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OF THE INDIA

THE STATE

INCREDIBLE

GUJARAT*

The Tour Of Vibrant State…

GUJARAT CULTURE

G

Land of The Legends…UJARAT

Gujarat at a Glance History Why Gujarat ?

Gujarat Culture & Lifestyle•Arts•Culture & Lifestyle•Music & Dance•Handicrafts•Festivals•Fairs

THE REAL HEROES OF GUJARAT

Gujarat Tourism• Religious Places• Historical Places• Museums

AT AGUJARAT

GLANCE

1

Fast facts of Gujarat

Country : India Established : 1 May,

1960 Capital city :

Gandhinagar District : 33 Chief Minister :

Anandiben Patel Area : 196024 km2 Area Rank : 6th Population : 60,439,692 Official Language :

Gujarati

LEGENDS

FOODCULTURE

ART PALACE

TOURISM

Gujarat is The State of..

Etymology of Gujarat

Modern-day Gujarat is derived from Sanskrit (Gurjar-Rashtra), the Gurjar nation.

Parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat have been known as Gurjaratra (country ruled or protected by the Gurjars) or Gurjarabhumi (land of the Gurjars) for centuries prior to the Mughal period.

Historically, the Gurjars were Sun-worshipers and are described as devoted to the feet of the Sun-god (God Surya).

Etymology of Gujarat

Their copper-plate grants bear an emblem of the Sun and on their seals too, this symbol is depicted. Many Gurjars claim descent from Suryavanshi Kshatriyas (Sun Dynasty) and connect themselves with the Hindu deity Rama.

The Gujjar clan appeared during the 7th to 8th century in Northern India about the time of the Huna invasions. The origins of the Gujjars are uncertain. The name of the tribe was Sanskritised to "Gurjara".

Ancient HistorY

• Gujarat – The Land of the Legends, stands bordered by Pakistan and Rajasthan in the north east, Madhya Pradesh in the east, and Maharashtra and the Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli in the south. The Arabian Sea borders the state both to the west and the south west.

• The State took it’s name from the Gujjars, who ruled the area during the 700’s and 800’s. Stone Age settlements around Sabarmati and Mahi rivers indicate the same time as that of the Indus Valley Civilization while Harappan centres are also found at Lothal, Rampur, Amri and other places.

• Rock Inscriptions in the Girnar Hills show that the Maurya Emperor Ashoka, extended his domain into Gujarat in about 250 BC. With it’s fall, the control of the region came under the Sakas or Scythians.

• During the 900’s the Solanki Dynasty came to power and Gujarat reached it’s greatest extent.

Ancient HistorY

• Then followed a long period of Muslim rule. Ahmed I, the first independent Muslim ruler of Gujarat, found Ahmedabad in 1411. The Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Malwa and Gujarat in 1570s.

• The British East India Company set its first footsteps in Surat in 1818 and the State came in control of their rule. Gujarat was divided into princely states. After the Indian Independence in 1947, all of Gujarat except Saurashtra and Kutchh became part of Bombay State until May 1, 1960, when the Government split Bombay state into the States of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

• Ahmedabad became the chief city of the new State and housed the State Government Offices. They remained there until they were transferred to Gandhinagar in 1970.

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Ancient HistorY

• Historically, the state of Gujarat has been one of the main centres of the Indus Valley Civilization. It contains major ancient metropolitan cities from the Indus Valley such as Lothal, Dholavira, and Gola Dhoro.

• The ancient city of Lothal was where India's first port was established. Also, Dholavira, the ancient city, is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological sites in India, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization.

• The most recent discovery was Gola Dhoro. All together, about 50 Indus Valley settlement ruins have been discovered in Gujarat. The ancient history of Gujarat was enriched by their commercial activities.

• There is a clear historical evidence of trade and commerce ties with Egypt, Bahrain and Sumer in the Persian Gulf during the time period of 1000 to 750 BC

WHY GUJARAT ?

A State on the Move

If you have a Passion for Good Living, Gujarat is For You.

