Gujarat at a glance

LEGENDS
FOODCULTURE
ART PALACE
TOURISM

 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).

 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".

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

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

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.
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…

• 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.

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 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.

 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.

 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.

• 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.

 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

 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

 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

 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

• 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.

• 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.

 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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

JANMASHTMI
NAVRATRI
DEEPAVALI
KITE FESTIVAL
GANESH
CHATURTHI
HOLI

 "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.

• 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.

 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

 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.

 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.

• 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 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.

 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)

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

SARDAR PATEL – THE IRONMAN OF GUJARAT

Gujarat at a glance

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