‘Rent a Garba Partner’ Controversy: Viral Ads, Police Warning and Locals’ Demand

Social media posts advertising "Rent A Garba Partner" services for fixed fees have gone viral across Gujarat ahead of Navratri 2026, prompting a caution from the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Cell against potential online fraud and drawing criticism from local groups who say the trend commercialises a religious festival.

The advertisements, circulating mainly on Instagram and other platforms in Ahmedabad, Surat and beyond, list tiered packages. The Silver option is priced at INR 1,000 for two hours of garba companionship, typically including matching outfits, basic dance lessons and selfies. The Gold package costs INR 1,500 for four hours and often promises Instagram reels, photographs and a fabricated "backstory" of how the pair met. The Platinum package, at INR 2,000, claims to cover an entire night, with additional offers such as help with attire, public gestures and a safe drop-home in some versions. A few posts list higher rates or extra add-ons. Should Muslims Be Banned From Navratri Garba Events? Amruta Fadnavis Responds After VHP’s Ban Call (Video).

Police Issue Fraud Warning

Speaking to Sandesh, Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Cell ACP Hardik Mandakia said the unit has been monitoring the posts for five to six days. Initial posts appeared on a limited number of accounts, often shared by the users themselves to gain reach. Similar content later spread across multiple profiles, including material that appeared artificially generated.

Police have urged people not to transfer money to unknown or unverified accounts based solely on these advertisements. Officials warned that doing so could result in financial loss. Anyone who has already sent payment is advised to contact the cyber police for assistance. Netizens are also being asked to verify the identity of anyone offering such services before sharing personal details or making online payments.

In Surat, police have confirmed the posts are under scrutiny and said action would be taken if anything suspicious is found.

'Rent A Garba Partner' Posts Spark Fraud Warning in Ahmedabad

ગરબા માટે ભાડે પાર્ટનરની પોસ્ટ વાયરલ#Garba #GarbaPartner #RentAPartner #Navratri #GarbaNight #ViralPost #SocialMediaTrend #GujaratNews pic.twitter.com/k3OcNjGwvx

— Sandesh (@sandeshnews) September 20, 2026

Are the 'Rent A Garba Partner' Ads Genuine?

The trend appears to have begun around mid-September with a satirical Instagram post by a user named Krish Mistry offering the three packages under the slogan "This Navratri, don’t dance alone". The original post was later described by the account holder as intended for entertainment and engagement rather than a genuine service. It was removed after receiving widespread attention.

Subsequent posts by other accounts, some from Ahmedabad, Surat and Mumbai, have followed a similar format. Investigations by media outlets found that several page administrators described their content as memes or jokes designed to boost followers and reach, with no actual partners available for hire. Cyber officials continue to monitor relevant Instagram accounts.

Local Groups Demand Probe

The posts have drawn strong reactions from activist groups. Surat Bajrang Dal activist Pratap Rajpurohit said the festival is meant for worship of the Goddess, devotion and traditional garba, not for seeking partners in this manner. He described the content as reflecting a low mentality and called it a form of fraud, urging people to stay away.

Gujarat Bajrang Dal regional co-convenor Jwalit Mehta has called for the people behind the posts to be identified and their intentions investigated. He noted that people traditionally attend garba with families, friends and relatives, and argued there is no need for a rented partner during a festival dedicated to Maa Shakti. Falguni Pathak Under Fire As Navratri Utsav 2026 Tickets Touch INR 2.04 Lakh; Netizens Ask ‘EMI Available?’.

Navratri 2026

Navratri, expected to begin in mid-October, is one of Gujarat’s major festivals, marked by large-scale community garba events at societies, party plots and public venues. Social media activity around event planning, outfits and meet-ups typically rises in the weeks leading up to it.

Authorities have not reported confirmed cases of money lost to these specific posts so far, but the combination of viral marketing, unverified profiles and festive demand has kept the matter under active watch.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 21, 2026 11:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).