Surat will host the third edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) on 1 and 2 May 2025, with a parallel five-day mango festival and a spotlight on the city's historic zari industry forming part of a broader push to promote regional economic activity across South Gujarat.

Mango Festival at AURO University

The mango festival, organised by the Gujarat Horticulture Department, will run from 1 to 5 May at AURO University on Hazira Road. Around 40 to 50 farmers from various districts of South Gujarat are expected to participate, offering high-quality, naturally grown mangoes for display and direct sale to visitors at Dome No. 3. Organisers have described the produce as "carbide-free, pure, natural and tasty."

An exhibition showcasing mango varieties from South Gujarat, other parts of India, and selected international cultivars will open on 1 May, alongside a seminar on horticulture practices scheduled from 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm the same day.

Surat's Zari Industry: A 120-Year Legacy

The conference will also shine a light on Surat's zari industry, which organisers describe as a key contributor to the region's economy. The industry, which received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the central government in November 2010, has roots extending over 120 years and currently accounts for approximately 70 per cent of India's total zari production. An estimated 2.5 lakh people are directly or indirectly dependent on the sector for their livelihoods.

Bankimchandra Zariwala, president of the Surat Zari Manufacturing Association, said the industry has adapted to changing economic conditions over time. "Zari, once made from pure gold and silver, has gradually shifted to copper and alloys, and over the past 10 to 15 years, metallic yarn made from plastic threads has also been introduced," he said. He added that around 800 units are registered in Surat, generating an annual turnover of approximately ₹800 to ₹900 crore.

How Zari Is Made and Where It Is Used

Zari is produced by coating silk or cotton threads with metals such as gold, silver, or copper. It is widely used in high-value textiles including Banarasi and Kanjivaram sarees, as well as in zardozi embroidery. While real zari made from silver and gold continues to be produced, about 80 per cent of current output consists of metallic yarn — more affordable and durable — with the remaining 20 per cent comprising traditional zari.

Historically, areas such as Begumpura, Wadifalia, Khatodra, Bhathena, and Navapura have been central to zari production. Families from communities including Gola-Kanbi, Khatri, Rana, and Patel have preserved the craft across generations. Officials noted that Surat's humid climate is particularly suited to the processing and weaving of fine threads, contributing to the quality of its zari.

Historical Roots and Global Reach

The industry's origins are linked to ancient India, with references to gold and silver-threaded garments appearing in texts such as the Rigveda, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. Historical accounts, including those of Greek scholar Megasthenes, also mention such fabrics. During the Mughal period — considered the industry's peak — Surat's status as a major port enabled exports of zari and khinkhab textiles to markets in West Asia and Europe, including Egypt, Afghanistan, Italy, Germany, and Turkey. European trading powers, including the French, Dutch, British, and Portuguese, established manufacturing units in the city.

Today, skilled artisans across states such as Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh continue to produce well-known handwoven sarees using Surat-made threads.

What the VGRC Aims to Achieve

Organisers said the VGRC and associated events aim to bring together sectors including agriculture, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and traditional industries, providing a platform to support growth and sustain livelihoods across the region. The third edition of the conference underscores the Gujarat government's continued effort to decentralise economic momentum beyond Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar and channel it into districts with deep craft and agricultural heritage.