The traditional Mohanthal prasad offered at Gujarat's revered Ambaji temple has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, granting statutory recognition and legal protection to the centuries-old sweet. A formal certificate handover ceremony is scheduled at the Ambaji Devasthan on October 11, coinciding with the first day of Navratri.
GI registration details
The GI Registry catalogued Ambaji Mohanthal under Class 30 for foodstuffs, following an application filed by the Shree Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devsthan Trust on October 1. Reports differ on whether the certificate was issued on October 1 or October 8; the official handover to the trust takes place on October 11. Prof. Dr. Unnat P. Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks and Registrar of Geographical Indications, will address the gathering and present the certificate, followed by a press briefing. The morning event is scheduled between 10 am and 11 am.
Protection for a temple tradition
The tag ensures legal protection against unauthorised copying and imitation, safeguarding a product whose quality and reputation stem from its geographical and religious roots. It places Ambaji Mohanthal alongside renowned Indian temple offerings such as the Tirupati Laddu and Palani Panchamirtham.
Mohanthal is traditionally made from gram flour, ghee and sugar. The Ambaji version is prepared exclusively as the sacred 'Raj Bhog' offered to the goddess, using pure cow ghee, besan, sugar syrup, milk and cardamom — noted for its distinctive mustard-yellow colour, granular texture and rich aroma. The trust's application cites ancient scriptures such as the Skand Puran as referencing the offering.
Sources:
Gujarat Samachar: "Ambaji Mohanthal Prasad Gets GI Tag, Certificate to be Handed Over on First Day of Navratri"
Adda247: "Ambaji Mohanthal Gets GI Tag: Gujarat's Famous Temple Prasad Receives Recognition"
GI registration details
The GI Registry catalogued Ambaji Mohanthal under Class 30 for foodstuffs, following an application filed by the Shree Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devsthan Trust on October 1. Reports differ on whether the certificate was issued on October 1 or October 8; the official handover to the trust takes place on October 11. Prof. Dr. Unnat P. Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks and Registrar of Geographical Indications, will address the gathering and present the certificate, followed by a press briefing. The morning event is scheduled between 10 am and 11 am.
Protection for a temple tradition
The tag ensures legal protection against unauthorised copying and imitation, safeguarding a product whose quality and reputation stem from its geographical and religious roots. It places Ambaji Mohanthal alongside renowned Indian temple offerings such as the Tirupati Laddu and Palani Panchamirtham.
Mohanthal is traditionally made from gram flour, ghee and sugar. The Ambaji version is prepared exclusively as the sacred 'Raj Bhog' offered to the goddess, using pure cow ghee, besan, sugar syrup, milk and cardamom — noted for its distinctive mustard-yellow colour, granular texture and rich aroma. The trust's application cites ancient scriptures such as the Skand Puran as referencing the offering.
Sources:
Gujarat Samachar: "Ambaji Mohanthal Prasad Gets GI Tag, Certificate to be Handed Over on First Day of Navratri"
Adda247: "Ambaji Mohanthal Gets GI Tag: Gujarat's Famous Temple Prasad Receives Recognition"
