Greetings
કેમ છો? / Kem chho?
kem CHHO
How are you? The universal Gujarati opener. The reply is 'majaa maa' — in good spirits — and using it once will change how a shopkeeper treats you.
આભાર / Aabhaar
aa-BHAAR
Thank you. Gujaratis often say 'thank you' in English instead, but the Gujarati lands warmer.
Shopping
કેટલા? / Ketla?
KET-la
How much? The opening move at Manek Chowk, Law Garden and every autorickshaw negotiation in the city.
Daily life
Permit
PER-mit
The liquor permit. Gujarat is a prohibition state and alcohol without a valid permit is a criminal offence, not a fine. Foreigners and non-Gujarat residents can apply.
Culture
Pol
pole
A self-contained residential cluster in the walled city, entered through a single gate, with shared courtyards and bird feeders. The reason Ahmedabad is a UNESCO World Heritage City.
ઉત્તરાયણ / Uttarayan
ut-ta-RAA-yan
The kite festival on 14 January. The entire city goes onto its roofs for two days and almost nothing else happens.
Garba
GAR-ba
The circular Navratri dance. Ahmedabad's nine nights are the largest in the world, and workplaces genuinely slow down for them.
Food
Jain / Pure veg
jain
'Jain food' means no onion, no garlic, no root vegetables at all. Restaurants list it as a separate category, and many buildings are vegetarian-only by house rule.
Fafda-jalebi
FAF-da ja-LAY-bee
Crisp chickpea-flour strips with syrup-soaked spirals, eaten together for Sunday breakfast. Sweet and savoury in the same mouthful is the Gujarati signature.
Transport
Rickshaw / Chhakdo
RIK-shaw
The autorickshaw. Ahmedabad's are metered by law and drivers here are far more willing to actually use the meter than in most Indian cities.
Emergency
112 / 108
—
112 is the single national emergency number. 108 is the free ambulance service, which was invented in this part of India and is genuinely fast.
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.