The party scene in Ahmedabad, Gujarat is changing. Following a recent police raid on a farmhouse party, many young people are heading to nearby Rajasthan for their weekend celebrations. This shift is turning places like Mount Abu, Udaipur, and Kumbhalgarh into popular party destinations.
Recent reports indicate that the trend is growing, especially with festivals like Janmashtami and Independence Day approaching. Police in Ahmedabad Rural and Gandhinagar have increased night patrols, making many young people wary of attracting attention. This has led them to avoid gatherings, including small parties and hookah lounges, even if they have valid liquor permits.
Nishith Notani, a travel agent from Martand Tours and Travels, noted a significant rise in demand for villas and resorts in Rajasthan. He stated, “While long weekends typically see some travel, the recent police raids have caused a surge in bookings for upcoming weekends.”
Narendra Somani, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Gujarat, believes the fear of legal trouble is driving the change. He explained, “Young people want to avoid unnecessary issues. Many families are now encouraging trips to states where alcohol is not banned.”
This sentiment was echoed by a group of young professionals who visited Udaipur. One member said, “We’re not regular drinkers, but some friends from out of state want to enjoy a beer. Instead of risking it in Gujarat, we prefer going to places where it’s legal.”
Hotel owners and travel agents argue that Gujarat’s prohibition policy is harming its tourism potential. Somani added, “Gujarat is losing out. The youth today just want to avoid trouble, so they leave the state.”
This trend raises questions about the effectiveness of Gujarat’s alcohol laws. Critics point out that liquor becomes legal just by crossing state borders into Rajasthan, Maharashtra, or Goa, where law and order are maintained despite the legal status of alcohol.
With the festive season around the corner, many Amdavadis are expected to continue their trend of travelling to Rajasthan for parties. This shift not only affects local businesses in Gujarat but also highlights the ongoing debate about the state’s prohibition laws and their impact on youth culture and tourism.
As the party scene evolves, it will be interesting to see how Gujarat adapts and whether changes will be made to its alcohol policies to retain its young population and attract tourists. For now, it seems that the allure of Rajasthan’s party scene is hard to resist for the youth of Ahmedabad.