The Last Minute Planner's Guide

Tired of running around for shopping or sorting passes and selecting private garba parties to attend just a couple of days ahead of Navratri? With two weeks to go still, mark your to-do list and ensure you have fun minus the crazy rush

- Anurita Rathore Jadeja

There's no doubt the city begins to brim with garba thrills long before Navratri even begins. And, this has been happening for years, through generations. However, considering we are barely two weeks away from the nine-night festival which only gets bigger each year, let's ensure we're prepared and the festivities are warm, memorable and immense fun.

Mark your calendar

Almost all of us know Navratri dates but make sure you know the days. Does it cover one or two weekends? Do the dates clash with any important office/home programme/wedding/outing? Are there any specific pujas or ceremonies you have to attend? If yes, make sure you don't overlook these and plan your activities and garba programmes around these.

Know your GP (Garba Purpose)

Personal goals aren't set only when contemplating a career move or when taking a life decision. The clearer you are on everything, including your Navratri objective, the smoother and more enjoyable the festival will be. What is it that you wish to do this Navratri? Is doing garba your focus or is it attending pujas? Would you like to be part of community programmes or is tagging with family/friends the agenda this year? Is witnessing garba at different city corners and localities primary interest, or is eating out post-raas garba with your favourite bunch of people, something you look forward to?

Shopping and wardrobe sifting