Condom sale increased during Navratri in Gujarat: Report

Navratri is a 9-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. It falls around October when the fall season approaches. The 9 days are full of emotion, colours, dance and all kinds of fun. The elderly, young adults, and children, all participate in the festivities equally. The sale of condoms and contraceptives increases by at least 20 to 30 per cent during the Garba season in Gujarat.

However, in India, where premarital sex is still largely looked down upon in most parts of the country, including urban areas, Navratri presents both opportunity and access for many young people who might not otherwise get it socially. sanctioned. For years, the idea that Navratri leads to an increase in condom sales has floated almost like an urban legend.

Apollo Pharmacy in Memnagar in Ahmedabad said condom sales were up 15-20 per cent during Navaratri days, while a pharmacy in Vadodara, on condition of anonymity, said sales were up 60 per cent this year.

The whole concept of young adults engaging in sex annoys adults, who find it heinous to commit this "sin" in the name of the holidays. Sex, after all, is taboo in our country.

But despite the protests, the Gujarat State Federation of Chemists and Pharmacists (GSFCDA) reported a 35% rise in contraceptive sales that year. The good thing is that people are conscientious enough to use protection while having sex.

Surveys suggest that young people look forward to this festival throughout the year. Far from the prying eyes of the guardians, the youth of the state break down moral barriers.

It sounds trashy to hear words like sex when talking about Dandiya Raas and Garba, but unfortunately, it has become a shocking reality.

The night performance with boys and girls dancing in bright outfits has ulterior motives. What is more surprising is that women have become bold enough to buy contraceptives in stores.

This situation, which has persisted for almost a decade, is not well digested by the parents of the boys.

As the sale of condoms increases, the demand for private detectives is also skyrocketing in cities such as Surat and Ahmedabad.

A 2016 report by The Economic Times claimed that condom sales are up 25 to 50 per cent on average, particularly at pharmacies and pharmacies near Navratri dance venues. From time to time, condom makers release numbers and statistics ostensibly in an attempt to immerse themselves in a sociological phenomenon but ultimately as a marketing pitch for the brand.

"Sales of condoms and contraceptives are obviously going up because it's the 'season,'" said Bharat Soni of Staywell Pharmacy in Ahmedabad. "As far as our clinic is concerned, their sales increase by 20 to 30 per cent during Navratri."

In 2017, a Navratri-themed condom ad featuring actor Sunny Leone drew the ire of a trade body that wrote a letter to the union minister, accusing the company of selling condoms on behalf of Navratri. “There is a discouraging absence of communication channels about safe sex and STIs in Gujarat due to prudish attitudes in general.”

HIV-AIDS consultant and sociologist Dr. Gaurang Jani said, "We have been setting up awareness stalls at garba places in Rajpath Club, Karnavati Club and other areas. This is an indication of positive change where young people are ready to discuss topics like this.

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