The historic Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat, hosted a grand celebration of traditional Garba on Oct 11, bringing together diplomats from more than 30 countries.
Led by Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad and Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, the LVP Heritage Garba 2026 showcased Gujarat’s cultural heritage and traditions.
Organised in association with Sopaan India’s Aikyam 2026 initiative, the event saw international delegates dressed in traditional Gujarati attire joining thousands of participants in Garba dances.
The celebrations centred on a 400-year-old banyan tree, described by the Maharani as a “living temple”, with bamboo decorations creating a rustic atmosphere.
Unlike commercial Garba events, the palace celebration featured traditional folk music and devotional compositions without DJs or Bollywood remixes.
The Maharani also highlighted the Padmanarayani textile collection, handcrafted by women artisans at Shri Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya, promoting traditional craftsmanship and women’s financial independence.
