For avid Pokémon GO enthusiasts located in or around Mumbai, the Phoenix Palladium Mall is the place to be on March 30, 2025. This marks a historic moment as the city celebrates the inaugural GO City Safari, the first of its kind in India, with the mall hosting an exciting Pokémon fiesta.
Attendees can expect a variety of engaging activities, including prize giveaways, a social media contest, a captivating stamp hunt, and much more.
Having spent about four to five hours at the event today, I emerged feeling thrilled and optimistic about the future of Pokémon GO’s physical events in India.
Exciting Beginnings: Pokémon GO City Safari Mumbai
Event Setup and Atmosphere
Invited by Niantic, I arrived in Mumbai early on March 29, 2025, eager to kick off festivities at the first-ever GO City Safari in the subcontinent. The turnout was impressive, drawing trainers from across the country, much to my delight.
As I stepped out of the cab, a large, inflatable Pikachu greeted me. The courtyard of the mall was adorned with in-game inspired installations, including PokéStops and Gyms, along with vibrant banners representing the game’s three factions. Cutouts of faction leaders enhanced the festive atmosphere.
Photo opportunities abounded, with the giant Pikachu near the stage being a particular favorite among guests. Many attendees wore Pikachu-themed headbands, adding to the cheerful ambiance.
Activities and Rewards
Various booths staffed by enthusiastic helpers offered information on social media campaigns and the ongoing stamp hunt. Among the activities, a game involved pitching PokeBalls at cardboard Pokémon cutouts to earn stickers; hitting three or more would yield a surprise hidden sticker—I managed to snag a Kingdra!
The social media initiative encouraged participants to follow the official Pokémon India Instagram account and share a specific post. Although this type of promotion is common, it held some appeal, especially with the incentive of a charming Captain Pikachu key ring.
As part of the stamp hunt, participants were instructed to visit three designated locations around the mall to collect stamps featuring the three Paldean starters—Fuecoco, Sprigatito, and Quaxly. While I anticipated needing to confirm the starter names, that requirement wasn’t enforced.
Although the rewards included basic stickers and a pencil, I found myself valuing the stamped page far more.
Festivities and Special Guests
During my visit, I had the pleasure of conversing with Sundarraman Ramalingam, the India Manager at Niantic Inc., and Rafael Siregar, Head of APAC Emerging Markets for Pokémon GO (expect exclusive details soon!). I then explored the event deeper.
The impressive crowd took me by surprise. While I anticipated attendance from trainers outside Mumbai, the large turnout, including those dressed in traditional sarees and kurtas, capturing Mudbrays and Pikachus, filled me with joy. It’s clear that Niantic is committed to bolstering engagement in the subcontinent.
Event highlights included stage appearances from PokeDaxi and YuriGames, with Pokémon fans capturing memories with influencers. Tomorrow is set to feature appearances by The Trainer Club and ZoeTwoDots. Additionally, giveaways like Mumbai Indians signed bats, IPL match tickets, and jerseys created excitement.
Initially, I viewed the giveaways as a strategy to attract local participants, but they turned out to be cleverly structured. Rewards were given to five trainers who caught the most Mudbrays, Pikachus in traditional attire, and so forth, thus directly rewarding those who actively participated.
This thoughtful approach to engaging the audience created a delightful atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience and steering away from the usual random giveaways that often leave participants disappointed.
Conclusion: A Memorable Celebration
To wrap up the day, we held a Pokémon quiz with five questions and five lucky winners selected from the audience, who received goodie bags and the chance to photograph with Pikachu in traditional attire.
Having already done so at a previous event, I opted out of this opportunity but thoroughly enjoyed the festive interactions surrounding me.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Future for In-Person Events
Niantic executed India’s first City Safari Event flawlessly, incorporating elements that celebrated Pokémon, its dedicated community, and the immersive experiences game fans cherish.
A particularly heartwarming moment came as I departed for my cab; I witnessed a trainer generously gifting their Pikachu headband to a young child whose parents seemed unaware of the event. While I may be embellishing the moment, it underscored the inclusive spirit of the day, attracting Pokémon enthusiasts of all ages.
Could Pokémon GO City Safari Mumbai mark a pivotal moment for live gaming events in India? I believe it holds immense potential, but only time will reveal its true impact.