Ambaji Mohanthal Prasad Gets GI Tag, Certificate to be Handed Over on First Day of Navratri

Gujarat’s iconic Ambaji temple prasad, the traditional Mohanthal, has secured an official Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the central registry, granting statutory recognition to the sweet's deep-rooted origin and heritage.

The GI Registry catalogued Ambaji Mohanthal under Class 30 for foodstuffs following an application by the Shree Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devsthan Trust. Official documents confirm the GI certificate was issued on October 1, 2026, placing the sweet alongside renowned Indian temple offerings like the Tirupati Laddu and Palani Panchamirtham.

Official Handover Ceremony Set for October 11

Devotees and temple authorities will mark the milestone during a formal ceremony at the Ambaji Devasthan on October 11, matching the opening day of Navratri.

The morning event, scheduled between 10 am and 11 am, will host key experts and government dignitaries. Prof. Dr Unnat P. Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks and Registrar of Geographical Indications, will address the gathering and present the official certificate to the trust, followed by a press briefing.

Legal Protection for Regional Heritage

A GI tag ensures legal protection against unauthorized copying, safeguarding products whose quality or reputation stems strictly from their geographical roots. For Ambaji, the certification protects the integrity of the sweet that has defined the pilgrim experience for generations.

Wadhwan Chilli Next in Line for GI Status

The state's drive to preserve regional food legacies is picking up speed beyond temple kitchens. The Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Wadhwan submitted a formal application for 'Wadhwani Marcha of Gujarat' on September 28, 2026. Listed as a fresh entry with the GI Registry, the filing aims to secure similar legal protection for the district's distinctive chilli variety.