Ahmedabad/Mumbai, September 27, 2025 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for heavy rainfall across Gujarat and Mumbai, casting a shadow over the joyous Navratri Garba celebrations that kicked off this week. From September 27 to 29, torrential downpours are forecast, driven by a lingering low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and the retreating southwest monsoon, potentially disrupting outdoor dandiya events in these cultural hotspots.
In Mumbai and Thane, an orange alert signals heavy showers through Monday, with Raigad under a red alert for extremely heavy rain on Sunday. Neighboring Pune faces moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms from September 28-29, where daytime temperatures will hover between 26-28°C and humidity at 75-85%. In Gujarat, a yellow alert covers districts including Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Valsad until September 28, with light to moderate rain and gusty winds up to 40 kmph expected to persist. “The southwest monsoon is not expected to withdraw from the state before October 5,” the Maharashtra government’s Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) posted on X, underscoring the prolonged wet spell.
Organizers of Garba events express mixed sentiments. “We’ve prepared backup indoor venues, but the energy of outdoor Garba under the stars is irreplaceable,” said Rajesh Patel, a community leader in Ahmedabad, where thousands gather nightly for traditional dances honoring Goddess Durga. Data from IMD indicates isolated spots could see 64.5-115.5 mm of rain in 24 hours, raising flood risks in low-lying areas. Last year’s monsoon disruptions forced similar adaptations, with attendance dropping by up to 30% in affected regions, per local reports.
While the alerts pose logistical challenges, safety remains paramount. Authorities advise avoiding waterlogged roads, monitoring local updates, and prioritizing health amid high humidity. Navratri’s nine-night fervor, symbolizing triumph over adversity, suggests the rains may test but not temper the spirit. Communities are pivoting to resilient celebrations, ensuring the rhythmic claps of dandiya echo on, rain or shine.
