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'{{Copyedit|date=October 2009}}{{Refimprove|date=October 2009}} {{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction | native_name = Gandhinagar | other_name = | type = capital | latd = 23.22 | longd = 72.68 | locator_position = right | skyline = SACHIVALAY_PANORAMA.jpg | skyline_caption = Panorama of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly | state_name = Gujarat | district_name = [[City of Gandhinagar|Gandhinagar]] and [[talukas|3 talukas]] | altitude = 81 | population_as_of = 2008 | population_total = 2195891 | area_total = 177 | area_telephone = 079 | postal_code = 382010 | vehicle_code_range = GJ-18 | civic_Administration = GNR Notified Area,GUJ Capital Project Devisions }} '''Gandhinagar''' {{audio|Gandhinagar.ogg|pronunciation}} ([[English language|English]]: Gandhinager [[Hindi language|Hindi]]: गांधीनगर [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]: ગાંધીનગર ) is the capital of the state of [[Gujarat]]. ==History== {{Unreferenced section|date=October 2009}} In the 13th century, King Pethasinh of [[Pethapur]], ruled over Shertha town. After the death of Pethasinh, the Sultanate of Patan used this land as battle ground. [[Ahmed Shah of Gujarat|Sultan Ahmed Shah]] decided to move his capital from Patan to a new city, and built [[Ahmedabad]]. In 1960, [[Bombay]] state was split in two different states, [[Gujarat]] and [[Maharashtra]]. Ahmedabad became capital of Gujarat, and a new capital city was to be built on land which was once part of Pethapur state. The city's infrastructure was planned by [[Louis Kahn]], along with two Indian subplanners, H.K. Mewada and Prakash Apte. Its streets are numbered, and have cross streets named for [[Hindi]] tiwords like क , ख , ग , घ , च , छ , ज . All streets cross every kilometre, and at every crossing traffic circles decrease the speed of traffic. The city has developed in four distinct phases: *Phase 1: After the city's infrastructure was completed in 1970, and until 1980, it was known as 'Gandhian City,' since it was based on Gandhiji's concepts and principles. *Phase 2: Between 1980 and 1990, a time of low pollution, it was known as 'Unpolluted City'. *Phase 3: After 1990, many trees were planted, and the city became known as the 'Green City.' *Phase 4: After the [[2002 Gujarat violence|2002 riots]], Gujarat's [[Chief Minister]], [[Narendra Modi]], proposed a new, triple focus for the city: it should be green, it should utilize solar enerty, and it should be cosmopolitan. == Geography == [[File:Cosmomap.jpg|thumb|left|Gujarat Capital Territory]] Gandhinagar has an average elevation of 81&nbsp;metres (265&nbsp;feet). The city sits on the banks of the River Sabarmati, in north-central-East Gujarat. The 20,543&nbsp;km² Area Around Gandhinagar is defined by Gujarat capital Territory.It spans an area of 205&nbsp;km² (79.15 square miles). The Sabarmati frequently dries up in the summer, leaving only a small stream of water. == Climate == {{climate chart |Gandhinagar |11.7|28.4|2.6 |13.8|31.3|1.1 |18.8|36.0|1.0 |23.4|39.9|0.9 |26.2|41.8|6.0 |27.0|38.4|108.7 |25.7|33.3|265.3 |24.8|31.9|219.8 |24.1|33.4|171.9 |20.9|35.8|10.8 |16.5|33.2|8.9 |13.0|29.8|2.6 |source=<ref>http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/ahmedabad1.htm IMD</ref> |float=right |clear=none }} Gandhinagar has a monsoon climate with three main seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Other than during Monsoon the climate is generally dry and Hot. The weather is Very hot from March to June when the maximum temperature stays in the range of 36&nbsp;[[Celsius|°C]] (97&nbsp;[[Fahrenheit|°F]]) and 42&nbsp;[[Celsius|°C]] (108&nbsp;[[Fahrenheit|°F]]), and the minimum in the range of 19&nbsp;°C (66&nbsp;°F) and 27&nbsp;°C (81&nbsp;°F). It is cool but never Really cold From November to February , the average maximum temperature is around 29&nbsp;°C (85&nbsp;°F), the average minimum is 14&nbsp;°C (57&nbsp;°F), and the climate is extremely dry. The southwest [[monsoon]] brings a humid climate from mid-June to mid-September.<ref>{{ cite web |publisher = Yahoo! Inc. |title = Gandhinagar Weather - Records and Averages |url=http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/INXX0048_f.html |accessdate=2006-09-04 }}</ref> The average annual rainfall is around 803.4&nbsp;mm (32&nbsp;inches). == Demographics == {{As of|2001}} India [[census]],<ref>{{GR|India}}</ref> Gandhinagar had a population of 195,891. