10 die of heart attacks during Navratri “Garba” dance in Gujarat, India

In the western Indian state of Gujarat, ten individuals have tragically succumbed to heart attacks during the traditional “Garba” dance as part of the ongoing Navratri Hindu festival, according to officials.

Garba is a dance form that pays tribute to, worships, and celebrates the divine feminine form. The term “garba” is derived from the Sanskrit word “garbha,” signifying “womb.”

The deceased individuals ranged in age from teenagers to middle-aged, with the youngest being a 13-year-old from Dabhoi in the Vadodara district.

Reports indicate that more than 500 emergency calls were made within a 24-hour period following the dance.

The government has responded by issuing an alert and urging event organizers to take all necessary precautions. These precautions include ensuring the availability of ambulances to transport individuals to hospitals if they feel unwell.

The traditional Gujarati Garba dance is a central element of the Navratri festival, spanning nine nights from October 15 and particularly popular in Gujarat.

The local Gujarat government has advised all public hospitals and community health centers near Garba venues to remain on high alert. Doctors have also recommended that participants avoid extended periods of Garba dancing without breaks.

Event organizers have been urged to provide automated external defibrillators, which can be vital in saving lives in such situations, and to have individuals trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation present at the event.

Source: NAN