Today the capital of Gujarat is Gandhinagar. The state has an amazing variety of topography ranging from deep green dense forests to white salt plains. More than 1500km of coastline is developed and is an entry point for international trade with the Middle East, Europe and the rest of the world. The water bodies on the coasts are home to some unique species. The flora and fauna of the state are devised so beautifully and geographically, that some of the special animal species like lions and tigers are only present in the state.

The state is the amalgamation of vast and varied culture, people, places, traditions, festivals and history due to outside influences. With every new invader, a new entrant came various ritual practices, cuisines, style of dressing, fairs and festivals, celebrations became a part of this amazingly diverse and beautifully wholesome state. This was possible because of the amount and variety of trade, commerce, the composition of the people, skills of the population, some geographical factors, and the human desire and ability to accept every viewpoint calmly.

Major cities of the state are Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Bhuj, Junagarh, Jamnagar.

Major ports are Kandla, Mandvi, Mundra, Sikka, Okha, Porbandar, Veraval, Bhavnagar, Salaya, Pipavav, Mahuva, Jafrabad, Hazira.

The religious composition of the state is Hindu 88.57%, Muslims 9.67%. Christian 0.52%, Sikh 0.10%, Buddhist 0.05%, Jain 0.96%, others 0.13%

The forest area of Gujarat is not much diversified because of meagre rainfall. The major types of plantations are babul acacias, capers, Indian jujubes, and toothbrush bushes (Salvadora persica-Daatun). In some parts teak, catechu (cutch), axle wood, and Bengal kino (butea gum) are also found. The state also produces valuable timbers, Malabar simal, and haldu. The major

Gir National Park, one of the highlights of not just the state but also India in the southwestern region of the Kathiawar Peninsula, contains rare Asiatic lions and endangered Indian wild asses. The Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, near Ahmedabad, is a migratory spot for Siberian species and birds throughout winters. The Rann of Kachchh is India’s only ground for the greater flamingo.

The main occupation of Gujarat is agriculture, Population here is also involved in fishing activities, craft and art, flora and fauna management, diamond and textile industries. Gujarat is the main supplier of tobacco, groundnut and cotton in India.

The Folk Music and dance forms are energetic and give a flavour of the traditional values of the history and rituals of the country and state. The basic Indianness is elaborated with every song, dance performance. There is a range of instruments to create such smooth music like Manjira, Zanz pot drum, Dhol, Ravan Hatha, Jantar and others. The four main forms of dance are Dandiya Raas, Garba, Padhar and Garbi.

The cow is not considered an animal here but a mother, who must be devoted and held with great esteem. All rituals are performed by the highest-ranked Brahmins, as per the varna system of Hindu mythology. Society is an integral part here. People are very much connected and share the features of fraternity and brotherhood. The people accept the differences and indulge in new ways of doing business and celebrating. The state is also the leader in sustaining and nurturing the idea of an operational flood, the white revolution which aimed to create India the largest producer of Milk in the world. AMUL, a brand from the state is responsible for the same.

The Fairs and Festivals of the state are vibrant enough for thousands of people to flock around Gujarat to enjoy Navratri Mahotsav, Deepavali, Ratha Yatra, and Patang Utsav( Makar Sankranti). Shamlaji Melo, Bhadra Purnima Mela, and Mahadev Mela. The festivals glorify the traditions and customs of the state and make it the most viable time to visit during these meals and festivals, that it increases the GDP of the state immensely. The desert festival is also one of the rarest and desired events of music, dance and natural beauty, serenity and interest.

The best vegetarian food is Gujarati cuisine which consists of roti, dal, rice, vegetables, salads, tea, chats and various sweet dishes. The appreciated and world-known food items are Dhokla, Phaphda, Khandvi, Undhiyu, dal dhokli, Dalwada, Khakhra, and Thepala, Jalebi. The taste is a mixture of sweet, spicy and sour, and is different according to regions. Chaniya Choli is a staple and traditional outfit for women, especially during the Garba and Navratri festivals. The grace and longing via these dance forms and the outfit increase the smoothness to the eye and is candy to the eye at times. The Silver Pachchikam Jewelry from Kutch completes the personality. The Gujrati cinema, the depiction of stories and the richness of their inner culture of the society is highly acknowledged.

2. Resources and power

• Limestone, manganese, gypsum, calcite, and bauxite are found in abundance. ,
• Some deposits of lignite, quartz sand, agate, and feldspar also make the state rich in minerals.,
• The good quality of building stones of Porbandar are valuable products of the state
• Salt amounts to a significant portion of the national yield.
• Gujarat produces petroleum and natural gas.
• The energy and power are supplied by coal-gas-fueled thermal plants, followed by hydroelectric generators, wind farms. As the state has suitable temperature and environment for the same.

3. Manufacturing and labour

India’s manufacturing sector is dependent on the industries from the state like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and polyester textiles. There are various factories, plants and large oil refineries which mark the Gdp of Gujarat and at the same time helps in the self-sufficiency of the nation. Vadodara, Ahmadabad, and Valsad are some of the important destinations for the industrial base. The other factors are favourable investments, availability of resources and power at the correct time and place at good rates, solid management, and labour skills and efficiency. The Gandhian approach of Non- vIolence, preaching of honesty, simple living, self-sustainability are still present in the labour force which directly impacts the smooth functioning of manufacturing, service and tertiary sectors.

4. Transportation

The good connectivity and the oriented functioning of rail-road-water-air transport are all available and have a good reputation too. The traffic and other hindrances have good solutions in the state.

5. Tourism

The state has many natural beauties, with various types of flora and fauna. There are many national parks, world-famous (Gir National Park) has Asiatic lions. The culture and tradition already attract the tourists of the country, but the lure is not limited to just that. There are interested candidates from all over the world, to get charmed by the beauty of the state.

6. Creative

There are various handcrafted products highly in demand with different usability. The different kinds of art forms are available with no. of different product lines. And on top of everything, festivals are too woven around them.