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Gandhinagar has an average literacy rate of 87.11%,: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 73%. In Gandhinagar, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. Gandhinagar has population of above 21.5 lacs as per 2008 census. == Economy == <!--section spoke only of the economy of Gujarat, besides a general and unverified word of praise about the city--> === Infocity === The Infocity: Information Technology (IT) park project is developed based on the concept of "A City within a city" and a 24/7 work culture, which provides build-up space, IT plots, residential units, club-house and lifestyle facilities, educational facilitates.<ref name="theinfocity.net">http://www.theinfocity.net/creative-infocity/about-infocity-project.html</ref> The Infocity is global ITeS outsourcing hub in Gujarat, India provides world-class infrastructure to BPO, KPO, software development and other ITeS outsourcing companies. It is strategically developed on a prime area of 150 acres in the greenest Capital City in Asia - Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. between the national capital Delhi and the financial capital Mumbai, both reachable in one hour of flight time. On a most desirable location in the fastest growing knowledge corridor of Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar region (with 6 million+ population), Infocity is conveniently located on National Highway 8, connecting New Delhi and Mumbai, and is a 10–15-minute drive from the Ahmedabad International and Domestic airport via a six-lane express way. The project has also received the award for best conceptualized IT Park in India. Infocity is all geared up to meet with the demand for next phase of IT, BPO and Life sciences growth by offering cost advantage both in real state infrastructure as well as large potentially untapped human resource pool in the state of Gujarat. ===Technology innovation at lightning speed=== The next generation technology is going to be based at Gandhinagar Infocity. It is not only going to be the heart of high tech businesses and software industry of India but also going to give tough competition to the silicon valley. Gandhinagar Infocity is a heart of software industry of india. Hundreds of high technology companies are headquartered in infocity; among those, the few are in the Fortune 1000. Befitting its heritage, Gujarat infocity is home to the high-tech companies targeting to make notable contribution in software industry. Infocity Gandhinagar has an IT infrastructure project, based on the concept of "A City within a city" and a 24/7 work culture. Developed on 116 acres, Infocity provides 4-mn sq ft of IT Built Up Space and supporting infrastructure and services.<ref name="theinfocity.net"/> === Software Technology Park of India === India’s rapidly growing strengths and capabilities in IT had given a confidence that Indian IT Industry will provide a great economic growth of global standing in the foreseeable future. Identifying IT as an area of focus, the Government of India had promulgated a policy in 1986 making “Software Exports, Software Development and services and Training” as an area of prime importance. Further identification of factors hindering the growth of the software industry by the Government led to the creation of Software Technology Park Scheme in order to encourage and enhance software exports from the country<ref name="gnr.stpi.in">http://www.gnr.stpi.in/</ref>. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) was established and registered as an autonomous society on 6 June 1991 under the Society Regulation Act 1860<ref name="gnr.stpi.in"/>, under the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and Information technology, Government of India<ref name="gnr.stpi.in"/>. === Gujarat International Finance-Tec City === Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Limited (GIFTCL) and Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited [[IL&FS]] signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with [[Cisco]] for the [[Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT)]] project in presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi<ref>http://deshgujarat.com/2009/06/03/gandhinagars-gift-city-takes-off-mou-with-cisco/</ref>. The Capital of Gujarat has emerged as one of the fastest growing regions in the country. In addition to housing one of the largest manufacturing bases in India, Gujarat also accounts for a disproportionately large share of the investor and entrepreneurial population in the country. Recognizing the potential of the state as a centre for the