For nine nights during Navratri, Ahmedabad comes alive with Garba circles, traditional outfits and music that keeps dancers on their feet until late. Preparing for the festival can involve more than choosing a chaniya choli, arranging jewellery or practising dance steps. For some revellers, preparations now include a trip to a wellness clinic.
Ahead of Navratri 2026, intravenous (IV) drip therapy is drawing attention in Ahmedabad, with some people seeking a brighter-looking complexion, better hydration and more energy for long nights of dancing. A single session can cost between Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 10,000, while multi-session packages can reach Rs. 15,000.
But what exactly goes into these drips, why are people opting for them, and are the promised benefits worth the price?
What Exactly Is An IV Drip?
An IV drip delivers fluids and substances directly into a vein through a small tube. Doctors commonly use intravenous fluids and nutrients when a patient's medical condition requires them.
However, some wellness and aesthetic clinics also offer customised infusions marketed for beauty, hydration and energy. Depending on the formulation, these may contain vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, zinc, magnesium or glutathione, an antioxidant naturally found in the body.
Clinics promote different combinations for different purposes, including improving skin appearance, addressing dehydration and reducing feelings of fatigue.
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Why Are People Turning To IV Drips Before Navratri?
The appeal lies in the demands of the festival itself.
Garba can involve hours of continuous dancing, late nights and repeated visits to crowded venues. Add work deadlines, limited sleep and preparations involving outfits, make-up and skincare, and some revellers may look for a quick way to feel refreshed before the celebrations begin.
The Times of India reported on 9 October that youngsters in Ahmedabad were seeking IV therapy for its advertised skin and energy benefits. The report featured a 24-year-old woman, identified by the pseudonym Swara Patel, who said she had completed three sessions despite not having an illness.
NDTV also reported that the trend extends beyond Gen Z. Working professionals in their 30s and 40s are exploring these treatments to cope with fatigue and maintain their appearance during the festive season.
For some, the treatment is a seasonal expense rather than a regular part of their wellness routine.
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How Much Does The Treatment Cost?
The price depends on the clinic, the ingredients used and the number of sessions included.
According to NDTV's Ahmedabad report, individual sessions typically cost between Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 10,000. Packages covering multiple sessions can cost as much as Rs. 15,000.
That means a pre-festival routine involving several appointments could cost more than many other forms of personal grooming. The price alone, however, does not establish whether a particular infusion will deliver its advertised results.
People considering a session should ask for a clear breakdown of the ingredients, dosage, medical assessment and total cost before proceeding.
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Does An IV Drip Really Give You Glowing Skin And More Energy?
An IV delivers substances directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. That does not automatically mean a person will feel more energetic, develop brighter skin or gain benefits beyond what their body needs.
The results depend on the ingredients, the person's health and whether they have a deficiency or medical reason for treatment. Evidence supporting intravenous vitamin infusions for cosmetic skin brightening or general wellness in otherwise healthy people remains limited.
Glutathione, in particular, is marketed in some beauty treatments for skin-lightening effects, but its effectiveness and safety for this purpose are not firmly established.
Nor should an IV drip be treated as a substitute for adequate sleep, balanced meals and appropriate fluid intake during physically demanding celebrations.
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What Are The Risks? Doctors Urge Caution
IV therapy is a medical procedure, not simply another salon treatment.
In NDTV's report, Ahmedabad-based dermatologist Dr Kinjal Mehta cautioned that people should undergo proper medical screening before receiving these infusions. She warned that unsupervised treatment can lead to allergic reactions, fluid overload and unnecessary strain on the liver.
IV procedures can also carry risks such as infection at the insertion site, vein irritation and complications linked to the ingredients or dosage. The likelihood and nature of these risks vary according to the formulation and the individual's health.
People with existing medical conditions, those taking medication and anyone considering repeated sessions should consult a qualified medical professional first. Treatment should be administered by appropriately trained healthcare personnel in a suitable clinical setting.
A clinic's promise of quick results should not replace an assessment of whether the treatment is medically appropriate.
The Bottom Line On IV Drips
Ahmedabad's IV drip trend sits at the intersection of beauty, wellness and the city's elaborate Garba culture. It reflects how festival preparation is expanding beyond clothing and make-up to include treatments marketed around appearance and stamina.
But a higher price does not guarantee better results, and a treatment delivered directly into the bloodstream deserves more scrutiny than an ordinary beauty purchase.
For those preparing to dance through Navratri, the practical starting point remains simple: get enough rest, stay hydrated, eat adequately and seek medical advice if fatigue persists. An IV drip may be appropriate for certain clinical needs, but it should not be assumed to be a necessary shortcut to looking fresh or keeping up with every Garba night.
TL;DR | News At a Glance
What is the IV drip trend in Ahmedabad ahead of Navratri?
Some youngsters and working professionals are opting for IV therapy before Navratri, seeking skin-brightening, hydration and energy benefits.
How much do IV drips cost in Ahmedabad?
A single session reportedly costs Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 10,000, while multi-session packages can reach Rs. 15,000, according to NDTV's 9 October report.
What ingredients can these drips contain?
Depending on the formulation, they may contain vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, minerals and glutathione.
Do IV drips guarantee glowing skin or more energy?
No. Results vary, and evidence supporting cosmetic skin brightening and general wellness benefits in otherwise healthy people remains limited.
What are the risks of IV drip therapy?
Potential risks include allergic reactions, infection, fluid overload and complications from unsuitable ingredients or doses. The US Food and Drug Administration has also reported serious adverse events associated with certain compounded injectable glutathione products.
Should people get IV drips before Garba?
They should not treat them as a routine beauty or energy booster. Anyone considering the procedure should consult a qualified medical professional and undergo an appropriate assessment first.
