Gujarat a resplendent city also known as
“The Jewel of Western India” is settled at the westernmost end of the country.
However the city is a bit dry but apart from it the state holds many
attractions to enhance the charm of the place and lures the tourists to visit
the city. “Salt Marsh” (Rann of Kutch) which is the largest salt desert of the
world and the famous Gir National Park is a must visit place in Gujarat which
makes the tourists spell bound. But this is not the end of the beauty of
Gujarat there are many other attractions also which takes this city at a good
number in the list of major tourist destinations in India. Dating back to the
1000 years back history of India, this coastal city was huddled with numerous
ancient temples, mosques and even there are many historical monuments which
take the tourists back to the Indian history and give you a well glimpse of
India before independence and before coming under the developing category. The
roaring sound of Asiatic Lions make tourists more frightened and spotting a
number of blackbucks in a group make it an eye catching view. How can we forget
the place which played a great role in the Independence of India i.e. Sabarmati
Ashram from where the Dandi March started and even the ashram served as a
residence of Mahatma Gandhi till the time he was in Gujarat.
Garba is the most common dance form of Gujarat which is known universally but there are several other dance forms also popular in Gujarat like Bhavai drama, Dandiya, Padhar and Tippani etc. which are generally performed on several occasions and festivals.
In Gujarat there is an array of festivals which gets celebrated with very much enthusiasm and joy. Navratri is a festival celebrated nationwide but Navratri of Gujarat has a unique specialty and is a top-notch ceremony of Gujarat. Bhavnath Mahadev Fair, Vautha Mela Fair, Kite festivals are some other festivals and are celebrated with great joy.
Some of the major eye catching and soul endowing attractions of the city are –
Somnath
Temple
The idol of this temple is in the form of a
Linga and is among one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple has been looted and
plundered several times by the invaders due to its well-known wealth. The elements
which pull tourists towards the temple and work as a magnet are the doors made
up of silver, splendid carvings and the idols.
The park is a home to Asiatic Lions
and is spread over a larger area of around 1412 sq. km. and it is not a home to
Asiatic Lions only but also acts as a shelter to around 300 species of birds
and numerous other animals. It is much enjoyable to go on a visit to the
National Park is by Jeep Safari.
Ahmedpur
Mandvi Beach
The cool breeze and the crystal clear
water of this water body takes away the whole day harassment and makes the mood
refreshed and the relaxed one. However the beach is less visited but the
ambience of the place makes the tourists mesmerized and they love watching
dolphins hopping in the river and they enjoy some water sports also.
Ahmedabad
The textile city of Gujarat as well as one of the Heritage cities
declared by UNESCO due to its unexplainable history, heritage and the cultures
followed by the natives which are archived in the museums, art galleries and
even can find in the markets also. If you are a paparazzo then you may visit
Kankaria Lake which is located very near to it.
Tribes of Gujarat
Though there are many states where
population includes tribal community but Gujarat is that Indian city where a
large area is covered by several tribal communities. Some of the common tribes
of Gujarat are Bhils, Dhodias, Barda, Vasawas etc. The best part of most of the
tribal community of Gujarat is that they all possess a unique and admiring
culture. The tribes offer equal opportunity to men and women and women are free
to select their occupation as per their wish and their comfort level. Though
the tribal communities are not much educated but also their mentality is at a
par level. Youth are allowed to select their partner by themselves and even the
eloped partners are also very easily acceptable by the communities. If we talk
about the present education status of the tribal community of Gujarat then the
standard has been raised much and the Ashramshalas is the major contributing
element of the tribal people.
Bhils
This tribe of Gujarat is not only found in Gujarat but also found
in other states including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and
Eastern Tripura. The community is very much strict towards the rules and
regulations like they do not allow inter caste marriage but the natives of this
tribe are very much true, brave and simple. The tribe is well known for its
folk dance and is even very fond of music.
Dhodias
The community has a very good culture which shows the equality
among women and men. Women of this community also contribute in the livelihood
of the family which makes this tribe special among other tribes. The natives of
this tribe are non-vegetarian and eat mainly rice, pulses, jowar and wheat. The
Dhodias are dependent upon agriculture for their livelihood in which women
equally participate.
