Lights, Camera, Gujarati Flavours: 5 Dishes Worth the Ekta Nagar Trip

NEW DELHI/EKTA NAGAR — For the first time in over seven decades, India's National Film Awards ceremony is moving away from New Delhi. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced that the 72nd National Film Awards will take place on September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar (formerly Kevadia) in Gujarat's Narmada district. President Droupadi Murmu will present honors to 92 winners against the backdrop of the world-famous Statue of Unity.

The historic shift has transformed the remote Narmada enclave into a high-profile destination for cinema stars, government dignitaries, and cultural tourists. As visitors and film delegations prepare to descend upon the region, attention is turning beyond the red-carpet venue to the rich culinary heritage of local Gujarati cuisine.

Culinary Highlights Worth Exploring

Travelers attending the national ceremony or exploring the Narmada district can experience a diverse array of authentic regional dishes that define Gujarati gastronomy. Known for its subtle balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, local fare ranges from comforting everyday staples to elaborate festive preparations.

• Khaman Dhokla: A savory, fluffy steamed cake made from fermented chickpea batter, seasoned with mustard seeds, green chillies, and fresh coriander.

• Sev Tamatar Nu Shaak: A popular tangy and spicy tomato curry topped with crunchy chickpea flour sev, capturing the rustic flavor profiles of rural Gujarat.

• Undhiyu: A traditional winter mixed-vegetable casserole featuring local produce like surti papdi, yam, and small eggplants, slow-cooked with fenugreek dumplings (muthiya) and spiced green paste.

• Gujarati Dal: A thin, sweet-and-sour lentil preparation flavored with jaggery, tamarind, kokum, and tempered with whole spices.

• Basundi: A rich, slow-reduced milk dessert infused with cardamom, saffron, and chopped nuts, traditionally served chilled at celebrations.

Official Sources Section

• Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: Official event scheduling, award announcements, and national ceremony guidelines.

• Narmada District Administration Disclosures: Venue logistics, security protocols, and tourism infrastructure updates for the Statue of Unity complex.

Quote Section

"According to district administration releases, the decision to host the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar marks a historic milestone that highlights the region's expanding capacity for major national and international cultural events."

Why It Matters

For travelers and culinary enthusiasts, high-profile national events bring heightened focus to regional tourism and local gastronomy, encouraging economic growth across hospitality and food sectors in non-metro destinations. For the broader entertainment industry, moving the ceremony decentralized long-standing traditions, opening avenues for future regional showcases.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Event Date: September 22, 2026.

• Venue: Statue of Unity complex, Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.

• Total Honorees: 92 award winners from across Indian cinema.

• Infrastructure: A temporary German aluminum structural dome erected to seat approximately 1,000 guests.

FAQ Section

Why is the 72nd National Film Awards venue significant?

For the first time in over 70 years, the ceremony is being held outside New Delhi, moving to the Statue of Unity precinct in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.

Who will present the awards at the ceremony?

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, is scheduled to present the awards to the 92 recipients.

What temporary infrastructure has been built for the event?

A specialized German aluminum structural dome is being constructed in the Statue of Unity Bus Bay area to accommodate around 1,000 guests.

Where can visitors find official updates on regional tourism and events?

Travelers can access regional guides and tourism updates via the Gujarat Tourism Portal.

Source: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Narmada District Administration, The Indian Express Cultural Desk, Times of India Entertainment