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Culture of Vadodara

Vadodara is a major cosmopolitan city of India also known as Sanskari Nagari. Sanskari Nagari implies culture, which means that Vadodara is a city which is culturally sound and traditions are followed here till date. The city also boasts of a rich glorious past which captivates tourists from all over the globe. It is also a sought after commercial city of Gujarat and the industrial capital of the state. The traditional culture of Vadodara is a trademark of exemplary lifestyle and culture of Gujarat. The city flourished during the reign of the Gaekwad rulers and emerged as a great city in India. It was given several names prior to the current name, Vadodara, such as Chandravati, Vadpatra, Viravati, etc. Culture is a legacy for the people of Vadodara.

The location of the city is also an added advantage for the growth and development in a big way. The residents of Vadodara lead a hectic and full-fledged cultural life all through the year.

Culture of Vadodara

People of Vadodara

Although, Vadodara composes of different identities and people of different regions, religions and castes, still every activity and festivity and equivalently rejoiced and witnessed by everyone. The culture of the city is however, progressive, dynamic and extant. Vadodara has people from all parts of India and the world owing to the rapid and charismatic industrialization and academic excellence. The eastern part of the city is the old city, which is loaded with flea markets and small wooden houses where a number of people reside. It is a crowded part of Vadodara.

People of Vadodara are socially quite active and there are a number of ways by which they entertain themselves. Vadodara is not known for its nightlife, but there are a few places to hang out in the city. Some of the essential sources of entertainment in Vadodara flamboyant malls, classy multiplexes, lounges and bars, cushy coffee joints, exquisite restaurants, fast food eateries, discotheques and night clubs to rock through the night.

Historical Sites adding to Culture of Vadodara

Vadodara is a medium-sized city comprising of palaces, forts, museums, gardens, temples and historic remains preserved till now. Some of the prominent sites of historic significance include Pratap Vilas Palace, Vadodara Museum, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, Nazar Baug Palace, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Jubilee Gardens, Sayaji Baug and Lal Baug. It is also acclaimed for its music, dance, arts and education due to the flabbergasting work of Maharaja Sayaji Rao III under his rule. Fairs and festivals also are a dominant attraction in Vadodara due to the vigor and enthusiasm of the locals.

Festivals Celebrated in Vadodara

Festivals in Vadodara are an integral expression of the culture and society of the city. People of this city are secular in natural and the saying ‘unity in diversity’ holds true for this magnificent city. All the festivals are lionized by grand celebrations and full spirit and energy of the locals. Some of the renowned ones are Holi, Diwali, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Christmas, New Year and Id. There is no difference in the enthusiasm and grandeur by people. The people are cheerful and high on life during these festivals and the city is full of entertainment and fervor during these days.

Navratri Celebrations in Vadodara: Navratri is the most dominant festival in Vadodara and all over Gujarat which is celebrated for nine days continuously. During, these days, the inmates of the city perform Garba, a popular folk dance of Gujarat, followed by Dandiya in the evenings which go on through the nights. Goddess Durga is worshipped during this festival. The festival commences between October and November and people religiously fast during the day in this period. The main highlights of this festival are food, music and fairs selling handicrafts and ethnic wear.

Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti in Vadodara: Another significant festival celebrated in Vadodara is Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. This festival celebrates the dispersal of the sun into the northern hemisphere. People wear new clothes, relish delicacies, drink and rejoice the festival. Kite flying is also a major part of this festival and is a ceremony performed by most of the people living in Vadodara.

Religions in Vadodara

In Vadodara, the primary religion followed by the people is Hinduism, which accounts for 85% of the population of the city. Islam is the next popular religion practiced in the city, constituting the 12% of the total population. Jews and Christians fill in the remaining 3% of the population.

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