financial services industry, the government of Gujarat formulated GIFT as a mega project to realize this vision. Thus, land (initially 550 acre) in Administrative Capital of the State has been allotted for the development of a Central Finance and Business District (CFBD)<ref name="indianskyscraperblog.wordpress.com">http://indianskyscraperblog.wordpress.com/2007/12/09/gandhinagar-gujarat-international-finance-tec-city-gift-400m-80-fl-310m-x-2-200m-x-10-app/</ref><ref>http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/gift-developed-jointly-by-gudcilfs-at-gandhinagar_289701.html</ref>. GIFT is conceptualized as a global financial and IT services hub. GIFT is developed as India's first major supertall CBD project that is designed to be the focal point of India’s booming financial services market-comprehensive infrastructure, power, verticalized office space, and a well designed, planned and expandable urban form. Its strong proximity and infrastructure connectivity with Mumbai ensures that mutually beneficial development occurs between the two metros<ref name="indianskyscraperblog.wordpress.com"/>. GIFT is designed as an environmentally friendly development that will have the lowest per capital energy consumption of any Indian metro. The project itself will have a green area covering 65% of the total land, in large part due to the number of skyscrapers.<ref name="indianskyscraperblog.wordpress.com"/> == Governance and Politics == {{See|Districts of Gujarat|Chief Ministers of Gujarat}} On [[1960-05-01]], Gujarat was created out of the 17 northern [[district]]s of former [[State of Bombay]]. These districts were further subdivided later on. There are 25 administrative [[district]]s in the state (as of 2006). Gandhinagar is a politics hub for the state of gujrat. Sri L.k. Advani is Present Elected member for 19 years from Gandhinagar seat in Loksabha Election.<ref>http://www.indiaelections.co.in/7861648/mp-elections-mallika-sarabhai-to-contest-against-advani/</ref> Unlike Other Cities , Gandhinagar Has it's own Administrative body 'The Capital Project devision' Created by Government of Gujrat in 1965AD for Balanced & Deciplinate System in Gandhinagar capital City. Gujarat is governed by a [[Legislative Assembly]] of 182 members. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) are elected on the basis of adult suffrage from one of 182 constituencies, of which 13 are reserved for [[Scheduled Castes and Tribes|scheduled caste]]s and 26 for [[scheduled tribe]]s. The term of office for a member of the Legislative Assembly is five years. The Legislative Assembly elects a speaker, who presides over the meetings of the legislature. A governor is appointed by the [[President of India]], and is Assembly, and to address the House after every general election and the commencement of each year's first session of the Legislative Assembly. The leader of the majority party or coalition in the legislature (Chief Minister) or his or her designee acts as the Leader of the Legislative Assembly. The administration of the state is led by the Chief Minister. Gujarat is one of the most politically conservative state in India. Both the ruling BJP and Congress in Gujarat are far more conservative than in the national scene. After gaining independence in 1947, the [[Indian National Congress]] party (INC) ruled the [[Bombay state]] (which included present-day Gujarat and [[Maharashtra]]). Congress continued to govern Gujarat after the state's creation in 1960. During and after India's [[State of Emergency in India|State of Emergency]] of 1975-1977, public support for the Congress Party eroded, but it continued to hold government until 1995. In the 1995 Assembly Polls, the Congress lost to the [[BJP]] and [[Keshubhai Patel]] came to power. His Government lasted only 2 years. The fall of that government was provoked by a split in the BJP led by Shankersinh Vagheland has won most of the subsequent polls. In 2001, following the loss of 2 assembly seats in [[by-election]]s, Keshubhai Patel resigned and yielded power to [[Narendra Modi]]. The BJP retained a majority in the 2002 election, and Narendra Modi has since served as Chief Minister of the state. On [[1st June]], [[2007]], Narendra Modi became the longest serving Chief Minister of Gujarat<ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=87512 Modi becomes longest serving CM of Gujarat<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>http://in.news.yahoo.com/070606/43/6gpdc.html</ref>. Once again the polls (Dec'07) elected Bharatiya Janata Party. The BJP retained a majority once again in 2007 and [[Narendra Modi]] turned the ruler of the State, once again. == Transportation == [[Compressed natural gas|CNG]] auto-[[rickshaws]] are available. VTCOS CT-buses are available, maintained by Gandhinagar Notified Area (G.N.A). Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses provide transport in and outside the state. Gandhinagar is connected to [[Surat]],[[Mumbai]], and [[Navi Mumbai]] through [[National Highway 8A (India)|National Highway 8A]]. It is connected to [[Ahmedabad]] through [[National Highway 8C (India)|National Highway 8C (India)]]. === Metrolink express for Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad === The governing body of Gujarat decided to start Metrolink Express From Gandhinagar to Ahmedabad; the contract was awarded to Delhi Metrorail Corporation [[DMRC]].<ref>http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Transportation/Govt-lines-up-Rs-1-lakh-cr-for-Metro-projects/articleshow/4623402.cms</ref><ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/ahmedabad/Delhi-Metro-to-discuss-Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar-link/articleshow/4623473.cms</ref>. [[Delhi Metro]] carried out a pre-feasibility survey in 2004-05. In 2003, when the project was conceived, its cost was worked out at Rs 4,500 crore. {{Infobox Public transit |name = Gandhinagar Metro |image = |locale = Gandhinagar, [[India]] |transit_type = [[Rapid Transit]] |began_operation = |ended_operation = |system_length = |lines = 4 |vehicles = |stations = |ridership = |track_gauge = |reporting marks = |owner = |operator = }} The DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd) has already done its techno-feasibility study and submitted its report. Gujarat government has recently re-approached Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for a modified detailed project report (DRP) for a metro rail project in Ahmedabad.<ref>http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=340107</ref> The state government will set up a Rs 200 crore company for the execution of the project. The company is likely to be named the Metro Link Express for Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad (MEGA)<ref>http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_new-firm-to-speed-up-metro-in-ahmedabad_1252343</ref>. The following 4 corridors have been suggested by Delhi Metro *Corridor 1: North-South Line (Gandhinagar-Nabhoi-ONGC-Sabarmati-Ranip-Ashram Road-Paldi-Vishala; 34&nbsp;km) *Corridor 2: East-West Line (Thaltej-Gurukul-University-CG Road-Gandhi Bridge-Delhi Chakla-Dariyapur-Kalupur; 10&nbsp;km) *Corridor 3: SG Highway Line (Changodar-Sarkhej-Thaltej-Sola-Adalaj-Gandhinagar; 40&nbsp;km) *Corridor 4: Ring Road Line (Sarkhej-Vishala-Shivranjani-AEC-Akhbar nagar-Wadaj-Ranip-RTO-Subhas Bridge, 16.5&nbsp;km) === Railway and air services === Capital Railway Station is Recently Developed by [Capital project Devision & Gandhinagar Road & Building Department]. Somnath - Jabalpur Express for [[Bhopal Junction]], [[Jabalpur]], [[Ratlam]], [[Ujjain]], [[Saugor]], Jaipur-Bandra Garib Rath , Haridwar mail for [[Delhi]] and [[Haridwar]] and [[Shanti Express]] for [[Indore Junction BG]]. The Indian Railways transports are Available for Moving in Northern India & Eastern India From Kalol Railway Station. Sardar Patel International Airport provides Domestic and International flights. === City bus service === [[File:GandhinagarCityBus.jpg|thumb|right|Ccity bus service (GH 3 bus stop in the background).]] Gandhinagar got its own city bus service in August 2009. The city bus service is operated by VTCOS. <ref>www.vtcos.com</ref> In the first phase of city based transportation service, a total of eleven buses running on [[compressed natural gas]] have been allotted. Most city buses follow the route from Sector # 3 to Akshardham, which takes approximately an hour and a half to complete. === Bus-Rapid Transist System === '''Gandhinagar BRTS''' is a highly ambitious rapid transport system developed by Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) , recognizing that no single mode would cater to the mobility needs of the city and that ‘Bus’ forms the most critical segment of the public transport system in the Gandhinagar city. GIDB has thereby entrusted the system design task to [[CEPT University]]. A part of first corridor connecting Pirana to R.T.O. was opened to public on October 14 2009 by Chief Minister Narendra Modi.