Gujaratis

Gujaratis are an ethnolinguistic group associated with the Indian state of Gujarat and the Gujarati language. The term encompasses people born in Gujarat as well as those of Gujarati descent living in India or abroad. The Gujarati language, part of the Indo-Aryan family, has several dialects and is widely spoken in Gujarat and in Gujarati communities worldwide.

Religious and cultural diversity are central to Gujarati identity. The population includes Hindu and Muslim communities in large numbers, along with sizable Jain, Parsi, Christian, and other groups. This plurality shapes regional festivals, art, architecture, and cuisine.

Historically, Gujarat has been a hub of trade and commerce. Gujaratis have a long tradition of mercantile activity, which has contributed to extensive diaspora networks. Today, large Gujarati communities exist in East Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the Gulf states, where many are active in business, education, and public life.

Culturally, Gujaratis are known for music, dance, and distinctive crafts. Garba and dandiya are popular dance forms associated with Navratri. Gujarati cuisine emphasizes vegetarian dishes such as undhiyu, dal, kadhi, and farsan, often accompanied by rice or bread. Traditional crafts include bandhani and patola textiles, and the diamond industry in Surat is an important economic center.

In modern India, Gujarat became a state in 1960 after the reorganization of Bombay State, a development that helped formalize regional governance while preserving a diverse cultural heritage.