The culture in Gujarat is worshiped for its festival related life where one can visit places such as Akshardham Temple or Mount Girnar. It has helped in building a unique identity for people of Gujarati. People from all over are eager to learn more about Indian Culture and its subcultures beyond just celebrating festivals. Along with food and music it showcases values that have been traditionally drilled into people’s minds since time immemorial.
Art
The art of Gujarat has a wide range of traditional art medium, including miniature paintings and highly detailed embroidery. The ancient artworks consist of styles such as Bankapuri Gajal, Bhavanagar Muhaisana, Patola, and Ranipatra. Some important folk arts include Patrani Pagad, Potaniya, Dhankuliya and Mistri. As the name suggests the Patola is unique in its design as it only uses patterns of straight lines without any curves or zigzag edges. The potaniya is a religious art form used to worship of Lord Krishna which uses a katha or narrative-song sung in praise of the deity.
Festivals
Fairs & Festivals of Gujarat are a true reflection of its rich Indian Culture and traditions which have been practiced in the state for centuries. Not only the fairs and festivals help to strengthen the social relations but also provides a platform for people to showcase their talents in dance, music and drama. Gujarati celebrates all the major festivals such as Diwali, Bhai Beej, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, Dussehra or Durga Puja etc… The state is known for its colorful celebrations of these festivals with people adorning themselves in an array of clothes and cosmetics.
The Gujarat Diwali is considered one of the most important festivals in the state. It is a time when they show their love, affection and togetherness through paying respect to elders, helping and supporting their family members, celebrating with friends and loved ones on this day. Some unique features of this festival include the lighting of diyas or oil lamps marking the beginning of festivities. The people also make rangolis (decorative designs) on floor with colored rice flour or colored sand with rangoli kolams in houses, offices and commercial establishments.
Food
Gujarat is well known for its delectable mouth-watering food much like other states in India. Some of the popular dishes include Dabeli, Ghari, Khaman, Pav Bhaji, Thalipeeth etc. Apart from North Indian food it is also famous for its Gujarati cuisine. The traditional Gujarati food or thali consists of varieties such as Kadhi and Khichdi. The state also has many sweet dishes which include: Motichur Ladoo, Jalebi (a sweet made from deep fried pretzel-like dough), Pithe or Sheermal (made from rice and jaggery) etc.
Architecture
There is an interesting architecture in Gujarat which reflects its rich Indian Culture. With each region having distinct architectural styles. The main characteristics of the architecture include The various regions of the state have different architectural features. Each style of architecture is known as a Shilpkala (tribe). Famous examples are Harmadiya, Kachchh, Ilav, Danilimda, Malaviya and Ramwadiya styles. The architecture of Gujarat is also influenced by the Indo-Aryan, Indo-Saracenic and European styles.
Language
Besides its diverse Indian Culture, Gujarat has a rich heritage in many other fields as well. One of the most important aspects of its rich heritage is language which has evolved over time and continues to change. The language of Gujarat is a unique blend of old and new languages. It includes Gujarati, Gujarati Hindi and English. Key features of the language include the use of double ‘l’ (લેલી) while spelling a word like library or table unlike other regional languages where it is written as ‘lli’.
Music & Dance
Gujarat is well known for its music and dance forms. The state is known for its Ghazal singing and bhajans. Some other popular genres include: Rababiya, Dadra, Yodh and Sarangi, Thumri etc. Gujarat has a rich tradition of dance forms with many classical dance forms such as: Malsura, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam etc. It has well known folk dance forms such as: Tala-Pattanatai, Baila-Payasava etc. These forms have reached worldwide.
The Kutch Festival is known for its diverse art and culture. It is considered one of the most vibrant festivals and has been able to portray and display the rich heritage of Gujarat. The festival inclines towards showcasing Gujarati Culture and traditions. People from all over come together to celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. Diwali is the most celebrated festival in the state. It is known as Deepawali, Sharadotsav or Kakadutsav in different regions in Gujarat.
Tourism in Gujarat
The state of Gujarat has also played a crucial role in shaping the culture, tradition and heritage of Indian subcontinent. The rich history has inspired its people to create a unique identity for themselves which is admired by many all over the world. The different festivals, food, dance, language and lifestyle helps in building a unique identity for people of Gujarati.
The state of Gujarat has also played a crucial role in shaping the Indian Culture, tradition and heritage of Indian subcontinent. The rich history has inspired its people to create a unique identity for themselves which is admired by many all over the world. The different festivals, food, dance, language and lifestyle helps in building a unique identity for people of Gujarati.
There are various places that are popular for visiting tourist sites in Gujarat such as: Gandhi Ashram, Sabarmati River Island, Somnath Temple etc. It attracts a large number of tourists every year who are attracted by the rich heritage, culture and tradition that is practiced here.
Conclusion
The rich history, culture, tradition and heritage of Gujarat has helped in shaping its unique identity. The unique traditions and festivals, food, dance and language has helped in building a rich cultural heritage for people.
There is an interesting architecture in Gujarat which reflects its rich culture. With each region having distinct architectural styles. The main characteristics of the architecture include The various regions of the state have different architectural features. Each style of architecture is known as a Shilpkala (tribe). Famous examples are Harmadiya, Kachchh, Ilav, Danilimda, Malaviya and Ramwadiya styles.
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