Cochin Gujaratis

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There are about 500 Gujarati families living for many generations in Kochi , the commercial hub of Kerala. Gujarati community is comprised of various social groups like Jains, Marwadis and Kutchis in the Indian state. The Gujarati Street at Mattanchery in the city is a main Gujarati cultural icon in Kerala.

[edit] History

The Gujarati community set up their homes in Kochi about 255 years ago. Later, in 1904, Gujarati speaking Sorathiya Vaniyas brought the image of `Samudri Mata' or the goddess, considered the daughter of the Ocean, in a steamer and established it in a temple dedicated to her. Since then, the temple has been the focus of the Navarathri celebrations of the Gujarati community in Kochi and the festival is observed with great enthusiasm.