You know it’s Navratri when the music gets louder, the outfits get brighter and everyone suddenly knows how to dance.
But while you’re getting ready for Garba or Dandiya, your dog may be standing in the corner wondering:
“What exactly is happening here?” 🐶💃
There’s music, movement, colourful clothes, people coming and going, and, of course, those mysterious sticks everyone is carrying.
Your dog may not understand Garba or Dandiya. However, if they could talk, they would definitely have a few things to say!
So, let’s see the celebration from their point of view.
🐾 1. “Why Is Everyone Dressed So Differently?”
Your dog knows what you normally look like. Then suddenly, you’re wearing bright colours, flowing clothes, accessories and shoes you don’t usually wear around the house.
To you, it’s festive. To your dog, however, you may look like a completely different person!
What your dog might be thinking:
- “Is that really my human?”
- “Why are those clothes so shiny?”
- “Are we going somewhere?”
- “Can I sniff that?”
All these new sights and smells may naturally make your pet curious.
What to do:
- Let your pet observe new outfits and accessories without forcing interaction.
- Meanwhile, keep small accessories away from curious mouths.
- Before the celebration gets busy, spend some familiar, relaxed time with your dog.
🐾 2. “Why Is There Music Playing SO LOUD?”
First, the music starts. Then, the beat gets louder, and soon everyone is moving around.
For your dog, these sounds may be very different from their normal day. While some dogs watch with curiosity, others may decide that the sofa is a much better place to relax.
What your dog might be thinking:
- “Why is the floor vibrating?”
- “Is everyone dancing?”
- “Is this going to stop soon?”
- “Can we please turn it down?”
What to do:
- Give your dog access to a quieter area.
- If the music becomes overwhelming, let them move away.
- Also, avoid keeping them near speakers or loud activities.
- Keep their familiar bed or blanket nearby so they have a comfortable place to rest.
Most importantly, your dog doesn’t have to be part of every moment of the celebration.
🐾 3. “What Are Those Sticks Everyone Is Carrying?”
Garba and Dandiya are full of movement. On top of that, there are dandiya sticks being waved around everywhere!
For humans, they’re part of the celebration. However, your dog may see them as the most exciting new toys they’ve ever encountered.
What your dog might be thinking:
- “Is that a toy?”
- “Can I have one?”
- “Why is everyone waving them around?”
- “Why can’t I chase those?”
Naturally, this curiosity calls for a little supervision.
What to do:
- Keep dandiya sticks away from pets when they’re not being used.
- Instead of encouraging your dog to chase the sticks, offer an appropriate toy.
- Make sure your pet has enough space away from fast-moving feet and objects.
- In addition, keep the sticks stored safely when the dancing is over.
🐾 4. “Why Is Everyone Moving So Much?”
Garba isn’t exactly a quiet activity. People are walking, spinning, clapping, dancing and moving around together.
Meanwhile, your dog may be watching the entire thing like they’re observing the strangest game ever invented!
What your dog might be thinking:
- “Is this a very complicated walk?”
- “Why is everyone going in circles?”
- “Are we playing?”
- “Should I join?”
If your dog is naturally playful or social, all that movement may make them excited. However, excitement doesn’t mean they should be allowed to run into a crowded dancing area.
What to do:
- Keep your pet away from crowded dancing areas.
- For their safety, don’t allow them to run between people’s feet.
- Instead, give them a comfortable place to observe from a safe distance.
- Whenever the activity becomes too much, let them rest.
🐾 5. “Okay… But When Do I Get My Turn?”
After watching everyone dance, your dog may decide that they deserve some attention too.
Because, obviously, no family celebration is complete without them! 🐶
Maybe they want a game. Perhaps they’d like a treat. Or maybe they simply want to sit next to you while everyone else is dancing.
What your dog might be thinking:
“You’ve all had your fun.
Now it’s my turn.” 🐾
What to do:
- Spend some one-on-one time with your pet.
- You could also give them a familiar toy or enrichment activity.
- Meanwhile, keep their usual walking and play routine wherever possible.
- Most importantly, let them enjoy the celebration in their own way.
💃 Your Dog’s Garba Night POV
Before the music: “Where is everyone going?”
When everyone gets dressed: “Why do you look different?”
When the music starts: “What is that noise?”
When the dancing begins: “Why is everyone moving in circles?”
When the dandiya comes out: “IS THAT A TOY?”
Later that night: “Okay. I’m tired. Someone carry me to the sofa.”
🐾 How to Let Your Dog Enjoy the Celebration Too
Your dog doesn’t need to dance Garba to be part of Navratri. Instead, being included simply means having the choice to stay close, watch the activity or retreat somewhere quiet.
Fortunately, a few simple steps can make the experience more comfortable for your pet:
- Keep their regular meals and walks as consistent as possible.
- Also, provide a quiet, familiar place away from the busiest activity.
- Keep dandiya sticks and other small objects out of reach.
- Rather than forcing your pet into crowded dancing areas, let them observe from a safe distance.
- Watch their body language and give them breaks when needed.
- Finally, spend some time with them away from the main celebration.
The best part of celebrating with pets is that they can participate at their own comfort level.
🚨 When the Celebration Becomes Too Much
Not every dog enjoys loud music, crowds or constant movement. As a result, some pets may need more space and quiet time than others.
If your pet repeatedly hides, paces, tries to escape, vocalises unusually or shows other signs of discomfort, move them to a quieter area away from the activity.
Remember, don’t force them to stay in the middle of the celebration just because everyone else is having fun. If their distress is severe, persistent or unusual for them, speak with your vet.
🎉 The Garba Safety Reminder
Garba and Dandiya are all about movement, music and crowds. Although this can be exciting for humans, the same environment may be overwhelming for pets.
Therefore, keep your dog away from:
- Crowded dancing circles
- Moving dandiya sticks
- Accessible food and drinks
- Small decorations or accessories they could swallow
- Doors or gates that may be left open during gatherings
With a little planning, you can help your pet stay safe while everyone enjoys the festivities.
The Wagsphere POV 🧠
Festivals are exciting because they bring people together.
Your dog may never understand why everyone suddenly starts dancing in circles during Navratri.
They may never understand why the music is so loud.
And they will probably never understand why those colourful sticks aren’t toys.
But they understand one thing:
Their people are having fun.
And if they’re given a little space, attention and a safe place to relax, they can enjoy being part of the celebration too. ❤️
📬 Subscribe to Wagsphere for more fun, relatable and India-centric pet content made for pet parents.