From Community Gatherings to Economic Impact: Exploring the Evolution, Safety Measures of Ahmedabad’s Beloved Frozen Treat

As the scorching heat of summer descends upon Ahmedabad, there’s one refreshing delight that locals eagerly anticipate – Baraf Gola, also known as Ice Gola. This icy treat is not just a dessert; it’s a tradition, a nostalgic indulgence, and a saviour from the relentless heat that blankets the city during the summer months.

Decades ago, vendors started serving Baraf Gola to provide relief from the sweltering heat. Over the years, this humble concoction of shaved ice doused in colourful syrups has evolved into an art form, with vendors experimenting with various flavours, toppings, and presentations.

Talking to a vendor near Judges Bungalow Road, Ahmedabad. Nitish Jitendra shared, “We offer almost 30 plus flavours of golas, ranging from traditional mango to exotic Thailand emli and Cadbury chocolate.”

“Almost we are witnessing around 150 people right now at night, and as Holi passes and exams of the students end, it rises up to 1000 people around,” added Rameshwar, an Ice Gola vendor. “In the beginning process of making Baraf Gola is a simple yet skillful one. As people are shifting nowadays towards chocolate made Ice Gola because after adding chocolate in it, it becomes a more stomach-filling dessert.”

“Baraf Gola is more than just a frozen treat; it’s a cultural phenomenon deeply ingrained in the fabric of Ahmedabad’s culinary landscape,” emphasised Raghav, 26, a regular patron.

“It brings us together, fostering a sense of community as friends and families gather around street vendors to enjoy this cooling delight,” remarked Vishal, 20, a student from Gujarat University.

“Our Baraf Golas are favourite among every class of society as it starts from 60 rupees to 2000 rupees,” said Ramesh, another vendor. “Baraf Gola isn’t just a treat; it’s a time machine back to my childhood summers. Right now I am living in Bangalore. I miss the taste of Ahmedabad’s Ice Golas” expressed Muskan, 28, a software Engineer.

“One bite of Baraf Gola, and I’m transported to the streets of Ahmedabad, surrounded by laughter and the aroma of colourful syrups, As I live in Gota, I prefer to go to my nearest place, which is Laxmi Ice Gola, and it is affordable as it starts from 40 rupees to 250 rupees.” shared Rahul, 22, Student.

“In a city where the sun reigns supreme, Baraf Gola is our knight in shining armour, rescuing us from the summer heat one icy bite at a time,” expressed Priya, 19, a college student.

While discussing public health concerns, Dr. Bhavin Solanki from the AMC Health Department emphasised, “We check regularly that vendors are using good water, as many are using RO water and mineral water to ensure it won’t affect the citizens’ health. After checking them, AMC allocates them a licence to run their product in the market. But one must look after the temperature of their body, as coming from a hot atmosphere, one must wait to normalise their temperature and then go for any ice or cold item for consumption.”

“Ahmedabad’s summers are incomplete without a visit to our favourite Baraf Gola vendor. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a tradition we eagerly anticipate each year,” reflected Vikram, 40, a pharmacist.

“As the temperatures soar, Baraf Gola becomes our communal oasis, where friends gather, memories are made, and the heat is conquered with every flavorful spoonful,” Neha, 29, a corporate employee.

Baraf Gola stands as more than just a frozen treat; it’s a symbol of Ahmedabad’s resilience in the face of summer’s scorching heat, uniting people from all walks of life in a shared appreciation for its icy sweetness.

By Ankit Pandey feedback@ankitpandey@gmail.com