UAE | General

Mad rush mars celebration of Indian festival

Navratri event at Zabeel Park becomes a nightmare for revellers as organisers apparently oversold tickets.

  • By Mahmood Saberi, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 23:41 October 3, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Expatriates make merry during the Navratri Utsav 2008 at Zabeel Park on Thursday night.
  • Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News
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Dubai: "Three nights of fun and festivity" turned into a nightmare for many Indian expatriates as girls fainted in the mad scramble to get into the venue at Zabeel Park on Thursday night.

As thousands turned up to rock to 'Disco Dandiya', the scene was instead one of rude and shoving security guards, clothes being torn off women, and others who went home disappointed after waiting nearly two hours at the gate.

Sanjay Hangorani, who went with his family, sincerely hoped the organisers would be blacklisted, describing the scene at the gate as "chaotic". "We eventually gave away our tickets and went home," he said.

The organisers apparently oversold tickets and kept the box office open despite the rush of people.

Deepak, who was spluttering with rage, said his daughter's friend fainted as a small gate was opened to let the thousands of people in. "I hope the municipality fines them heavily," he said. "I had dressed up to have fun. By the time I reached inside I was drenched in sweat. People were being shoved around as if we were a drought-stricken crowd seeking food."

The line-up for the event was impressive, including famous DJs and the talented young discoveries from the TV show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

The organisers, Panache Entertainment, were not available for comment. When Gulf News repeatedly called a mobile number which was given out for more information, someone switched it off.

The event was to celebrate Navratri, the Festival of Nights. Disco Dandiya has one more show today.

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