Talking to Newsline, an NGO worker, on the condition of anonymity, said they used to put up stalls at various Garba venues to create public awareness about HIV/ AIDS. This time, however, they will not do so, he added.

“Last time, some activists claiming to represent the Hindus, had beaten up NGO workers in Baroda during Navratri while they were distributing condoms,” the NGO worker said, adding that they have decided against carrying out overt intervention programmes this season. “We will carry out one-on-one intervention programmes instead, and supply condoms to hotels and guesthouses” he said.

Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), too, has so far avoided any activity pertaining to condom promotion or awareness programmes during the festive season. “We are not directly carrying out any programme,” said Hardik Shah, IC officer, GSACS, adding that the Society will facilitate those NGOs who want to take up intervention programmes during the festival. “We’ll only provide posters and campaign materials to the NGOs,” said Shah.

Interestingly, Uttam Parmar, a city-based condom distributor, said the sale of condoms rise by about 70 per cent during Navratri.

“We do pile up condoms before Navratri," added another pharmacist.