Ratri Before Navratri is a night of live Garba and Dandiya in Perth, held the Saturday before Navratri begins. Join Group of Nagarsheth, Perth’s Gujarati musical family, at Bentley Community Centre on Saturday 10 October 2026 from 7 to 11 PM.
Every Garba sung live. Group of Nagarsheth have been singing Navratri Garba for over 30 years. Father and son Vipul and Darp Nagarsheth lead the night with traditional Gujarati Garba songs, live dhol and percussion, so the music follows the dancers and the energy builds all night. It is the feel of a Navratri night in Gujarat, right here in Perth.
What is Garba? Garba is a joyful Gujarati folk dance performed in circles during Navratri, the nine-night festival celebrating the goddess Durga. Dandiya is danced in pairs with decorated sticks. The steps are simple and repeat, so you can watch for a minute and join in. Nobody needs experience, and everyone is welcome, whatever your background or age.
What to expect
- Garba and Dandiya all night with live music
- Indian street food stalls (available for purchase)
- Free parking at the venue
- Kids under 5 free
- An alcohol and smoke-free, family-friendly night
- First-timers welcome: no dance experience needed
What to wear: traditional outfits such as chaniya choli or kurta are welcome and add to the colour of the night, but they are not required. Comfortable shoes (or bare feet) are ideal for dancing.
Tickets start from $15 (early bird pricing, rising closer to the event) at gonawa.com/tickets. Kids under 5 are free. For group bookings, sponsorship or questions, call Vipul on 0450 685 499.
Venue: Bentley Community Centre, Nyamup Way, Bentley WA 6102, close to Curtin University and a short drive from the Perth CBD.
Ratri Before Navratri is proudly supported by the City of Canning through the Community Grants Program, with thanks to our sponsors Aussizz Group, Toram Finance, AAWA, MR Homes, Gorkha Flooring Perth, Rapah, Uniflow and Andaa Apna Apna.
