In a shocking turn of events, ten individuals have tragically lost their lives due to heart attacks after participating in the exuberant “Garba” dance during the ongoing Navratri Hindu festival.
This revered dance form, a vibrant and spiritual celebration of the divine feminine, became the backdrop to a series of unfortunate incidents.
The word “Garba” itself carries deep significance, originating from the Sanskrit word “garbha,” meaning “womb.” However, the joyous festivities were marred by the untimely deaths of those who participated, spanning across various age groups, with the youngest victim being a 13-year-old from Dabhoi in the Vadodara district.
Alarming reports indicate that more than 500 emergency calls were made within a mere 24-hour window following the dance event.
The overwhelming surge of emergency calls prompted the government to issue an urgent alert, urging event organizers to take all necessary precautions to prevent such tragedies.
These preventive measures include ensuring the immediate availability of ambulances to transport individuals to hospitals if they begin to feel unwell.
The traditional Garba dance, an integral aspect of the Navratri festival spanning nine nights from October 15, is predominantly performed in Gujarat.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the local Gujarat government has issued an alert to all public hospitals and community health centers near Garba venues, advising them to remain on high alert. In light of these unfortunate events, medical experts have advised participants to refrain from prolonged Garba sessions without taking regular breaks.
Event organizers have been directed to have automated external defibrillators on hand, crucial devices that can make a difference in saving lives during medical emergencies.
Organizers have also been asked to deploy individuals trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the event venues.
The tragedy that unfolded during this otherwise joyous celebration serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety measures, especially in events that involve high levels of physical activity and excitement.
(NAN)
