Gujarat, a state on the western coastline is known as the land of Gujarati’s and vastly famous for its sweet food varieties, but there are so many facts that you might be unaware of. Gujarat is a symbol of growth for India and you will know why. Don’t miss out on the chance of visiting this amazing state and book hourly booking hotels now.
1. It’s original name
Did you know the state wasn’t originally called Gujarat. Dating back to the Mahabharata period it was known as Anarchant, quite odd to be called Anarchant right. Well before being named Gujarat it was called Gujjar Pradesh, hence deriving from that Gujarat. In between it was also called Surat, Saurashtra and Kathiawad etc for a point of time.
2. God of Gujarat
India is a nation of deep religious values. So who did people of Gujarat follow? The mythology of this state reflects on Lord Krishna as passed down from Puranas. The popular dance form Garba is performed surrounding Lord Krishna’s raslila in the month of November.
3. Prosperity
With the fifth largest state economy Gujarat is one of the richest states with its per capita income 40 percent higher than average. Understandable being the second largest producer of crude oil in India and also rich in minerals.
4. Sardar Patel Statue
It houses the world's tallest statue 182 metre long of Sardar Vallabhbhaai Patel located on the banks of river Narmada in Kevadia, Gujarat. Inaugurated not so long ago on 31st October 2018 on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the iron man of India.
5. 17th King in Rajkot
Although monarchy doesn’t exist in India anymore, Mandhatasinh Jadeja was be crowned on 30th Jan, 2018 as the 17th King of the princely state of Rajkot. It is said to be done in honor of the tradition and to honor its dignity.
6. Business history
Gujarati’s are known to be entrepreneurs by blood dating back to the emergence of Agency houses at the time of British era. They have set up many businesses and turned them profitable in huge numbers. You might come across an end number of successful business man’s who are Gujarati. Speaking factually it is undeniable that Gujarati’s are business men/ women by blood.
7. Kite festival
Popularly celebrated and enjoyed by Gujarati’s Uttarayan (kite festival) is a Gujarat favorite festival. The sky is filled with beautiful colors of kites making it enjoyable and competitive at the same time for all. This festival marks the end of winters.
8. Popular snack
Gujarati’s enjoy food in the best way. Their meals are so scrumptious and snack-able that you just can’t stop eating them. One second you’re eating fafda and the other gathiya. Some famous snacks of the state are dhokla, farsan, khamad, handvi, fafda, jalebi, patra, gathiya etc. The list is endless.
9. Dry State
Gujarat is a hot temperature state but by dry I don’t mean whether but the fact that it is a non-alcoholic state and also the first state in imposing the ban. It also has the maximum number of vegetarian people.
10. First port of India
Being a commercial state itself housed India’s first port during the period of 1000 B.C to 750 B.C. India was connected with Egypt, Bahrain and Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) through this port at that time.
11. Rann of Kutch
The pride of Gujarat has the world’s largest white salt desert spread over 3500 kilometre square. It is a heavily visited tourist spot with awesome celebrations taking place there. Stay there is managed by tents mounted which gives all the vibes a traveler could want for.
12. Suart, The Diamond city
In terms of per capita income Surat is one of the richest cities in India with its wide operation in diamond cutting and polishing. It is also the cleanest city after Indore in India as per 2020 ranks which is a rank higher than the year before.
13. Lord Krishna’s Abode - Dwarka
Wondering Lord Krishna’s home, well it was situated here in Dwarka. Said to be in existence 10,000 years back but later destroyed by Mahmud Shah and eventually rebuilt. It was the home of Krishna after he defeated his uncle Kansa at Mathura.
14. Asiatic Lions
Situated in western Gujarat the Gir national park and wildlife sanctuary spread across 1421 kilometre square houses Asia’s only Asiatic lions. According to census 2017 there 650 of these lions only left.
15. Greenest capital city
Gandhinagar is not only the capital of Gujarat but also the greenest capital city in Asia. Named after Mahatma Gandhi, it's also the second planned city of India after Chandigarh. Although Gandhinagar wasn’t always the capital of Gujarat it was Ahmedabad from 1960 to 1970 after which it became Gandhinagar.
16. Largest coastline
The cost line area is the largest in India spread across 1600 kilometres. Home to a lot of beaches and a tourism advantage.
17. Safest state
Gujarat is also the safest state for women with crime rate against women being second least after Goa. Making it a comfortable living and working environment for females.
18. Largest milk producer
Gujarat is known to be the largest producer of milk in India. Making home for one of the largest factories Amul which now specializes in all sorts of dairy products with quality being its best asset and marketer.
The fifth largest state in India, what all did you know about it? The next time you visit, book hourly booking hotels. Don’t let anyone fact shame you and you will be knowledgeable about where you are going.