Ahmedabad's 600th birthday

Ahmedabad to celebrate 600 years of existence

Population: 4.5 million
Area: 205 sq Km
Languages: Gujarati, Hindi and English
Best Time to Visit: Winters
STD Code: 079 

AHMEDABAD: One of the oldest city of the country from where Mahatma Gandhi spearheaded the Indian freedom movement will be entering 600th year of its existence in a big way from next week.

In the last six centuries city has seen many ups and downs and has developed into a mega-city which is at heart of Gujarat state's development.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) plans to have year-long celebrations for the city's 600th anniversary bash which was founded by Ahmed Shah in 1411.

"We plan to have many events through out the year to mark the 600 year of this historic city," AMC Deputy Commissioner, Dileep Mahajan said.

"The celebrations will begin on February 26, which is the day when the foundation of the city was laid by Ahmed Shah six centuries ago. A city-run has been organised inside the walled city followed by some cultural programmes," he said.

"City's artists, historians, industrialists and various leaders have promised their support and cooperation for the celebrations," City Mayor Kanaji Thakore said.

He said that he already had meeting with some of the well known personalities of the city who have suggested various ways for celebrating the heritage of the historical city. 

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has set aside Rs 50 lakh for the year-long celebrations to mark 600 years of the foundation of the city. That’s exactly the amount Ahmed Shah spent way back in 14th century to build the entire city. The town planing of old Ahmedabad, especially the pols, resembles that of Patan, the original capital of Ahmedshah Badshah. He spent Rs 50 lakh to build Ahmedabad. He came to the city with 3,200 camel, 800 elephants, 600 canons, 1,600 carts. The strength of his infantry was 1,00,000.

A five-member committee has been constituted to monitor preparations for the celebrations. AMC Standing Committee Chairman Asit Vora said: “This year, the city will complete 600 years and the state 50 years of its inception. We will try to make people aware of the glorious history of the city during the grand celebrations.” Run for Ahmedabad will be a part of the celebrations. AMC will set 600 questions pertaining to the city’s history.

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