With an estimated footfall of 45,000 to 50,000 over ten days, the 17th edition brought together traditional Garba, Bhajan Jamming and community celebrations, supported by over 50 volunteers and 40-plus sponsors.
Udaipur’s Navratri celebrations concluded on a vibrant note with the successful completion of ULC Dandiya Raas 2K26, which brought together thousands of people for ten days of music, dance, devotion and festive gatherings. Held from October 11 to 20 at The Lal Bagh Garden, the 17th edition of the event witnessed an estimated cumulative footfall of 45,000 to 50,000, reaffirming its place among the established Navratri celebrations of the city.
Over the years, ULC Dandiya Raas has developed into a familiar name in Udaipur’s festive calendar, bringing people together through traditional Garba and Dandiya. The 2026 edition continued this journey with a programme that combined cultural performances, devotional music and opportunities for community participation.
A Journey of 17 Years
The journey of ULC Dandiya Raas began in 2010 with the vision of bringing a grand Dandiya celebration to Udaipur. Founded by Dr. Gaurav Kumawat, along with Upesh Bhatt, Rohan Sharma and Shivani Singh Rao, and the team joining along, the event has continued to grow through the efforts of its organising team and the support of the people associated with it.
“ULC was founded in 2010. I started with my partner Upesh Bhatt, who was also my student, to bring a grand Dandiya event to Udaipur, and we continued since then, associating with people across.”
– Dr. Gaurav Kumawat, Founder and Assistant Professor, Manipal University Jaipur
What began as an initiative to organise a large-scale Dandiya celebration has evolved into a multi-day gathering that brings together performers, sponsors, volunteers, families and young participants. Its 17th edition continued that tradition, with the city witnessing enthusiastic participation throughout the festive period.
Traditional Garba and Devotional Celebrations
Music and dance remained at the heart of ULC Dandiya Raas 2K26. Among the highlights were traditional Mandali Garba and Bhajan Jamming, offering participants different ways to engage with the festive spirit of Navratri.
Mandali Garba brought the traditional rhythms and collective energy of the dance form to the celebrations, while Bhajan Jamming added a devotional dimension to the programme. Another distinctive feature of ULC has been its annual inclusion of the Hanuman Chalisa and other religious chants from the stage, a practice that has continued over the years.
Navratri is celebrated across India through prayers, rituals, music and community gatherings. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, Garba and Dandiya hold a special place in the festivities, bringing together cultural traditions and devotion. By incorporating devotional chants alongside music and dance, ULC has retained this spiritual aspect within its larger celebration.
The People Behind the Celebration
A public event that runs for ten days and attracts thousands of visitors requires considerable planning and coordination. The 2026 edition was supported by a team of more than 50 volunteers who contributed to various aspects of the event, working alongside the founders and organising team.
Their efforts played an important role in managing the arrangements and ensuring the smooth execution of the celebrations.
“Our sahayogis, the volunteers and team members, make the event grand by managing everything.”
– Arushi Kavdia
The contribution of the wider team reflects the collaborative effort behind ULC, where volunteers, organisers and other associates work together to bring the celebration to life.
Over 40 Sponsors and Partners Support the Event
The 17th edition also received support from more than 40 sponsors and partners representing different sectors, including education, banking, hospitality, food and beverages, retail and event services.
The organisers highlighted the addition of new sponsors as one of the encouraging developments this year. Several businesses also approached the team during the event to associate themselves with the celebration, reflecting the growing network of people and organisations connected with ULC.
For the organising team, these associations extend beyond sponsorships and form part of the larger community that has supported the event over the years.
QUOTE BOX 3 | Shivani Singh Rao, Educational Consultant, ULC Dandiya Raas
“ULC was our passion project and now it’s one big family. We love people being associated with ULC as family, through sponsors, volunteers, the back-end team, stall owners, attendees and just eveRYone. We hope This association continues always and with the same love.”
– Shivani Singh Rao
Looking Ahead to ULC 2027
As the celebrations came to a close, the 17th edition added another chapter to ULC Dandiya Raas’s journey in Udaipur. The event’s continued presence over the years reflects the enthusiasm surrounding organised Navratri celebrations and the importance of community participation in keeping festive traditions alive.
For the organisers, the love and support received from the people of Udaipur remain an important part of the journey and a motivation to continue the celebration in the coming years.
“Thanks to the people of Udaipur for giving us so much love. We hope to see you all again at ULC 2027.”
– Rohan Sharma
With its 17th edition now concluded, ULC Dandiya Raas looks towards another year of music, tradition and togetherness. Supported by its organising team, volunteers, sponsors and thousands of attendees, the event continues to be an established part of Udaipur’s Navratri celebrations.