Maru Gujarat
Gujarat is one of the most diverse states in India. Gujarat derives its name from the word 'Gujaratta'. Gujaratta means the land of gurjars. The gurjars were a sub-tribe of the Huns who ruled the area
Gujarat Map, Map of Gujarat
During the 8th and 9th centuries AD. They passed through Punjab and settled in some parts of western India, which came to be known as Gujarat. The state of Gujarat is an industrially advanced state. The state of Gujarat is not a popular tourist destination among foreign and Indian tourists, but still holds an important place in India. Gujarat is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west, by Rajasthan in the north and northeast, by Madhya Pradesh in the east and by Maharashtra in the south and south east. The state has an international border and has a common frontier with Pakistan at the northwestern fringe.
It is situated on the north end of the west coast of India and covers an area of 196,024 square km. Gandhinagar, located near Ahmedabad is the state capital of Gujarat. The people of Gujarat are also known to be a successful business community. At present, Gujarat comprises of 25 districts. The official and primary language spoken is Gujarati. The state of Gujarat is known all over the world for its holy temples, historic capitals, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, hill resorts, fascinating handicrafts, mouth watering cuisine and colourful lifestyle of the people of Gujarat. This state can also be visited during your trip to Mumbai or Rajasthan. The best time to visit Gujarat is from October to March.
Aavo Padharo, words of welcome in the language of Gujarat because it is here that these words ring truly and the guest is 'God' and the people of Gujarat are gregariously friendly, inviting and will entice you to come again and again.
Stretches out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of the desert and with a coastline of 1666 kms long is Gujarat – the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation. It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals also make the state rich. Gujarat is also among the most technologically advanced, housing the largest petrochemical complex in the country.
Gujarat has always been a major centre for the Jains and some of its most interesting locations are the Jain Temple centres at Palitana and Girnar Hills. Besides the Jain temples, the state’s major attractions include the only habitat of the Asiatic Lions in India (Gir Forests), a desert ride at the Wild Ass Sanctuary and the beautiful Indo-Saracenic Architecture of Ahmedabad. The colourful tribal villages of Kutch make a visit unforgettable.
Some of the Major Cities in Gujarat:
- Ahmedabad
- Surat
- Vadodara
- Rajkot
- Bhavnagar
- Jamnagar
- Junagadh
- Gandhidham
- Nadiad
- Gandhinagar
- Anand
- Morbi
Places to Visit in Gujarat
- Laxmi Vilas Palace - Baroda
- Kevadia Colony (Sardar Sarovar Dam)
- Somnath Temple - Near Veraval
- Dwarakadheesh Temple of Lord Krishna - Dwarka
- Haji Pir Dargah - Kutch
- Gir Forest National Park - Junagadh
- Lothal - near Ahmedabad
- Dholavira - Kutch
- Saputara Hill station – Dang district
- Kirti Mandir - Porbandar
Gujarati Culture, Dress and Food - The Heart and Soul of Gujarat
1. Art and Culture of Gujarat
The vast array of handcrafted products displaying intricate Gujarati art forms are not only popular in our country, but are a well-known entity all across the globe. These products include furniture, jewellery, embroidered garments, leatherwork, metalwork, baked clay articles and mirror work. Gujarat serves as the producer of some of the most creative and elegant furnishings that include bedcovers, quilts, cushion covers and table mats. Preserving the glorious legacy of its past, the garment industry of Gujarat provides a broad range of items to the buyers, namely salwar, kurtas, cholis, ghaghras, odhnis, skirts, and jackets. Intricate dainty patterns are woven on the patola sarees with high precision. The traditional art forms of the state play a significant role in preserving its rich heritage. Some other aspects of art include music, dance, and literature.2. Dance Forms
Since Gujarati people are quite enthusiastic and amiable, they have many traditional forms of dance. The four major forms of dance are Dandiya Raas, Garba, Padhar, and Garbi. Dandiya Raas is performed by both men and women and utilizes movement of bamboo sticks, known as Dandiyas. It has ancient roots and was believed to be played by the beloved Gopis of Lord Krishna. Garba is usually performed by the females in a circular formation. It is performed with reverence of the feminine form of the divinity. Garbi is traditionally performed by only the men and incorporates the use of instruments like dhol and manjiras. Padhar is mainly performed by the rural communities near Nal Lake.3. Food of Gujarat
A traditional and authentic Gujarati meal consists of dal, roti, rice, vegetables, salad, chaas, farsan followed by a sweet dish. Gujarati cuisine is quite similar to that of Maharashtra, and most of the Gujaratis are vegetarian. Some of the famous Gujarati delicacies include dhokla, fafda, khandvi, dhal Dhokli, Undhiyu, handvo, Ganthia, dal Wada, khakhra, and Thepla. In Gujarati dishes, the flavors are a blend of sweet, spicy and sour tastes. Each region of the state has a distinctive flavor associated with its local food. A typical Gujarati dinner includes bhakri-shak or khichdi-kadhi. The Gujaratis are noted for their sweet tongue, and hence every meal is followed by a sweet dish or sometimes even jaggery.4. Gujarati Cinema