If you wish for development and growth, Gujarat is For You.

If you aim for "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam",

Gujarat is For You

NEW STRATEGIC LOCATION

Strategically located on the West Coast of India, Gujarat

is also a Gateway to the rich land-locked Northern and

Center Vicinity of the country. Gujarat spearheads the

Indian march for the “Global Economic Super Power” status

with access to all Major Port based Countries like UK,

Australia, China, Japan, Korea and Gulf Countries, etc.

Jan Shakti Powering the vision with its active contributions in education, healthcare and many other sectors.

Gyan Shakti Knowledge is Power in Gujarat - Synergizing Excellence and Innovative thoughts with talent and technology. Here wisdom sets its pace to achieve goals with an inspiring force .

Urja Shakti Gujarat has set a time frame for Electricity Management. Broadband connectivity and uninterrupted electricity supply has remained instrumental in rural development.

Jal Shakti Harnessing Water Resources with emphasis on harnessing rain water and scientific management of water.

Raksha Shakti Enhancing Physical, Social, Economic Security. Security and well being of citizens.

Road Ahead To Glory• Gujarat is on road ahead to new heights of development by

bringing about quality and speedy changes. Gujarat has immense potential and strengths. Efforts are aimed to bring qualitative changes in the life of a common man with the Panchamrut Philosophy…

Gujarat Culture&

Life Style

Arts Of Gujarat

• In Gujarat, Arts is an expression. The brilliant blend of Arts, culture and Lifestyle make spaces for peace and soulful well being. In Gujarat, there is freedom for Artists as they create an image on a canvass or click a photograph that appeals to the eye. With ample mediums to work on innovative, witty and submissive forms, Arts present something to our sense – perceptions as they make way to articulate lifestyles. Gujarat stand unique with Arts as a form of expression as it is a home to many world renowned Artists and flourishing talents shaping up the Art World. The State also has a fantastic pool of artists and a new breed of collectors and investors in the Art Talents.

Arts

Needle Work• Needlework of Gujarat is famous world over

for its elegance and accuracy. Embroidery is Gujarat's quintessential handicraft and many of the artisans are wives of herdsmen, nomads and agriculturists battling for a second income. Ari bharat, appliqué work are unique with its traditional skills. Toran is the most common embroidered doorway decoration with hanging flaps, which is supposed to ventilate good luck. Pachhitpatis (embroidered frieze) are hanged from the corners as a welcome symbol to the visitors. Chaklas (embroidered square pieces) are used as furniture covers while Bhitiya is the impressive wall hanging. Abhala (mirror inset embroidery) has now become a part of the ethnic chic fashion world, where small mirror discs are fixed with closely worked silken thread. Usually the mirror work is done on a dark background with motifs like flowers, creepers, petals, etc. The motifs are inspired by daily life; ancient belief and rituals but they vary from place to place and are passed down over the centuries.

Tie and dye-bandhani The tie-dyed fabrics of Gujarat

are the best produced in India and is demanded all over the world. Bandhani, (the tye and dye fabric) is famous for their intricate designs and patterns. Used as wedding outfits called as 'gharchola odhni' and sarees, they grace every Gujarati family women. The bandhinis are also brocaded and with fine thread zari work. Also known as 'Bandhej', it is produced on superfine cotton 'mulmul', muslin sometimes combined with gold checks and motifs worked in the 'jamdani' technique. Bandani of Jamnagar, Mandvi and Bhuj are famous all over the world.

Dyeing is a hereditary art. In the past cloth was dyed in colours extracted from trees and flowers. The Sarkhei suburb of Ahmedabad was one of the indigo manufacturing and exporting centres.

Beadwork

Beadwork is another Gujarati specialty from Khambhat and Saurashtra. Motifs and patterns are dictated by the technique of putting two and three beads together. Beadwork objects are used in wall decorations, potholders, etc. The best beadwork is produced by the 'kathis' (tribals). Worked mostly on a white background they use colours that are vibrant with very distinct patterns. Beadwork 'torans' are usually placed over doorways.

