Celebrating the old in a fresh way, Mandli Garba has brought a true ‘garba renaissance’ to Ahmedabad.
From the aarti and traditional music to the loyal groups of friends who return year after year to dance with unmatched fervour, Mandli Garba has rekindled a spirit that once seemed lost. The neighbourhood mandli, which had nearly disappeared, has made a remarkable comeback. Each year, the event grows more elaborate, detailed, and diverse.
In a time when large-scale commercial events overshadowed the “pure, authentic garba experience,” Mandli Garba stands out with its strict commitment to traditional rhythms and folk lyrics. Bollywood tracks are avoided, while traditional instruments like the dhol and shehnai take center stage, bringing alive the soulful essence of garba.
Mandli Garba is widely credited with reviving sheri-style garba in the city. But how did it all start? A group of five CEPT University alumni, passionate about returning to the “authentic sheri garba experience,” decided to move beyond commercial events. They wanted to create a true community gathering where people could connect through rhythm, movement, and shared heritage.
“Our focus was on authenticity,” says Dhrashti Patel, founder-organiser of Mandli Garba. “We reintroduced traditional live music, the soulful shehnai, rhythmic dhol, and age-old garba songs. Community meant fostering cultural immersion and togetherness, while simplicity and scale emphasized traditional garba steps in concentric circles, often continuing from dusk till dawn, preserving the timeless spirit of celebration.”
Founder-organiser Sagar Vadher adds, “Mandli’s core philosophy is preserving the authentic garba form, creating an inclusive atmosphere, and honoring tradition while making the event appealing to a diverse and younger audience.”
Organising a large-scale garba today goes beyond music. Karan Makwana, another founder, says they follow a ‘design-first’ approach. “Decor is crucial for creating an immersive experience. We craft intricate installations using eco-friendly materials. Our Mataji nu mandir often features themes like Laal Ishq or Safed Ishq. The dance area is spacious enough for thousands, and security, crowd control, and clean facilities like washrooms, water, and food stalls are carefully planned. We also enhance the experience with vlogs, testimonials, Baithak seating, and pop-ups.”
In just a few years, Mandli has transformed Ahmedabad’s garba scene. “We revived the long-lost tradition of sheri-style garba on a grand scale, highlighting folk music and traditional instruments, which were otherwise being replaced by DJs and orchestras. Our style has inspired many other organisers and become one of the city’s most-followed trends,” says Maharshi Patel, founder-organiser.
Today, while the city dances to garba beats, Mandli Garba stands out for its cultural integrity, thematic depth, thoughtful design, grand scale, and, above all, the space it creates for garba lovers to call their own.