Ahmedabad

Situated in the heart of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, India’s first world heritage city has a character like no other, defined by a spirit of enterprise. Although Ahmedabad is a bustling metropolitan with reputed institutes and a rapidly growing economy, it is also deeply rooted in tradition. The city is known for its association with Mahatma Gandhi and in addition to a complex maze of neighbourhood called pols, hosts some of the country’s finest medieval Islamic Architecture. The city of Ahmedabad was formerly known as Ashawal of Asha Bhil; Karnavati of Karandev, Ahamdabad of Sultan Ahmed Shah, Rajnagar, the capital of Jainism, a politico-cultural city of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel and Amdavad of ‘Amdavadis’. The Britishers spelled it as Ahmedabad and it became internationally known as Ahmedabad. But in vernacular language, it became popular as Amdavad and all the Gujaratis know it as Amdavadis. The citizens are known as Amdavadis across the world.

There are a plethora  of temples, mosques and other pilgrim spots in the city. Among all, one spot glaringly draws our attention, which is none other than Sabarmati Ashram, offered to the nation by Gandhiji, his humble residence known as Hridaykunj. The period in which he lived here is Known as the Gandhi-Era. The seeds of prosperity of the city were sown by Sheth Ranchhodlal Chhotalal by establishing the first textile mill in the city. As a result, the city became an industrial town and the machine-age began in Ahmedabad. Once known as Manchester of India, today Ahmedabad is famous as the biggest industrial capital of Gujarat. The Mahajan tradition, started by a sheriff, Sheth Shantidas Zaveri, was preserved and continued by another leading industrialist Sheth Kasturbhai Lalbhai. Sheth Kasturbhai and many others have contributed substantially in making the city prosperous. Sahajanand Swami established Swaminarayan temple in Kalupur, located at the heart of the city. The artistic wood work of the temple is famous globally. The kite loving people of the city celebrate Navratri festival joyfully and with great fervor. Rathyatra, the chariot procession of Jagannath temple, is again the pride of the city. The musical programmes arranged under the auspices of ‘Saptak’  is enjoyed by music lovers from across the country.