<ref name=Inauguration>{{cite web |publisher=Commissioner Information, Government of Gujarat |title=Chief Minister Dedicates “Jan Marg-B.R.T.S” to the Citizens of Ahmedabad |url=http://www.gujaratinteractive.net/?p=464 |accessdate=2009-10-14 }}</ref> Gandhinagar is a city having present population of 45&nbsp;[[lakh]]s (4.5&nbsp;million).<ref name=population>{{cite web |publisher=Census of India |title=Population Finder |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Population_Finder/Population_Finder.aspx?Name=Ahmadabad&Criteria=U |accessdate=2008-07-24 }}</ref>, which is likely to be 11 million by the year 2035. This would lead to agglomeration of surrounding settlements like [[kalol]] and other smaller villages, which ultimately increases the area of the city, which may become 1,000&nbsp;km² in the year 2035. Moreover, about 1/3rd of total as well as student population reside within walking distance from the proposed [[BRTS]] network. Thus, there is a growing need for greater accessibility to basic amenities and opportunities for mobility in the city. In such a state of rapid urbanization, it is very essential to have an efficient and rapid transit system, which will sustain and accelerate the growth of the city. In order to cater this future demand, the city and State Government has initiated a Plan for Integrated Public Transit System, in which Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is one of the components. This will facilitate the major mobility need of the people. In future, this system will get integrated with Gandhinagar Metro by the addition of two lines running through east to west and north to south. In addition, after the openings of Gandhinagar BRTS and Gandhinagar Metro, [[Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT)]] can be reached easily through multimodal mix of Rapid Transport Systems. Unlike other Indian BRTS projects, this project is on full-swing construction mode, and the system designs are quite similar to [[Curitiba]]'s [[Rede Integrada de Transporte]] and [[Bogota]]'s [[TransMilenio]] which are exceptionally better than [[Delhi BRTS]] and [[Pune BRTS]]. Phase 1 will include 50 buses and 30 stations (which may increase to 58 stations as per subsequent discussions). Phase 2 will bring the total number of buses to 280 and the total number of stations to 170. Kaizen’s role also includes provision of end-to-end operations and maintenance support to AJL as far as AFC is concerned. == Industries == The [[Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation]] oversees the planning of industrial facilities and areas, and the appropriate infrastructure. Notable corporations in Gandhinagar include [[Avaya]] Global Connect. == Famous Places == *[[Akshardham Temple]]-A unique symbol of Hinduism<ref name="travelmasti.com">http://www.travelmasti.com/domestic/gujarat/gandhinagar.htm</ref> *Swaminarayan Dham *Deer Park *Legislative Assembly *Infocity - IT Adventure of Gujarat<ref name="theinfocity.net"/> *Punit Van - A Botanical garden including walking track, developed by Gandhinagar Administration *Gandhinagar Townhall and Central Library<ref name="travelmasti.com"/>, SECTOR-17 *Sarita Udyan<ref name="travelmasti.com"/> *Jain Temple of Borij *Dholeshwar Mahadev Temple *Amarnath Dham *Jakshini Devi Temple *Trimandir *Misselenious Church, Sector-30 *Craftmen's Village<ref name="travelmasti.com"/> *City Garden & Children amusement park, SECTOR-28 *Central Vista Garden & GH-4 Circle Fountain *Adalaj Stepwell<ref>http://www.gujaratplus.com/web/gujarat/cities/gandhinagar.html</ref> == Education == Schools in Gandhinagar are affiliated with the [[Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board]] and [[Central Board]]. Under the (10+2 Plan), students complete ten years of schooling, and then enroll in Higher Secondary School, where they choose from one of three streams: [[liberal arts|Arts]], [[Commerce]] or [[Science]]. Which is then followed by either a general degree course in a chosen field of study, or a professional degree course, such as [[law]], [[engineering]], [[medicine]] etc. Government Of Gujarat Has Developed Knowledge Corridor in Gandhinagar Region. Maximum Institutes are Available in Gandhinagar region.There are All Streams Colleges & institutes Available in City Including Major part of National & International Institutes & Universities in Gujarat, They Are listed Below. * Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information & Communication Technology * [[National Institute of Design]] * National Institute Of Fashion Technology * Gujarat National Law University<ref>www.gnlu.ac.in </gallery></ref> * Gujarat Forenscic Science