- Ahmedabad’s beloved Mandali Garba returns with a spectacular new venue, 2.5-lakh-sq-ft dance arena and grand festive décor
- Live Mandali, dhol, shehnai, violin and manjira promise an exhilarating musical fusion steeped in Gujarati tradition
- Red-themed Pre-Navratri kicks off 10-day celebration from October 11 to 19 at Master Farm, Vaishnodevi, Lilapur
- Founder Jayveersinh Zala expects 25,000 footfall; police, fire brigade and AMC permissions obtained, with participant insurance and medical facilities planned
- Twenty-five food stalls, including Satvik fare for devotees observing fasts, alongside parking, sanitation and crowd-management arrangements
- A festival of faith, friendship and festive fervour aims to transform Garba into an immersive ‘City of Dreams’ experience
GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, SEPT 23
When the sacred rhythm of Garba meets the electrifying beats of dhol, the soulful strains of shehnai and the melodies of violin, Ahmedabad is set to step into a world where devotion dances hand in hand with music and masti. Returning in its third edition with a spectacular new identity, Rataldi – City of Dreams 2026 promises to turn Navratri into an immersive celebration of Gujarati culture, spirituality, friendship and unforgettable festive memories.
Inspired by the overwhelming response to its previous two editions, Rataldi – The Mandali Garba is returning in a grander avatar, with a new venue, an expansive dance arena, elaborate décor and an innovative live musical concept.
Organised by Zala Events, the festival will be held at Master Farm, Vaishnodevi, Lilapur, Ahmedabad, from October 11 to 19, 2026, with a special Red Outfit-themed Pre-Navratri celebration taking the festivities to 10 days.
Jayveersinh Zala, Founder of Zala Events, said the new edition was conceived to offer Garba enthusiasts an experience that goes beyond the traditional dance floor.
“The love showered on Rataldi by Ahmedabad’s Garba enthusiasts over the past two years is our biggest inspiration. This year, we didn’t just think about expanding the venue; we aimed to elevate the entire experience to a new level,” he said.
A new world of Garba unfolds
The centrepiece of this year’s celebration is a purpose-developed venue featuring a dedicated playing area of approximately 2,50,000 square feet.
The Rataldi team has transformed a previously vacant site by clearing the land, preparing the ground and developing a lawn specifically for Garba. The expansive setting is designed to give participants ample space to dance and celebrate.
Parking has also been a priority, with around 20 to 25 bighas earmarked for vehicles.
Alongside the expansive grounds, grand decorations will create an immersive festive atmosphere, with the organisers aiming to make the venue feel like a different world from the moment visitors arrive.
Mandali meets violin, manjira and live music
The musical experiment is set to be one of Rataldi’s defining attractions this year.
While Mandali remains at the heart of the event, its traditional beats will be combined with live violin, manjira, dhol, shehnai and other instruments, creating a distinctive musical experience for Garba lovers.
The interplay of rhythmic percussion and melodic instruments is designed to bring a fresh dimension to traditional Gujarati folk celebrations, while preserving the devotional essence of Garba.
Zala said, “Along with the new venue, 2,50,000 square feet playing area, 20 to 25 bighas of parking, and grand decoration, our musical concept is the main highlight. By combining Mandali with violin, manjira, and other live instruments, we aim to offer a fresh musical experience.”
“When these instruments play together in sync with the Mandali’s beat, attendees will feel a whole new energy,” he added.
Where devotion dances with celebration
Garba is deeply rooted in Gujarat’s cultural and spiritual traditions, with devotees gathering during Navratri to celebrate the divine feminine through music, prayer and dance.
Rataldi aims to preserve that spiritual connection while creating an energetic and contemporary festival atmosphere.
Its blend of traditional Mandali rhythms, live instrumental music, colourful outfits and elaborate décor seeks to bring together generations of Garba enthusiasts.
The organisers’ vision is to make the experience about more than dance alone—celebrating faith, togetherness, friendship and the joy of shared cultural traditions.
A sea of red to launch the festivities
The celebrations will begin with a special Pre-Navratri event featuring a mandatory Red Outfit theme.
Thousands of participants dressed in red are expected to create a striking visual spectacle across the venue, setting the mood for the nine days of Navratri that follow.
Together, the Pre-Navratri celebration and Navratri festivities will make this a 10-day celebration, running from October 11 to 19.
Safety, amenities and visitor comfort in focus
With an expected footfall of 25,000, the organisers say arrangements are being made to address permissions, safety, medical needs, food, parking and sanitation.
Zala said, “Permissions have been obtained from the police, fire brigade and AMC. Insurance coverage for all participants and medical emergency facilities will be in place.”
He added that the venue would have 25 food stalls, including Satvik food options for those observing fasts during Navratri.
“Adequate two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking, bouncers to control the crowd and sanitation facilities will also be in place,” Zala said.
The arrangements are intended to support a comfortable festival experience for participants and families attending the celebrations.
Rataldi’s promise: memories that last beyond Navratri
With its expansive lawn, elaborate décor, live musical fusion and emphasis on traditional Gujarati culture, Rataldi – City of Dreams 2026 is positioning itself as a celebration where the spiritual spirit of Navratri meets the exhilaration of community festivities.
As Ahmedabad prepares for the season of devotion and dance, Rataldi’s message is simple: come for the Garba, stay for the music, masti and memories.