Patoda One of the

finest handwoven sarees from Gujarat. The famous Patola of Patan is known for its colorful geometrical pattern, which are strikingly beautiful. The unique tie and weave method of Patola results in identical patterns on both the sides of the fabric.

Jewellary The art of making

jewellery and precious stone-cutting and processing is a traditional handicraft of Gujarat. The folk jewellery of excellent designs, characteristic of each village and each community is a typical art of Gujarat. Gold, Silver, Iron and brass works are antiquity of Gujarat.

Furnishing• Gujarat offers a wide range

of furnishings from simple and elegant cushion covers to quilts and bedcovers in a wide range of styles. Pleasantly embroidered and with micro mirrors, they have geometrical or animal motifs, patch worked, etc. Quilts are another popular handicraft item. They come in a variety of styles from simple geometric designs to more complex patterns. Other utility items like woven and Kalamkari table covers, tablemats and block printed bed land table linen. The traditional floorspread ‘namdas’ and ‘dhurries’ from Kutch, is woven with camel and goat hair and even wool and cotton.

Pottery The oldest ancient craft and famous

Pottery from Gujarat is popular as it achieve excellence with traditional crafts. Village potters turn wonders of clay into artifact pieces that attracts. Clay utensils are made which are used by village homes even today. Terracotta toys are another craft of the potters of Kachchh, but it is in the Aravallis and Chhota Udepur tribal lands that potters make the famous long necked terracotta figurines of the Gora Dev (tribal horse God), said to protect crops, villages and families from evil spirits, evil intentions and natural calamities.

Potter communities also specialise in mud wall paintings, and you could get plaques, inset with mirrors, made for your own house or garden decor from Kutchh

Woodwork The lacquered furniture of Sankheda

near Vadodara, another important handicraft industry has become synonymous with Southern Gujarat. The furniture and woodcrafts of Surat, Kutchh and Saurashtra are also popular. Minakari furniture from Rajkot, is as attractive as Sankheda furniture.

Woodcarving is an ancient art of the state, which has attained a very high standard of technical skill. Some of the best examples of woodcarvings are found in temples and houses in many parts of Gujarat. Saurashtra and Sanked in the Vadodara district are also known for their lacquer work

Textile Work Gujarat has a

unique dress culture which evolves the Textile culture with its extravagant quality with traditional and modern design patterns. The Rogan, zari, Tye and die and exclusive Patolas are the state’s graceful textile culture patterns. Peacock motifs, geometrical patterns, ikat weaving, akrakh work are some of the excellent influence with traditional and modern designs

Zari Work The Zari industry of

Surat is one of the oldest handicrafts whose origin can be traced to the Mughal period. The history of the 'zari' (gold embroidery) industry of Surat dates back to the Mughal period. Surat is one of the biggest and most significant Zari manufacturing centres in India

The principal types of products are real gold and silver threads, imitation gold and silver threads, embroidery such as the 'Chalak', the 'Salama', the 'Kangari', the 'Tiki', mainly the Ring and the 'Katori' for modifying in the Kinkhab (cloth of gold) and the Zari border weaving, embroidery, laces, caps, turbans, saris, and blouse pieces. Gold and silver threads are commonly used for weaving the 'kinkhab'. The Gharchola and Panetar (dresses worn during weddings) are exceptional pieces with zari work

Make Music Dance…

• In Gujarat, Music is speech of angels. The music and dance blend the rich traditions with its folk music and dance. The Garba dance is the spiritual expression of Gujarat and the spirit of festivity of the traditional festival reaches worldwide. Music and folk dances have evolved since ancient times and continues to lure people to its rich tradition even today as it retain its original form or even blend to modern forms. Folk songs, classical music and array of distinctive classical ragas have exemplary features with distinctive music variations. Gujarat is known to have produced its own folk instruments besides the vast contributions to classical and folk music. Also modern culture of pop thrive its existence with the youth catching faster on western and other music forms pertaining to other countries.

