Vakani

Vakani is a village situated in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Gandhidham subdivision and lies approximately 12 kilometres south of the district headquarters, Gandhidham. According to the most recent census data, the village has a population of around 3,200 residents, with a nearly even distribution of males and females. The village spans an area of roughly 5.6 square kilometres, and its residents predominantly speak Gujarati as the primary language, with Hindi and English also in use for education and official purposes.

The economies of Vakani revolve largely around agriculture and dairy farming. The fertile plains along the Gandak River support the cultivation of cotton, millet, and groundnut, while families maintain small-scale cattle rearing and milking for both local consumption and market sale. In recent years, the village has seen a modest uptick in micro-enterprises, particularly in cottage weaving and handicrafts, which provide supplementary income for many households.

Culturally, Vakani upholds a blend of traditional Gujarati customs and local Kutch traditions. A notable landmark is the Shri Krishna Temple, which serves as a communal focal point for festivals such as Janmashtami and Diwali. Community life often centers around an annual fair held in November, which attracts visitors from surrounding villages and features local crafts, food stalls, and folk performances. The village also hosts a primary educational institution that offers basic schooling up to the eighth grade, while higher secondary students typically travel to Gandhidham for further studies.

Infrastructure in Vakani has gradually improved over the past decade. A recently upgraded main road connects the village to Gandhidham, facilitating commerce and travel. Electricity supply is now stable, and the village benefits from a potable water system that uses a combination of tube wells and rainwater harvesting. Mobile telephone coverage is available, though internet penetration remains limited, prompting recent governmental initiatives to expand digital connectivity in rural Kutch.