Gujarat police warn against Garba partner for hire: ‘Forehead kiss for ₹2,000, basic dance steps for ₹1,000’ | Today’s news
Renting a partner can be a popular concept to overcome loneliness in East Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. Obviously, this is not the best option for India. Earlier, the concept of ‘rent a friend’ went viral in Delhi. Now a viral idea has reached Gujarat ahead of Navratri 2026.
Gujarat Police Responds to Partner Garba’s Viral Ad
On Monday, the Gujarat Police issued a warning against “hire Garba partner” ads and posts online, especially on Instagram. The contributions arrived ahead of Navratri 2026, which falls in October this year.
In one such post, Garba partners were advertised for hire in various categories, notably silver, gold and platinum. Each provides different hours and services in “packages” that start at ₹1000 and go up ₹2000.
Hiring a Garba Partner: What is it?
For ₹1,000, the silver package includes two hours in garba, matching outfits, basic dance steps and “awkward but cute selfies”. For ₹1,500 gold package offers four hours in garba along with a ‘cute story’, matching outfits, reels and photos for Instagram and an optional ‘call your friends bhai and bhabhi’ service. Platinum Package on ₹2,000, comes with all-day garba, best dance moves, ‘kiss your forehead after garba’, ‘we’ll help you with your dupatta and jhumka’ and ‘get you home safely or to the after party’.
Cybercrime warns of fraud
Responding to the services, Lavina Sinha, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime Branch), said in a video: “We are currently investigating rent-a-partner posts on social media. We are verifying that there is no fraudulent or malicious intent in these posts.”
“But regardless, everyone needs to be wary of payment links or photo attachments that might contain links to scams that could hack messaging apps or bank accounts. If anyone knows about such scams, they should contact the nearest police station,” Sinha added.
Garba is a traditional devotional dance from Gujarat. It is deeply celebrated and performed during the nine nights of the Navratri festival.
Chaitra Navratri 2026
This year, Chaitra Navratri 2026 will begin on Sunday, October 11, with the worship of Maa Shailputri on Day 1, with orange as the color of the day. Day 2 on Monday 12 October will be dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, with the color white. She is followed by Maa Chandraghanta on Tuesday, October 13 with red. On Wednesday, October 14, devotees will worship Maa Kushmanda wearing royal blue. Thursday 15th October will mark Maa Skandamata day with yellow colour. Day 6 on Friday. October 16 will be dedicated to Maa Katyayani with green color followed by Maa Kalaratri on Saturday October 17 with gray color. Durga Ashtami on Sunday 18th October will be dedicated to Maa Mahagauri with purple color while Maha Navami on Monday 19th October will be observed in honor of Maa Siddhidatri with peacock green colour. The festival will conclude on Vijayadashami or Dussehra on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
