10 Facts About Guwahati City You Must Know
Guwahati, the oldest city in Assam, is one of India's oldest cities steeped in history, and culture blending perfectly with modernity. Guwahati is strategically situated on the Brahmaputra River; this busy metropolitan area is also known as one of the gateways to northeast India. Guwahati is renowned for its rich culture, stunning views, and strategic point which puts it on the radar of tourists. Below, you will find ten outstanding facts about Guwahati's identity.
1. One of the Oldest Cities in Asia
Guwahati is, has, and will be one of Asia's oldest continuously populated cities. With its archaeological evidence, the city seems to be dating over 2000 years ago. The term Guwahati translates to the market of an 'areca nut (Guwa)', this signifies its importance as a trading center during the ancient times.
2. Gateway to Northeast India
Regarded as the 'Gateway to Northeast India' due to the economic region, Guwahati is one of the popular cities of Northeast India. It is one of the important regions because of its economy, the city is well connected via road, railway, airports, and even water. Guwahati is of vital importance to trade, tourism, and commerce.
3. Guarding Ancient Temples
Guwahati's popular temples mark her as a pious existence, hence the nickname 'City of Temples.' The following is an incomplete list of temples of Guwahati:
Kamakhya Temple : This temple of Shakti Peeth Kamakhya attracts thousands of pilgrims a year. The Ambubachi Mela and Bhadra Kamakhya Mela draw the largest crowds.
Umananda Temple : The temple marks the situs of the smallest inhabited river isle, Peacock Island, settled in the Brahmaputra river.
Navagraha Temple : Also known as the temple of nine planets, the Navagraha temple reflects deep astrological traditions Guwahati is known for.
4. City's position along the Brahmaputra
One of the main facets regarding the city's geography is the expanding stretch along the southern bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra; it's essential to the city, given the value of its economical and geographic resources. An important aliment source of the city is fishing and agriculture is also aided by the fertile alluvial soil offered by the river. Guwahati is well connected with the other parts of Assam through the Saraighat Bridge. It is an important infrastructural advancement in the state, as it is built over the Brahmaputra.
5. Keys of Technology and Research
Heinachi is home to many reputed institutions that offer higher education and research. Thus it is the region's most important educational hub.
Gauhati University : Founded in 1948, this university is also among the oldest teaching universities in north east india.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati: First in the northeastern region of India and among the top engineering institutes in India, it nurtures innovation and advancement in technology.
Assam Agricultural University: Primary center in the field of agriculture as well as for rural development.
6. Rich Culture Heritage
Guwahati is a place with various cultures, languages, and traditions. The city is famous for a number of festivals which are celebrated with great grandeur like Bihu (the harvest festival), Durga Puja, Diwali, Eid, and Christmas. Traditional forms of art like Sattriya dance, folk music, and handicrafts are also commonplace marking the cultural richness of the region.
7. Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Of note is the fact that in recent years, Guwahati has made considerable strides in the direction of sustainable development. The city has adopted conservation measures like waste management schemes, tree planting campaigns, and development of public transport facilities. The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) works proactively to enhance urban design and promote environmental preservation.
8. Wildlife Nature Tourism
Guwahati is endowed with greenery and wildlife sanctuaries. Shown below are some of the attractions to nature enthusiasts:
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary: A Ramsar designation wetlands site known for its routes and homes for migratory birds, fish, and other aquatic animals.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: Well known for housing the largest concentration of Indian rhinoceroses.
Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden: Includes a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Wildlife and nature enthusiasts, as well as photographers, will find these nature reserves around Guwahati to be breathtaking.
9. Historical Importance
Guwahati advanced as a military station during the colonial period, coming into focus in the region of a military station during the Branch rule. The renowned Battle of Saraighat which was fought and continues to be fought around saraighat bridge in the year 1671 is popularly known among the locals as something that completely changed the chapter of assamese history when the Ahom Kingdom came out victorious over ramsingh mughal was the defeatist commander in charge of the Mughals Forces. This fight is popularly known and is a part of an amazing local living folklore.
10. Burgeoning Economic Center
In Assam the main city Guwahati is regarded as the capital of commerce for the state and is one of the major metropolitan areas to contribute significantly towards Assam's economy. Assam's economy is driven by the tea processing, petroleum industry, textile industry as well as handicraft business, all of which are based in Guwahati. The trendy shopping destinations like Fancy Bazaar, Paltan and Pan Bazaar are attuned to the rhythm of trade and commerce all round the year. With the coming up of start up companies as well as establishing IT parks, the city is living up to its expectation of being a modern city.
Conclusion
Guwahati is not just a city; it is a city which showcases history, tradition and progress that spans over centuries. Guwahati ancient temples and beautiful resorts alongside its modern growing industries and educational institutions showcase the seamless blend of ancient and modern life. Be it working marvels or taking a leisurely stroll, the developmental wonders of Guwahati are bound to take your breath away. Guwahati is certainly a place which every tourist must experience.
Guwahati is another incredible jewel of India which is remarkable in its own way and prides itself of a unique feature for every traveler. Both natives and travelers will appreciate and love the beauty of this outstanding jewel and the reasons for Guwahati's pride are countless.
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