Valsad 6.6

Valsad, also known as Bulsar, is a municipality in the Valsad district of the Indian state of Gujarat. This city has a collectorate, a district court, and a police headquarters with a historic prison.Historically, Valsad was a small town covered with forest, with teak production as a major regional industry. It was a part of regional kingdom before colonial era. It was made a district during the Bombay Presidency era, and was governed under Bombay State during the colonial era, following independence (prior to the creation of the state of Gujarat). Today, Valsad is a town inhabited by Gujarati people. Gujarati is the primary language in and around the town.The main religion followed in the region is Hinduism. Other minority religions include Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Zoroastrian, and Sikhism.A tourist destination, the best time to visit Bulsar is in June–July, post-monsoon, when the roads in and around town are at their best.Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury had family origins in Valsad, and his original family name (Bulsara) is derived from the former name of the city. Former Bollywood actresses Nirupa Roy and Bindu are also from Valsad.EtymologyThe name 'Valsad' derives from vad-saal, a Gujarati language compound meaning "hampered (saal) by banyan trees (vad)" (the area was naturally rich in banyan trees).