Navratri 2026: Delegates from 30 nations join Garba at Vadodara's Laxmi Vilas Palace
Synopsis
On the first night of Navratri 2026, Vadodara's royal Laxmi Vilas Palace became an unlikely stage for soft-power diplomacy — 160 delegates from 30 nations danced Garba, watched wrestling and kho-kho, and left calling it among the happiest experiences of their lives. It is a reminder that India's intangible cultural heritage, recognised by UNESCO in 2023, is increasingly a foreign-policy asset.
Key Takeaways
160 delegates from 30 countries attended a Garba festival at Laxmi Vilas Palace , Vadodara , on 12 October 2026 — the first day of Navratri.
Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad , MP Dr Hemang Joshi , and Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu were present at the event.
Delegates described the experience as unlike anything seen elsewhere, with one visitor calling it 'one of the happiest days of my life.' The delegation also visited Shri Jummadada Vyayam Mandir to witness traditional Indian sports including wrestling and kho-kho .
One delegate called for Indian traditional sports to be represented at the Olympics , citing the country's population and the games' heritage.
A total of 160 delegates from 30 countries, including ambassadors, gathered at the historic Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara on 12 October 2026 — the first day of Navratri — to participate in a grand Garba festival celebrating India's cultural heritage. The event marked a rare convergence of global diplomacy and traditional festivity at one of India's most iconic royal residences.
A Royal Welcome for the World
Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad, MP Dr Hemang Joshi, and Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu were present to receive the international delegation. Speaking about the occasion, Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad said the delegates experienced the festival wholeheartedly. 'The delegates from so many countries came and took part in the Garba festival. They are taking back a glimpse of our culture with them; they are taking back rich memories of the festival,' she said.
She added that for many attendees, it was a first — witnessing hundreds of people dancing together in a spirit of collective joy and colour.
How Delegates Responded
The reaction from international visitors was one of visible delight. One delegate described it as 'a fantastic opportunity to see lots of people get together, dance and have fun,' adding that 'you do not see something like this in any other part of the world.'
Another delegate, identified as Nick, said, 'I have never experienced such good vibes. Happy people, all colourful; it's one of the happiest days of my life.' A third delegate noted having seen Garba before, but never 'on such a grand scale.'
Traditional Sports Heritage on Display
Beyond the Garba celebrations, the delegation also visited the historic Shri Jummadada Vyayam Mandir in Vadodara, where they witnessed traditional Indian sports including wrestling and kho-kho. The showcase left a strong impression on the visitors.
One delegate remarked, 'Considering the population of India, I think the Indian sports should be represented in the Olympics and I'm very delighted I had the chance to learn about them and to see them tonight.' The delegate further added that the effort of the young athletes was 'really commanding' and expressed a wish to see these games earn a place in the international Olympic arena.
Significance of the Event
The Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1890 and still the residence of the Gaekwad royal family, provided a uniquely historic backdrop for the cultural exchange. Vadodara, known as the cultural capital of Gujarat, regularly draws attention during Navratri for its large-scale Garba celebrations — but hosting delegates from 30 nations simultaneously elevates the event to a platform of soft-power diplomacy. This comes amid growing global interest in India's intangible cultural heritage, underscored by UNESCO's recognition of Garba as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023.
As the nine-day Navratri festival continues, events such as this are likely to further spotlight Vadodara's unique position as a bridge between India's royal past and its contemporary cultural outreach.
Point of View
Wrestling, kho-kho — is now being used to make foreign-policy arguments about Olympic inclusion and global cultural respect. Whether these moments translate into sustained international engagement or remain one-off spectacles will determine their real diplomatic value.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Laxmi Vilas Palace on Navratri 2026?
On 12 October 2026, the first day of Navratri, 160 delegates from 30 countries gathered at the historic Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara to participate in a Garba festival. The event was hosted with Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad, MP Dr Hemang Joshi, and Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu in attendance.
Which countries sent delegates to the Vadodara Garba event?
Delegates from nearly 30 countries, including ambassadors, attended the Navratri Garba festival at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara. The specific nations were not individually listed in available reports.
What did international delegates say about the Garba festival?
Delegates reacted with enthusiasm, with one describing it as a 'fantastic opportunity' unlike anything seen elsewhere in the world. Another visitor, identified as Nick, called it 'one of the happiest days of my life,' citing the colourful atmosphere and joyful spirit of the celebration.
What traditional sports did the delegates witness in Vadodara?
The delegation visited Shri Jummadada Vyayam Mandir in Vadodara, where they watched traditional Indian sports including wrestling and kho-kho. At least one delegate called for these sports to be included in the Olympic Games, citing India's population and the games' heritage value.
Why is Vadodara significant for Navratri celebrations?
Vadodara, regarded as the cultural capital of Gujarat, is known for its large-scale and historically rooted Navratri celebrations. The Laxmi Vilas Palace — built in 1890 and still the residence of the Gaekwad royal family — provides a unique royal setting. UNESCO recognised Garba as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023, adding international significance to events held here.
