Help
Questions and answers
Can't find yours? See Safety or Help and contact.
Getting started
Is GarbaMate free?
Yes. Creating an account, matching and chatting are free. If an event sells passes, you pay the organiser for those.
Who can join?
Anyone 18 or over. GarbaMate is starting in Ahmedabad and opening city by city.
Do I need to be going to an event?
No. Pick an event and night if you have one. If not, you can meet people across your city and plan together.
Which cities is GarbaMate in?
It's starting in Ahmedabad and opening city by city. The public event pages list every city with garba nights so far.
Matching and chat
How does matching work?
Like people going the same night, or anyone in your city. When the like is mutual it's a match, and the chat opens for both of you.
Who can message me?
Only your matches and people you're connected with. Nobody can message you until you've both said yes.
What happens if I unmatch or block someone?
The chat closes for both of you and you won't be matched with them again. Someone you block can't see your profile or message you; you can unblock them later in Profile › Safety.
How does Connect in person work?
At the garba, one of you shows a code from Nearby and the other scans or types it. You see whose code it is before you confirm, then you're connected and can chat.
Privacy and safety
Who can see my profile?
Only signed-in GarbaMate members. You can hide your profile at any time in Settings, and people you block can't see you.
Can I take a break without deleting my account?
Yes. Turn off “Show me in Discover” in Profile › Settings. People you're already matched or connected with can still find you.
Is my exact location shared?
No. Location is optional. We keep your city and, while Nearby is on, a rough area of about a kilometre. Others only ever see a rough distance.
How does verification work?
Everyone confirms their email. You can also take a quick selfie that our team compares with your photos; approved profiles get a Photo verified badge.
Is it safe to meet someone?
Meet at the garba itself, in a busy public place, and tell a friend your plans. Block and report are on every profile and chat. In an emergency, call 112.
Events and passes
How do event passes work?
Events are listed by their organisers. A booking on GarbaMate is a reservation: you pay the organiser at the gate or the way they say. Cancellations follow the Refunds page.
Your account
What if I forget my password?
Tap “Forgot password?” on the log-in screen. We'll email you a 6-digit code so you can set a new one.
Can I choose which notifications I get?
Yes. In Profile › Settings you can turn likes, matches, messages, connections and event updates on or off.
How do I delete my account?
Go to Profile › Account & security and choose Delete account. Your profile stops showing to anyone straight away.