Residents of western India perform garba on flooded streets amid heavy rains
August 31, 2024
Amidst the ongoing flood-like situation in western India’s Gujarat, residents took to the waterlogged streets to perform Garba, showcasing their spirit even in adversity. A video capturing this unique moment has gone viral on social media.
The incident took place in Vadodara district and the video went viral on August 30.
Visuals showed a group of people energetically dancing Garba in knee-deep water. This heartening display of resilience and celebration comes even as the city grapples with a flood-like situation. Meanwhile, another group was seen preparing for the Dahi Handi festival, traditionally celebrated during Janmashtami. A man tied a pot on a rope decorated with colorful balloons while others joined in the festivities, dancing and celebrating in the waterlogged area.
As heavy rains continue to batter parts of Gujarat, particularly the Saurashtra-Kachchh region, Vadodara remains one of the hardest-hit cities, with streets submerged in water due to overflowing rivers. Despite these challenging conditions, the residents of Vadodara showcased their indomitable spirit by performing Garba, a traditional folk dance, on the flooded streets.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the situation may worsen as a deep depression in the Saurashtra-Kachchh region is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm and make landfall on Friday. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing in Vadodara and other affected regions.
While rainfall has subsided in some parts of Gujarat, providing much-needed relief, Vadodara and surrounding areas continue to face severe flooding. Authorities are urging residents to stay alert and follow safety advisories as they work to manage the crisis.