Citizens Council, these are among a few interesting spots. Interestingly, these grounds have also turned into launchpads for budding singers.

"Our lead singer Rishabh Doshi has been with us since childhood," said Shah. "Our's have become a training ground for many young singers and musicians," said Yadav, adding that for the last three years, Vinod Bhavariya's group has been per.