Music

Gujarat Dances

Gujarat-Dance• Gujarat is the Land of Festivals. The celebrations of festivals and fairs are

accompanied with Music and Dance that breathe the soul fresh with vigor and joy. Blessed with rich Performing Arts, Dance and dance forms in Gujarat are popular throughout the world.

• Dating back to the ancient era of Krishna, singing and dancing with ‘Flute’ and other Instruments with the dance forms like Garba, Garbi and Raas is the most popular Dance celebrations in Gujarat. A legendary unique Folk Dance form also has variations with Dandia or stick Raas. There are different styles of executing dandiya steps like Dodhiyu, simple five,simple seven, popatiyu, Trikoniya (hand movement which forms an imagery triangle), Lehree, three claps, butterfly, hudo, two claps and many more.

• Performed during Navratri Celebrations, a festival of music and dance, these music and dance forms are enjoyed by all communities, all age groups and in all cities in Gujarat. Even people all over the world come to Gujarat especially to enjoy this traditional and religious festival.

Bhavai

The Stage in Gujarat is vibrant with its own traditional ‘Bhavai’ – a unique stage art form, performed with ‘Bhava’, meaning expression revealing emotions. It’s real meaning is made up of two words - Bhava and Aai. Bhava means universe and aai is mother, together it means mother of the universe, Amba. Exclusively performed by male members in various costumes and character forms . A long wind brass instrument called ‘Bhungal’ is played during the performance to call performing characters to the scene. Drums, cymbals and Sarangi are other instruments made use of. Bhavai is mostly held in open space. Women are mere audience to the ‘Bhavai’ performance as this folk dance play is strictly performed by males in women’s role too.

Traditionally, most popular theme of ‘Ramleela’ was performed earlier at places in Gujarat based on Ramayana and Mahabharata which was on pre-existing mythological or historical themes that were familiar to the audience of bygone era.

Bhavai

Garba & Raas

Garba & Raas• Gujarat is a Land of Festivals. Performed during Navratri Celebrations, a

festival of music and dance, the festival is enjoyed by all communities, all age groups and in all cities in Gujarat. People all over the world come to Gujarat especially to enjoy this traditional and religious festival.

• The word Garbo or Garaba has originated from Sanskrit word "Garbhdeep"- an earthen pot with circular holes is popularly known as Garbo. The earthen pot is symbol of human body and the lighten lamp inside signifies the divine soul.

• The significance of Navratri is offering devotion to Goddess Durga, who is believed to exist in many forms. These Goddesses are believed to be known as "Shakti" as the tales narrate their power over killing of demons. Parvati, the wife of Shiva is said to have taken different forms of goddesses. Devotees perform the 'devi-sthaapna' in their homes wherein they invite the Goddess and perform 'pooja-path' for nine days with fasting.

Garba & Raas• Religion is a holistic approach. Significance of the deities pointing the need for deriving

solutions to problems and as believed, Durga triumphs over evil, Saraswati removes ignorance and Lakshmi brings prosperity.

• Dating back to the ancient era of Krishna, singing and dancing with ‘Flute’ and other Instruments with the dance forms like Garba, Garbi and Raas is the most popular Dance celebrations during Navratri in Gujarat. A legendary unique Folk Dance form also has variations with Dandia or stick Raas. There are different styles of executing dandiya steps like Dodhiyu, simple five, simple seven, popatiyu, Trikoniya (hand movement which forms an imagery triangle), Lehree, three claps, butterfly, hudo, two claps and many more.

• Every year, Navratri festival brings in innovations in music, choreography, and costumes and has enthralled audience with its beauty and cultural tradition.

Hallisaka Dance

• Hallisaka Dance has great antiquity and dates back to an extremely important work of the Sanskrit literature. The Harivamsha is said to contain about 16,375 verses. It was written between 200 B.C. and 500 A.D. and was then added to complete the great epic Mahabharata. The stories relate to Krishna as herdsman and later the Krishna-Gopi Leela. Harivamsha greatly influenced Indian music. It is said to have inspired many composite genres in Indian cultural expression, especially those of the Chhalikya songs and the Hallisaka dance.

