Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar to Host Weddings and Social Events
The Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre (MMCC), located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is set to expand its usage beyond government and corporate events to include weddings, religious gatherings, and other social functions. This strategic shift aims to optimize the venue's potential and position Gujarat as a premier destination for high-end weddings.
From Global Summits to Grand Weddings
Historically, the MMCC has been the prestigious venue for the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global Summits (VGGS), attracting world leaders and business elites. However, a senior government official noted that the centre remains underutilized for much of the year due to existing policies restricting rentals to government and corporate events only. "Mahatma Mandir has attained significant brand recall as a top venue in Gujarat over the years, but it's largely idle outside major events," the official explained.
Government's 'Wed in Gujarat' Initiative
This change aligns with the state government's broader 'Wed in Gujarat' programme, announced by Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai during the 2026-27 budget presentation. The project leverages Gujarat's diverse attractions—including its religious heritage, expansive coastline, desert landscapes, and iconic landmarks—to market the state as a culturally rich and visually stunning wedding destination.
Key locations to be promoted under this initiative include:
- Somnath Temple
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Ambaji Temple
- Statue of Unity
- Rann Utsav
- Shivrajpur Beach
Venue Specifications and Advantages
Spread over 34 acres in Sector 13 of Gandhinagar, the MMCC is one of India's largest convention centres, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 215 crore and inaugurated in 2011. It offers:
- A main hall with a seating capacity of 10,000
- Additional halls with a combined capacity of another 10,000
- Extensive parking facilities
- Proximity to the airport and Ahmedabad city
An official highlighted, "The MMCC provides all essentials for destination weddings, making it ideal for events in any season." Moreover, as a government asset, rental rates are expected to be more affordable compared to private venues, though specific details are still being finalized.
Marketing and Management Strategy
To execute this transition, the Leela Group, which manages the MMCC, has been tasked with developing a comprehensive marketing strategy. The state government will aggressively brand the centre as an iconic wedding destination, aiming to attract high-end wedding events from across India and internationally. This effort is part of a unified branding strategy that curates religious, coastal, and heritage circuits to showcase Gujarat's traditions, hospitality, and architectural splendour.
Sources indicate that this move is designed to not only boost venue utilization but also enhance Gujarat's tourism and economic profile through curated wedding experiences.