University * School of Solar Energy<ref>http://sse.pdpu.ac.in/academics.html</ref> * Central University Of Gujarat * Bapu Gujarat Knowledge Village * International Institute Of Fashion Design * Indian Institute Of Technology<ref>http://www.iitgn.ac.in/</ref> * Institute of Plasma Research<ref>http://www.ipr.res.in/</ref> * Institute of Advance Research<ref>http://www.iiar.res.in/</ref> * [[LDRP Institute of Technology and Research]] * National Institute Of Communication management * Bhaskaracharya Institute Of Geo - Informatics * Institute Of Hotel Management * Pandeet Deen Dayal Petroleum University<ref>http://www.pdpu.ac.in/</ref> * Institute Of Liberal Studies - PDPU Campus<ref>http://sls.pdpu.ac.in/academics.html</ref> * Institute Of Petroleum Technology<ref>http://www.iptg.ac.in/btech.html</ref> * School of Nuclear Energy - PDPU Campus<ref>http://sne.pdpu.ac.in/</ref> * Institute Of Petroleum Management<ref>http://www.ipmg.ac.in/mba_programme.html</ref> * Industrial Training Institute<ref>http://www.itigandhinagar.org.in/</ref> == Food == Gujarati food is a vegetarian gourmand's dream come true<ref name="newkerala.com">http://www.newkerala.com/states-of-india/gujarat.php</ref>. It is a vegetarian wonder with complete nutrition derived from leafy vegetables prepared in innumerable variations and subtly flavored with spices. Simple, practical, down-to-earth and wholesome, Gujarati food truly reflects the heart of the state. Gujarati food is primarily vegetarian, the main reason for which is the Jain and Buddhist influences. However, the goodness of millet, yogurt, buttermilk, coconut, groundnut, sesame seeds and jaggery makes sure that this non-meat food is not lacking in proteins. == Arts & Culture == There are four groups of people who came to inhabit this land at different points of time and now form the majority here<ref name="newkerala.com"/>. Jats came from a place in Iran called Half (to be known latter as Jat) and they were herders by occupation. Around five hundred years ago they came to Kutch and Sind in search of new grazing pastures and settled there. Those who joined agriculture called themselves Garasia Jats and those who continued their ancestral occupation were known as Dhanetah Jats, and those who chose to study the Koran became Fakirani Jats. The Harijan is the name given by Mahatma Gandhi to the Meghwals, who originally came from Marwar in Rajasthan. They are the masters of weaving cotton and wool as also embroidery and appliqué work. The Ahirs came with Lord Krishna from Gokul in Uttar Pradesh. Most of the communities of Ahirs began with selling ghee and milk and are now spread all over the state. Crafts in Gujarat are a way of life, a process that transforms even the most mundane object of daily use into a thing of beauty. The skill of the Gujarati craftsperson-be it a weaver or a metalworker, a woman who embroiders for herself or a potter who creates pieces of art out of clay-is bound to leave one spellbound. Wood carving is another important craft in Gujarat, evident in the many elaborately carved temples, havelis (mansions) and palaces as well as objects of daily and ritual use. Utensils are another area where the craftspersons of Gujarat have excelled. Gujarat is also famous for its terracotta work, especially votive terra-cotta figurines which one can find by the hundreds at small shrines built in forests, along roads, outside villages, on lonely hill-tops and under large trees, especially in south Gujarat. Jewelry is yet another fascinating craft in Gujarat. Each tribe or clan has different types of ornaments and each of them has retained the uniqueness of these ornaments. === Raas === Performing Arts and Culture form an important means of expression of the Indian ethos. Different states practice different dance forms, classical music and have their own share of folklore. Programs are organized to showcase these performing arts and artists, who have kept these age old art forms alive, through their practice of it. The Performing arts in Gujarat are some of the most colorful and the performers in question are great exponents of their specialized arts. The different regions of Gujarat come alive, especially during Navratri, which is considered to be one of their prominent festivals. Many forms of dances are performed during this time, which are steeped in the fragrance of legends and romance – Raas is one of them. Raas is a very energetic dance, where color and gaiety play important parts. It is performed with a lot of gusto and the body language, eye contact, expressions