With strong themes of mythology, history, social and political, the Gujarati cinema industry is different with the approach they have to cinema. Before the industry came into being, during the era of silent movie age, there was already a hoard of movies made on Gujarati culture and its people. More than just a means of entertainment, the Gujarat film industry brings in various forms of cinematic art. A trip to the cinema is a favourite past time amongst the Gujarati locals. Also known as 'Dhollywood' or Gollywood, the industry released its first movie in 1932, Narsinh Mehta.5. Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony in the Gujarati culture is probably the most awaited event for the couple and its family but for all the guests as well. Like every Indian wedding, the rituals go back to the Vedic times, and the ceremonies kick off with the (Varghodo) wedding procession, that goes from the groom's house to the bride's house where the ceremonies take place. On arrival, the groom is welcomed by the bride's family (Swagatam) after which the bride's father performs a ritual involves him handing over his daughter to the groom (Kanya Daan) in front of the guest. After this, the rituals (GaneshPuja) commences, this is known as the Vivaan.During the Vivaan, the couple performs the Mangal Phera where they go around the sacred fire and go through the most important part of the ritual, the Saptapadi or the seven sacred steps. The religious part of the ceremony comes to a close with the holy thread (Mangalsutra) being tied around the neck of the bride by the groom and he places the red dot (tika) on the wife's forehead, as a declaration of her new married status (Suhaag). The ceremony comes to a close when the couple goes to the groom's parents who will bless the couple (Aashirvaad).
Gujarat Tourism
Somnath:
The Great Rann of Kutch:
The traveler to Gujarat say that “Kutch Nahi Dekha to Kuch Nahi Dekha” which translates to “if you have not seen Kutch in Gujarat, you haven’t seen anything”. This top destination is located in the Thar Desert in the Kutch district of Gujarat & the world largest salt desert extending up to 16,000 square kilometers. Deserving the top tourist destination in India especially when the Ram Mahotsav is in full swing. What makes it even more amazing is the symphony of salt and sand when get submerged in the water during main monsoon season in India. Best time to visit the Great Rann of Kutch is during full moon nights, and the traditional cultural programs are usually performed by the local people at Dhordo. The tourist’s session continues till March.
Gir National Park (Home of Asiatic Lions):
The magic of vibrant Gujarat lies in its wildlife, majestic Asiatic lions, safaris, rocky hills and plenty of rivers that make it major tourist destinations of India. Gir National Park is the sole home for pure Asiatic lions, situated about 65 kilometers South East of the Junagarh districts in Gujarat. Sprawl over an area of 1412 square kilometers in the Saurastra region, the par was primarily dedicated to conserve the Asiatic lion. Gir has evolved as stable eco system due its richness of wide biodiversity with 600 different species of plants, 2000 species of insects and more than 36 species of mammals and over 300 species of reptiles. Dry deciduous forest which covers large tracts plays a vital role in keeping the climate moderate in this region.
Junagadh:
Junagadh is the most popular city known for the historical events of independent India. The city which literally means “Old Fort” is dotted with Hindus and Buddhist Temples, Mosques and many other historical structures. This historical city was ruled by the Babi Nawabs till India’s independence. It is said that, the Nawab of Junagadh wanted to dissolve the whole province with Pakistan after the partition but since the majority of population was Hindu, so Nawab had to leave his princedom and flee to Pakistan. Junagadh has many tourists’ attractions like Gir National Park and some of the marvelous historical monuments like Mahabat Ka Maqbara, Ashokan Rock Eddict etc.
Dwarkadhish Temple of Lord Krishna:
Welcome to most sacred place for Hindus around the world. Situated on the Gomti Creek, the finest temple of India believed to have been built by the grandson of Lord Krishna “King of Dwarka” himself. The temple is exclusively famous for its exquisitely carved architecture. It is said that Lord Krishna settled down in Dwarka with his Yadava (Yaduvanshi). Appearing to be rising from Arabian Sea, it is believed that the entire Dwarka Island was submerged in the sea & its recent architecture support this theory. More interestingly, the ancient Kingdom of Lord Krishna was the Capital of Gujarat state. The Krishna Janmastami festival celebration is the main attraction of Dwarkadhish.
Ahmedabad:
Ahmedabad is the fifth largest city in India and was the former capital city of the Indian state Gujarat. The city is blessed with the deep rooted rich culture, historical monuments, exquisite architecture and cheerful people. The city was founded by the king Karnadev in 11th century. As far as the tourists attraction in Ahmedabad is concerned it include Bhadra fort, temples, mosques, well-laid historical monuments and most important Mahatma Gandhi’s Ashram known as Sabarmati Ashram. The major attraction of the city that draws the attention of global tourists is the modern marvel Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar. Maker Sakranti (Uttrayan) and Navratri are two most famous cultural festival that are celebrated with great zeal and passion.
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