The Gujarat government will inaugurate the state's 25th Sanskrutik Van (Cultural Forest) in Porbandar on 1 October 2026, expanding an initiative originally launched in 2004 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat. Spread across 14 hectares near Odadar village, the ₹20 crore forest is built around the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly his concept of Sarvodaya — the 'upliftment of all'.

Inauguration and Key Features

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will formally open the facility, which seeks to weave together Gandhi's ideals, environmental conservation, local culture, recreation and public awareness. The forest has been designed around themes including truth, non-violence, peace, self-reliance, cleanliness, Gram Swaraj and sustainable living. It also brings a dedicated facility for Divyang Jan and a natural play area for general visitors.

Its major sections include Mahatma Van, Satya Van, Ahinsa Van, Shanti Van, Sarvodaya Van, Gram Swaraj Eco-Village, Ayush Van, Barda Van Kunj, Matru Van, Rock Garden, Van Kavach and a Mission LiFE Garden.

Zone by Zone: What Visitors Will Find

The Swagatam Parisar, spread over about 3,200 square metres with around 1,200 saplings, introduces visitors to contributions of ordinary citizens — farmers, labourers, women and students — to India's freedom struggle. Mahatma Van traces Gandhi's journey from 'Mohan to Mahatma' through stone murals, while Satya Van focuses on truth, integrity and ethics. Ahinsa Van features an Ahinsa Stambh and murals depicting three major Satyagrahas.

Shanti Van, covering about 7,500 square metres with around 8,000 saplings, provides spaces for meditation, yoga and exercise, incorporating Hasta Mudras, Panchvatam and a stone-carved Shri Yantra. The Gram Swaraj zone, at about 3,500 square metres, showcases rural lifestyles, traditional agricultural practices and local handicrafts. Ayush Van highlights Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and Homeopathy through medicinal plants including Tulsi, Neem, Baheda, Bili, Drumstick and Jamun.

The 1,000-square-metre Krishna-Sudama Vatika features 3D artwork and murals of Krishna and Sudama's childhood and reunion in Dwarka. Matru Van, at about 2,300 square metres, includes shade-giving, medicinal and fruit-bearing trees alongside sculptures of a mother and daughter planting a tree. A Sea-View Garden with 2,000 saplings, palm trees and gazebos offers views of sunrise and sunset along the coastline.

The Rock Garden, at about 3,100 square metres, features natural stones, sculptures of Gandhi's Three Monkeys, a Vishwas Vruksh and a Global Peace sculpture. A 1.5-hectare Van Kavach has been developed with about 18,000 saplings and includes a watchtower. The Mission LiFE Garden promotes clean living, sustainable food systems and e-waste recycling, while the Sundial Plaza tells time through the sun's shadow.

Green Footprint and Native Species

Across Sarvodaya Van, about 1.25 lakh saplings have been planted, including native species such as Banyan, Peepal, Cluster Fig, Indian Beech and Almond, as well as coastal species including Casuarina, Pilu, Portia Tree, Coconut and Kodia. The ecological design reflects an intent to blend heritage conservation with biodiversity.

Livelihoods and Local Economy

The project incorporates local livelihoods as a deliberate component. Artisans from Chingriya village will showcase traditionally handwoven shawls at the site. A cafeteria serving local and traditional food is intended to generate self-employment opportunities for women and youth, while a souvenir shop and other visitor amenities have also been provided.

Separately, Chief Minister Patel will also flag off 89 vehicles worth ₹11.20 crore allocated to the Gujarat Forest Department under various schemes during the same programme. The forest is intended to serve tourists, students and nature enthusiasts while presenting Gandhi's ideals to younger generations and reinforcing Porbandar's historical identity as the birthplace of the Mahatma.