Gujarati is the primary and official language of Gujarat. Majority of the people belong to Hinduism, while there are some significant percentages of people that belong to other religions like Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Islam. One will find that major population of Gujarat is vegetarian. All across the state, the Hindu people worship Lord Krishna as their principal deity and worship him in the form of Shri Nathji.  Gujarat is also known to be popular since it is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Swaminarayan who belonged to Hindu sect.

Ahmadabad has majority of Gujarati people who are of two kinds – Biharis and Marwaris. The other smaller communities which are commonly found in Ahmadabad are – Parsis, Punjabis, Malayalees, Konkanis, Maharashtrians, Tibetians, Jews, Greeks, Armenians, Anglo-Indian, Bengali, Assamese, Telugus, Oriyas, Nepalis, Tamils, South Koreans, and Portuguese. The community of South Korean traditionally worked in ran restaurants’ and local tanning industry. Another sect of people which is popular here is Sindhis.

About Gujarat and its Population

Gujarat is addressed as the sate of father of the nation owing to the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. This state has progressed rapidly as compared to other states of India. This state has witnessed tremendous growth with respect to revenue and infrastructure from various fields like technology and agriculture. The capital city of Gujarat is Gandhi Nagar. Lying on the western part of the country, Gujarat shares its boundaries with Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Apart from these states, Gujarat also shares its border with our neighboring nation Pakistan. Most of the regions of Gujarat are covered with dense deserts. The populace of Gujarat has witnessed a rapid rise in the past few years which is visible in Gujarat census 2011.

Religious Composition

As per the census date of 2011, the population of Gujarat was calculated to be 60,383,628. The density of populace is 308/km2 (797.6/sq mi), which is very low when compared to other states. The sex ratio of this state, as per the census data of 2011 is 918 girls for 1000 boys, which is ranked at 24th position amongst the 29 states of India. Nearly 89.1% of the populace in Gujarat belongs to Hindu religion while the Christians count to 0.5%, Sikhs 0.1%, Jains 1.0%, and Muslims 9.1% of the entire population. Amongst the Hindu population, Lord Krishna is worshipped as their prime deity.

Regions of Gujarat

Having the largest coastline in India, Gujarat is acknowledged for its historic capitals, holy temples and beaches that replete with impeccable hill resorts, wildlife sanctuaries and architectural assets. Gujarat is extremely exceptional with respect to its topographical and geological landscape. The culture, music, history, and art all dovetail within themselves forming a wondrous matrix which is a perfect cultural exuberance of different people of India.

North Gujarat

The most extensively excavated place of the Harappan culture Lothal which means Mound of the dead is situated in the north of Gujarat which reflects one side of the Indian culture. It provides an insight into the tale of Indus Valley Civilization, together with its disastrous decay and its exuberant flight. With an open heart, you can roam within the ruins of the ancient era while taking the assistance of local museum; let yourself to be moved to a world which was 4500 years ago. You can experience your mind’s eye, a palace which is on high while the crafts and artisans placed below, while the full of life dockyard which once extended to the entire world.

Southern Gujarat (Surat)

Satpura – Satpura is located in Sahyadri range, with the peak height of 1000m, Satpura which is a Dangi enclave earns this name from God of snake which is well-regarded by the tribal people while symbolizes – the home of serpents. Even though, this is the sole hill station in Gujarat, yet it is commercialized to minimum and is unspoiled. During the winter season, at the fall of dawn, one can trek towards the Gandhi Shikhar while the tributary of light, bathes in the pure stream over the undulating mountains together with the wandering birds, into an exceptional and mysterious dance of development.

Central Gujarat (Vadodara)

Dakor

Known for its mythological cauldron, Dakor is a popular city in Central Gujarat. Visiting this place is just like sipping a drink from the fabled waters. As per legends, a sage named Rishi Dank owned an ashram here and owing to this, the village and temple are named as Dakor or Dankpur while the ancient Danknath Mahadev Temple is situated near the banks of Gomti River. When you move towards this place from distant, you would see a winning flag on the elevated and exquisite shikhar of Ranchhodorai Dakor Temple which invites the pilgrims. On the night of full moon, each month, this temple awakens many visitors in its colorful festivity. Motivated by the ancient prodigy of Bodana, there are devotees who visit this temple even today. They come on bare foot from far off distances.

Saurashtra

Velvadar Black Buck Sanctuary & National Park – Taking an expedition all through Saurashtra, one will witness lions which can be found to be southwest of the neck of land in the Gir Forest. In this national park, one can find a sprawling land which spreads on the golden grasslands beneath the deep blue sky. One can see the black bucks or the spiral horned antelope roaming around in the grasses. Near to the coast, one can witness wet lands which are crowded with birds, while in the evening; the sea breeze blows up in the savannah region and then cools the things which had become hot under the sun.

Kutch

Bhuj links the individual to an assortment of civilizations together with significant events of the South Asian History. During the 4000 year old civilization of Kutch, this place has developed in its migratory and trading association with prehistoric civilizations like the Greece and Zanzibar, thereby fostering the exceptional ethnic blend of people and tradition in this region.

Taking a round in Bhuj, one would see the famous Hall of Mirrors which is nestled amid the Aina Mahal. You have different options here – like climbing the bell tower of Prag Mahal next door, strolling through the produce market, indulging yourself in famous and tempting Kutchi Pau Bhaji for lunch, examining the 2000 year old inscription of Kshatrapa which are found in Kutch Museum, admiring the sculptures of different characters of Ramayana at the step well of Ramakund, walking around the Hamirsar Lake while also watching the kids jump into it from the walls of the lake when the sun subsides in hot afternoon. One can also catch the sunset amid the chhatardis of the royal family of Kutchi in tranquil field which lies to the outside of the central town.

Social Development in Gujarat

No wonders that under the leadership of Narendra Bhai Modi, Gujarat has witnessed a remarkable development and growth. The social systems of learning together with the religious practices and kinds of artistic expressions have led their way to much balanced social development in Gujarat. The natives of Gujarat can be found to be extremely sharing with respect to their cultural patterns and traits together with other regions that extend beyond the national boundaries and lead to social development.

Gujarat Religions

Gujarat is said to be the birth land of Swaminarayan and Mahatma Gandhi ji who belonged to the Hindu sect. This fact ultimately contributes to the reason as to why Hinduism is the popular religion here. Lord Krishna even built his kingdom here which too contributes to the religious and cultural beliefs of the people living here. There are prominent numbers of Parsi Zoroastrians as a large number of trade practices were performed in Gujarat during the old times.

Quick Demographical Facts

Literacy Ratio: 61.29 (increasing with time)

Languages Spoken: Hindi, Gujarati, English

Best Time to visit: October to March

Quick Facts about Gujarat Fairs and Festivals: Celebrating the harvest times, Navratri is one of the most popular festivals celebrated here.

Quick Facts about How to Reach Gujarat: Gujarat has 10 domestic airports together with an international airport located in Ahmadabad. Majority of the domestic airlines operate regularly to and from Ahmadabad while connects it to the rest of India.