and rhythm plays a major part here. Two circles formed by men and women revolve in clockwise and anti clockwise movements, while clanging their dandias with their respectve partners. They have to move according to the rhythm of the music and as well as clang their dandias. Raas is one of the most popular dances of Gujarat which brings together family and friends during the festival of Navratri. It also brings together the young boys and girls, who plan for this special event throughout the year. No wonder that so many romances materialize during Navratri! Though Raas in Gujarat, India is a traditional dance form, youngsters show no dearth of interest towards it. Navratri sees them in their traditional outfits, all geared up to reach the venue. The folk dances of Gujarat, Garba, Raas , and Dandiya have been successful in breaking the confinements of locality and the festival of Navratri brings together the whole of India. Special dancing competitions and lavish feasts are organized during the holy festival of Navratri. Couple passes are available in all major outlets and and huge investments made on these functions. == Sports == The '''Sports Authority of India''' (SAI) is a body set up by the [[Government of India]]. It was created in 1984 to help promote sport throughout the country. Presently, it has seven regional centres at [[Bangalore]], [[Gandhinagar]], [[Kolkata]], [[Sonepat]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]] and [[Imphal]] and two sub-centres at [[Guwahati]] and [[Aurangabad]]. The National_Institute_of_Sports | Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, [[Patiala]], the Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education, Thiruvananthapuram are the major sports institutes run by this body. It has also a High Altitude Training Centre at Shillaroo, Himachal Pradesh<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_Authority_of_India</ref>. After independence, on May 7, 1961 the National Institute of Sports (NIS) was set up for the development of sports at the Motibagh Palace grounds in Patiala<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_Authority_of_India</ref>. On January 23, 1973, it was renamed Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS). On January 25, 1984, Sports Authority of India was established as a registered society. On May 1, 1987 the Society for National Institute of Physical Education and Sports (SNIPES) was merged with it and as a result, the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS), Patiala and its allied centres at Bangalore, Kolkata and Gandhinagar and the Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education at Thiruvananthapuram came under Sports Authority of India<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_Authority_of_India</ref>. The NSNIS, Patiala and the Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education, Thiruvananthapuram became its academic wings. == Snaps == <gallery> Image:GANDHINAGAR_VIDHANSABHA1.jpg|State legislative Assembly hall - Half View. Image:GEB_Gandhinagar.jpg|The photograph of Thermal Power Station of GSECL (Subsidiary Company of GUVNL(Erstwhile GEB)) in gandhinagar in beautiful evening. Image:Nature's_Roads.jpg|Nature's Roads of Gandhinagar,always Two-Ways </gallery> <!--start of Navigation boxes--><br clear=all> == Sister city == Gandhinagar's sister city is [[Dubai]]. == See also == * [[Gandhinagar D.C]] == References == {{Cleanup-link rot|date=October 2009}} {{reflist}} {{State and Union Territory capitals of India}} <!--end of Navigation boxes--> == External links == {{commonscat}} {{Sisterlinks|Gandhinagar}} *{{Wikitravel|Gandhinagar}} *[http://www.guda.org.in/ Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority] *[http://www.collectorgandhinagar.gujarat.gov.in/ Gandhinagar Destrict Megistrate] [[Category:Public transport in India]] [[Category:Transport in Ahmedabad]] [[Category:Bus companies of India]] [[Category:Bus rapid transits in India]] [[Category:Cities and towns in Gujarat]] [[Category:Indian capital cities]] [[Category:Planned cities in India]] [[Category:Gandhinagar]] [[bn:গান্ধীনগর]] [[bg:Гандинагар]] [[de:Gandhinagar]] [[fr:Gandhinagar]] [[gu:ગાંધીનગર]] [[hi:गाँधीनगर]] [[bpy:গান্ধিনগর]] [[id:Gandhinagar]] [[it:Gandhinagar]] [[kn:ಗಾಂಧಿನಗರ (ಗುಜರಾತ್)]] [[pam:Gandhinagar]] [[ml:ഗാന്ധിനഗര്‍]] [[nl:Gandhinagar]] [[new:गान्धीनगर]] [[ja:ガンディーナガル]] [[pl:Gandhinagar]] [[ro:Gandhinagar]] [[ru:Гандинагар]] [[sa:गाँधीनगर]] [[fi:Gandhinagar]] [[sv:Gandhinagar]] [[ta:காந்தி நகர்]] [[vi:Gandhinagar]] [[war:Gandhinagar]] [[zh:甘地讷格尔]]'