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In Ahmedabad, Navratri transforms the city into a living arena of devotion and celebration. Each evening begins with families gathering at neighbourhood mandapams and expands into vast circles of garba at the larger grounds, while exclusive mandlis host curated experiences for those who seek them. Food remains inseparable from these nights; counters are readied beside the dance floors, sweet shops stay open long after midnight, and markets known for their daytime trade find new energy under floodlights. Ashtami, the eighth night of Navratri, carries a particular weight. Crowds grow denser, passes for premium venues are claimed in advance, and food vendors across the city prepare for their busiest hours. By the time dawn approaches, Ahmedabad has not only danced through the night but also eaten its way through layers of tradition, indulgence and invention.
Mandli Garba: Overnight Dance And Large-Scale Food Courts
Mandli Garba has become one of the most prominent names in 2025. Spread across Rancharda near Kalol Road and at Hebatpur, the events are announced to run from evening until sunrise. Organisers have positioned food as a central feature of the experience, setting up large courts that mirror the scale of the dancing arena. Attendees can expect stalls offering Gujarati snacks like khaman, fafda and kachori, late-night staples such as pav bhaji and pulao, and fasting-friendly counters that remain active past midnight. On Ashtami night, when attendance is heaviest, queues for food peak around midnight, prompting many dancers to step out for a plate before returning to the floor.
Inner Circle: Curated Ambience And Plated Menus
Inner Circle represents a newer, boutique approach to Navratri. Capacity is limited, and the event emphasises experience rather than scale. Food here is not merely a matter of convenience but an extension of the atmosphere. Organisers plan curated culinary counters and plated meals that blend Gujarati tradition with contemporary presentation. Observers note that menus may include millet khichdi bowls, fasting platters, and delicately portioned sweets served in sustainable ware. The controlled scale ensures shorter waits, allowing guests to eat comfortably without leaving the grounds.
GMDC And University Grounds: Mass Gatherings With Functional Food Service
The GMDC Ground remains the most visible symbol of Navratri in Ahmedabad, drawing thousands each night. Food courts here function almost like temporary bazaars, with counters placed in rows and designed for rapid turnover. The focus is on speed and reliability, with stalls serving hand-held items that can be eaten standing. Popular choices include bhajiya, sandwiches, dosas, and cold desserts that offer quick refreshment after hours of dance. University Ground follows a similar model, with smaller but equally energetic food clusters that draw younger crowds seeking light snacks before heading on to late-night cafés.
Law Garden And Neighbourhood Mandapams: Markets And Family Tables
Law Garden retains its role as a combined hub for chaniya-choli shopping and Navratri eating. The adjacent food stalls become a gathering point for groups who prefer to step out between rounds of garba. Plates of sev usal, handvo, and hot jalebi circulate well into the night, blending market bustle with festive appetite. In neighbourhood mandapams, the tone shifts to more homely offerings. Families often organise sattvic thalis, fasting sabzis, and traditional sweets in compact serving areas. These mandapams balance dance with dining in a way that suits multi-generational gatherings.
Manek Chowk And The Old City: The Enduring Late-Night Ritual
No discussion of Navratri food in Ahmedabad is complete without Manek Chowk. Each night, after the garba winds down, dancers head to this old-city square where vendors set up long into the early hours. Here, the food is distinctly indulgent. Ghee-laden pav bhaji, open-butter sandwiches, chocolate dosas, and kulfi plates create an atmosphere as celebratory as the garba itself. On Ashtami, the rush is especially heavy, with stalls often busy until dawn. Manek Chowk has become the city’s unofficial after-party for those unwilling to let the night end.
