Did HM Shah and Gujarat CM Patel Launch the Ahmedabad Shopping Festival?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
On December 6, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially launched the highly anticipated second edition of the Ahmedabad Shopping Festival (ASF) 2025–26. This grand retail, lifestyle, and entertainment event is a collaborative effort between the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the state government.
The ceremony included the kickoff of the spectacular ASF Carnival Parade, celebrating the festival's commencement.
Notable figures such as State Minister Rushikesh Patel were in attendance.
During the festivities, Union Minister Shah and Chief Minister Patel explored various stalls, supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs by purchasing swadeshi products and opting for digital payments.
The launch also attracted dignitaries including Mayor Pratibha Jain, Deputy Mayor Jatin Patel, and State Tax Chief Commissioner Rajeev Topno, among others.
The festival, which runs from December 5, 2025 to January 16, 2026, aims to significantly bolster Ahmedabad's retail and tourism sectors while promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Vocal for Local' initiative.
With the theme 'Swadeshi with Global Appeal', this year's festival has stirred considerable excitement throughout the city.
Covering six prominent shopping districts and more than a dozen vibrant hotspots—including Sindhu Bhavan Road, CG Road, and Manek Chowk—the ASF will offer an eclectic mix of shopping, entertainment, food stalls, and artisan markets.
Highlights of ASF 2025–26 include food festivals, live music performances, cultural shows, and family-friendly activities.
Special heritage walking tours will be organized for citizens and international visitors, with a premium Wedding Shopping Experience Zone set up on Sindhu Bhavan Road in anticipation of the wedding season.
Over 8,000 businesses—including retailers, malls, hotels, restaurants, MSMEs, and artisans—have partnered in this festival.
To improve accessibility, officials introduced the official ASF mobile app and web portal featuring exclusive deals, interactive maps, real-time event updates, and a special shopper pass that offers free travel on the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service and Bus Rapid Transit System during the festival, along with lucky draws and curated offers.
Visitors can look forward to discounts ranging from 15 to 35 percent at participating outlets.
Exciting events like Hungrito, Weekend Window, and Fun Blast will contribute to a festive atmosphere throughout Ahmedabad.
With its blend of swadeshi pride, retail innovation, and contemporary urban culture, the Ahmedabad Shopping Festival 2025–26 is set to elevate the city's presence on both national and global retail platforms.
The city is enthusiastically preparing to welcome both residents and tourists to this extraordinary celebration of commerce, creativity, and community.