Gamit
The community is devoted towards the Sun god and so they start
their worship with the worship of Sun God and then move further with their
worshipping. Their livelihood is dependent upon agriculture and even due to the
improved literacy level the livelihood is somewhat dependent upon the
government employment too. The natives of this community are fond of dance and
music which they create by using the natural resources.
Cuisines of Gujarat
The first thing which comes in our mind
when we talk about Gujarat is the lip smacking dishes of Gujarat which includes
Jalebi Fafda, Dhokla, Puran Poli, Khandvi and there are many others which give
perfect treat to our lips. The names of the cuisines are so complex and sounds
little weird. The dialogue spoken by Kareena Kapoor in 3 idiots movie in which
she mentioned about the Gujarati cuisines added fame to the Gujarati cuisines.
Khaman
The name only waters the mouth and the dish is even very healthy
as it is a steamed dish which you can intake as a snack. The recipe of this snack
is so simple and the proper garnishing adds up point to the snack. However the
dish is being served in a plate nowadays but if it served on the large leaf of
Kesuda then it gives a unique look to the dish.
Thepla
A universal dish which can be seen in every plate of Gujarat be it
a personal celebration, foreign trips or business trips. The snack is quite
healthy as the ingredients use to make this dish ready contains all the
required nutrients and minerals for the body. These flatbreads are generally served
with curd, pickles and chutney.
Undhiyu
The dish which one must not miss if they are planning to have something from Gujarati cuisine as the dish is not said “king of Gujarati dish” in any way. The Gujarati wait for winters because of two reasons. The first one is Uttarayan (a very famous festival) and the other reason is this taste bud treating snack. The ingredients used in this dish are vegetables which are healthy for us.
The dish which one must not miss if they are planning to have something from Gujarati cuisine as the dish is not said “king of Gujarati dish” in any way. The Gujarati wait for winters because of two reasons. The first one is Uttarayan (a very famous festival) and the other reason is this taste bud treating snack. The ingredients used in this dish are vegetables which are healthy for us.
Fafda-
Jalebi
This dish has gained its familiarity very
much by the TV serial “Tarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chasmah”. It is a perfect
combination of salty and sweet dish which if take as a breakfast gives a
perfect start to the day. One can spot a very long queue waiting for this day
making and lip smacking breakfast.
Gujarati
Kadhi
Each and every Gujarati Thali is incomplete
and looks colorless without Kadhi. The ingredients used to make this dish are
jiggery which gives a bit sweet taste to the dish and then there is sour curd
used which makes it salty and sweet. The dish can be accompanied with soft
Phulkas or even Basmati Rice. The dish gives you a special treat in summer as
the curd gives it a cooling nature.
Though the state holds many temples
like Somnath Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Ambaji Temple, Nageshwar Temple etc.
and makes the ambience of the state spiritual but the glory of the temple is not
limited to spiritualism only. It holds many beautiful beaches, national parks,
historical monuments like Rani Ki Vav, Lothal and Dholavira. Lothal and
Dholavira are the two places whose greater significance had been taken from
Harappa Civilization and are so known as the treasures of Harappa civilization
and serve as a heritage of the western state.
Folk Dance of Gujarat
Garba is the most common dance form of Gujarat which is known universally but there are several other dance forms also popular in Gujarat like Bhavai drama, Dandiya, Padhar and Tippani etc. which are generally performed on several occasions and festivals.
Festivals
In Gujarat there is an array of festivals which gets celebrated with very much enthusiasm and joy. Navratri is a festival celebrated nationwide but Navratri of Gujarat has a unique specialty and is a top-notch ceremony of Gujarat. Bhavnath Mahadev Fair, Vautha Mela Fair, Kite festivals are some other festivals and are celebrated with great joy.
There are many fairs which are organized in
the state and show the signature rituals and traditions of the state as there
are many stalls which sell Gujarati souvenirs which you can bring back as a
memory.
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