• Hallisaka is a group dance native to Gujarat. This dance in the Harivamsha Purana is very significant. The dancers form a circle with their hands joined together to form a chain. The ‘tala’ is kept by clapping and the dance is accompanied by a melodious song. A young man who acts as Lord Krishna stands in the middle of the damsels. The feet movements, toes, heels and legs first show rhythmic expression measured steps, long, short, quick, and slow accompanied in single, double and triple timings.

Hallisaka

Festivals

• Festivals in Gujarat have popular celebrations and observations that include major religious, business and entertaining festivals apart from fairs and heritage tours.

• Festivals in Gujarat signify socio-cultural-religious and even economic aspirations of the people of Gujarat. Vibrant Gujarat Kite Festival marks a new record of religious tradition blend with economic development. The Festival and fairs of Gujarat promote unity, spiritual well being, self discipline and austerity. They act as refreshers to monotonous routines and are form of recreations

Fantastic Festivals put gujarat in a world stage.

JANMASHTMI

NAVRATRIDEEPAVALI

KITE FESTIVAL GANESH

CHATURTHI

HOLI

Deepavali "Deepavali" is a Sanskrit word - Deepa meaning light and Avali,

meaning a row. It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. It symbolises that age-old culture of India which teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights even to-day in this modern world, projects the rich and glorious past and teaches us to uphold the true values of life.

Deepawali

Kite Festival• Gujarat is vibrant with the Kite Festival (Makar Sankranti) which

is celebrated with colors of joy, colors of life. The Kite Festival signify Gujarat’s ‘Cultural Strength’ and like the kites, Gujarat soars high to touch the skies to be the ‘best in the world.’

• All over the State, in the Month of January, the serene blue sky with colorful kites look splendid and since morning to evening remains dotted with vivid splashes of color with kites in a variety of hues, shapes and sizes. The excitement continues with the onset of night.

Kite Festival

Holi Gujarat celebrates Holi with colors of love, colors of life. Festival of colors, Holi is

celebrated with great fanfare in the Gujarat state of India. Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna. It is a major Hindu festival and marks the agricultural season of the Rabi crop.

There are many stories associated with the origin of Holi. For some Holi marks the day when devotees of lord Vishnu, Bhakt Prahlad who was seated on the lap of demoness Holika was saved from the effect of the fire by God and instead the demoness got burnt. For others the festivals relate to the death of demon Putana at the hands of lord Krishna while some associate the festival with the worship of Karma, God of pleasure and destiny.

Holi – Color of Love, Color of Life

Janmashtmi

Krishna Janmashtami or the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu on earth, is observed on the eighth day of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu calendar.

Dwarka, the kingdom founded by Lord Krishna is located within the territories of the present day Gujarat and therefore, Krishna Janmashtami in Gujarat India is one of the most popular of the fairs and festivals in Gujarat. Every Vaishnav home with Krishna belief and even people from other faith, follow Janmashtmi.

Janmashtmi

Navratri Gujarat’s Navratri Festival, is “a circle of ecstasy” that

throbs non-stop for nine nights with millions of fantastically costumed devotees swaying in a fusion of dance and devotion. Although this festival is celebrated throughout India, nowhere is it performed with more panache and fervor than in Gujarat.

Gujarat celebrates 'Navratri - Where Life is a Celebration' with tourists flowing to Gujarat to enjoy the traditional 9 days of Music and Dance. It reflects spiritual values of Gujarat. Navratri exhibits the rich culture and heritage of the State. Those who visit Navratri festival carry a message of vibrant Gujarat, spiritual Gujarat and holy Gujarat.

