Ahmedabad Celebrates 615 Years With Heritage and Unity

When a city turns 615, it celebrates by bringing everyone together. That's exactly what Ahmedabad did Thursday, uniting civic officials, religious leaders, and college students in a day of heritage and hope.

The celebrations began at dawn with floral tributes at the shrine of Hindu saint Manek Nath Baba in Manek Chowk. Chandan Nath, the 13th direct descendant of the saint, joined Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain and other city officials for the traditional flag ceremony at Manek Burj, the spot where Sultan Ahmed Shah laid the city's foundation stone in 1411.

"Traditionally, this event sees the family and corporation both involved in the proceedings," said Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ramya Bhatt. The partnership between descendants and civic leaders reflects how Ahmedabad honors both its religious and historical roots.

The festivities didn't stop with morning rituals. A procession honoring Devi Bhadrakali Mata wound through the old city streets, organized jointly by the temple trust, municipal corporation, and police. College students joined a heritage walk led by The Doorbin group, tracing a path from Manek Burj through Manek Chowk to landmarks like Jama Masjid.

City officials broke ground on conservation work at Sardar Patel Bhavan, ensuring historic sites will be preserved for future generations. The heritage walk aimed to connect young residents with the walled city's storied past.

The Ripple Effect

For over two decades, Ahmedabad has celebrated its February 26 founding with growing enthusiasm. What started as civic ceremony has evolved into a city-wide embrace of shared history that crosses religious and generational lines.

The day concluded with two evening cultural programs at Dalpatram Chowk and Akha Bhagat Chowk, filling the old city with music and celebration. The event shows how historic preservation can unite rather than divide, with Hindu and Muslim heritage sites both honored in the day's activities.

This year's 615th birthday proves that understanding where we come from helps us move forward together.