Navratri

Fairs of Gujarat

Gujarat Fairs

Around more than 1000 festivals are celebrated in Gujarat—the state is known as the land of fairs and festivals. Some of these fairs and festivals are as follows:

Bhavnath Mahadev Fair

Bhavnath Mahadev Mela(February)

• The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, situated at the foot of Mount Girnar in the city of Junagadh, is the site of the Bhavnath Mahadev fair held for five days in February, during the festival of Mahashivratri.

• The Mahapuja of Lord Shiva takes place at midnight in this temple on the 14th day of the dark half of the month of Magh. When the puja (prayer ceremony) starts, Naga Bavas (naked sages) living nearby move towards the fair seated on elephants, holding flags and blowing conch shells. It is firmly believed that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine on this occasion.

• Visitors are served free meals by the organizers. Special stalls sell idols, rosaries, or holy beads (brought by vendors from Ayodhya and Mathura), utensils of brass and copper, sweets and fruits. The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is surrounded by many equally ancient and holy places.

Dangs Darbar (March)

Dangs Darbar (March)

• Dangs Darbar is the name of the annual fair held every year in Ahwa, the most important town in the Dangs a few days before Holi.

• The Dangs is one of the most delightful districts of Gujarat and is located high in the Saputara hills, the original home of the adivasis, the tribal population of Gujarat.

• The name "Darbar" dates back to the time of the British, when a darbar of Rajas and Naiks of neighbouring area used to assemble there. Today it is called Jamabandi Darbar, and the District Collector officiates at it.

• Thousands of tribal people flock to Ahwa from all over the district, dressed in bright colours, sounding the Shehnai, and beating their drums. Folk dances, dramas, and songs enliven the air during the festival.

Chitra — Vichitra Fair

Chitra — Vichitra Mela (March)

• Dangs Darbar is the name of the annual fair held every year in Ahwa, the most important town in the Dangs a few days before Holi.

• The Dangs is one of the most delightful districts of Gujarat and is located high in the Saputara hills, the original home of the adivasis, the tribal population of Gujarat.

• The name "Darbar" dates back to the time of the British, when a darbar of Rajas and Naiks of neighbouring area used to assemble there. Today it is called Jamabandi Darbar, and the District Collector officiates at it.

• Thousands of tribal people flock to Ahwa from all over the district, dressed in bright colours, sounding the Shehnai, and beating their drums. Folk dances, dramas, and songs enliven the air during the festival.

Tarnetar Fair

Tarnetar Fair

The fair is organised in Tarnetar village some 39 kilometres from Chotila in Surendranagar District in Gujarat. It is popularly known as the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Mela and revolves around the sacred temple of Trinetreshwar.

It is held during the first week of Bhadrapad (September-October). This fair is primarily a 'marriage mart' or 'Swayamvar' for the tribal youth who visit Tarnetar to find a suitable bride for themselves.

The fair is held around the Trinetreshwar Temple dedicated to the three-eyed Lord Shiva, built at the beginning of the century. There is a kund (reservoir) here and it is popularly believed that a dip in its waters is as holy as a dip in the sacred River Ganges. The reservoir is also known as papanshu (the destroyer of sins)

Historical Places

Gujarat is rich in archeological sites including World Heritage site of Champaner, Indus Civilization sites like Lothal and Dholavera, Ancient Buddhist sites, etc• Ahmadabad’s Heritage walk is the only daily departure Walking Tour in India• Gujarat’s Princely heritage has resulted in the State having more than 20 Heritage Hotels including converted Forts and Palaces

H

ERITAGE

DHOLAVIRA

SOMNATH

MODHERA – Sun Temple

PALITANA JAIN TEMPLE

THE REAL HEROES OF GUJARAT

NARSHI MEHTA

SARDAR PATEL – THE IRONMAN OF GUJARAT

MAHATMA GANDHI

MEERA BAI

MAHAKAVI - PREMANAND

NARMAD

SWAMI DAYANAND SHARSHWATI

JAVERCHAND MEGHANI

Gujarat is Vibrant Because…

Jityu Hamesha Gujarat

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INCREDIBLE STATEGujarat

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