Every Hindu ceremony begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha, the deity of peace

and wisdom. This is done so people can find strength within themselves to remove
any obstacles that may arise.

Varghodo (Wedding Procession)

The original form of a barat is a procession from the groom's house to the bride's
house for the wedding ceremony. The wedding day begins with the Mangal Vadya, the
playing of Shehnai (a traditional wind instrument) and Dhol (Indian drum).

Swagatam (Welcoming the groom and his family)

The groom and his family are greeted at the doors of the mandir (temple) by the
bride's parents and family. The mother of the bride then greets and welcomes the
groom and his family into her own family. She blesses the groom by placing a tilak
(red dot) on his forehead. The groom is then led to the mandap, where the wedding
ceremony will take place.

Ganesh Puja (The worship of Lord Ganesh)

Madhuparka (Welcoming the groom)

While the groom is sitting under the mandap, the madhuparka is performed where his
feet are washed by the bride's parents. He is then offered panchamrut, a drink
composed of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar.
Kanyadaan Ceremony in a Gujarati, Hindu Wedding Ceremony

Kanyaa Daan (Giving away of the daughter)

The bride accepts her change of status from an unmarried woman to a wife by
spreading turmeric powder on her hands. Kanya Daan is performed by the father (or
uncle or guardian) of the bride in the presence of a large gathering that is
invited to witness the wedding.

Vivaaha (Wedding)

The bride and the groom face each other, and the priest ties their garments (the
bride's saree to the groom's shirt) in a knot, symbolizing the sacred union—the
bride and the groom garland each other and exchange the rings. Next, the nuptial
fire, symbolizing the divine witness, and the sanctifier of the sacrament, is
installed and worshipped.

Both the bride and the groom grasp their hands together and pray to God for His
blessings. Samagree, consisting of crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar, rice, ghee
(clarified butter), and twigs, is offered into the sacred fire to seek God's
blessings for the couple.

Mangal Phera (Circumambulation of the sacred fire)

The groom holds the bride by the hand, and both walk four times around the sacred
fire. Both offer oblations and recite appropriate Vedic hymns to Gods for
prosperity, good fortune, and conjugal fidelity. They touch each other's hearts and
pray for the union of their hearts and minds.

Saptapadi (Seven sacred steps)

This is the most important rite of the entire ceremony. Here the bride and the
groom take seven steps together around the sacred fire (Agni) and make the
following seven promises to each other: As per the Vedic rituals, the groom sings,
"With God as our guide, let us take":

The first step to nourish each other

The second step to grow together in strength
The third step to preserve our wealth
The fourth step to share our joys and sorrows
The fifth step to care for our children
The sixth step to be together forever
The seventh step to remain lifelong friends
The perfect halves to make a perfect whole!

The Satapadi ceremony concludes with a prayer that the union is indissoluble. At
the end of this ceremony, the groom and the bride become husband and wife.

Mangal Sutra

The Mangal Sutra Dharana is the tying of the thread containing the marks of the
Vishnu or Shiva on the neck of the bride by the groom.

Suhaag or Sindhoordana

The groom places sindoor (red powder) on the bride's hair, symbolizing her as a
married woman.

Aashirvaad (Blessing)

The groom's parents bless the couple and offer clothes or flowers to the bride,
symbolizing her joining the groom's family. All those assembled at the ceremony
shower flowers on the couple and blessed them completing the marriage.
Music and dance
Main article: Music of Gujarat
Garaba Raas

The traditional folk dance forms include Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani, Padhar,
Sidi, and Dangi.

Dandiya Raas

Dandiya Raas is a romantic, very energetic, colourful, and playful dance

originating in the state of Gujarat. Its roots lay from the days of Lord Krishna,
who played raas on the shores of Yamuna river on a moonlit night with his beloved
Gopis.

Men and women dressed in colorful clothes dance in two concentric circles - one
moving clockwise, one moving counter-clockwise. Men and women carry two bamboo
sticks called dandiyas in their hands. In addition to footwork, one of the most
enjoyable parts of this dance is the creative use of dandiyas.

The song sung on occasion is essentially an amorous one. Raas is a very playful
dance providing the opportunity for acting and exchanging messages through eye
contact. It is no wonder that many romances bloom during Navratri and hence the
popularity of the dance among the younger generation.

Garba

Garba is a very graceful form of dance mainly performed by females in a circular

formation. It is in reverences of goddess Ambaji. The basics of the dance are
singing and clapping rhythmically while going around the goddess. Today many
modifications are prevalent to the basic pattern, and even men are free to join in.
Women are dressed in exquisitely embroidered, set in mirrors cholis, ghaghras, and
bandhani dupattas! Extensive jewelry in the form of necklaces, bracelets and
anklets are also worn. The typical dress code of men is kehediyu, chudidar, and a
turban.

Garbi

Originally men used to perform this dance. It was on the way back from a battle
that the victorious army would start dancing to couplets and amorous songs sung by
the Charanswar, or the narrators who used to go to the front to raise the spirit
during the battle by singing songs of valour. The dance was characteristic for its
forceful movements, which would fascinate viewers. Today, however, even females
participate in the dance.

Padhar

It is performed by a rural community living around Nal Lake. In it, performers

simulate the rhythmic movements of roving mariners and the undulating sea waves.
The Bhil tribes, who live close to border tracts, and the Adivasis of Dangs
district, have particularly lively folk dances.
Theatre
Main article: Gujarati theatre

The traditional forms of theatre include Bhavai and Akhyana.

Gujarati cinema
Main article: Gujarati cinema
Narshinh Mehta 1932 was the first Gujarati film

Before the arrival of talkies, there were several silent films that were closely
related to Gujarati people and culture. Many film directors, producers, and actors
who are associated with silent films were Gujarati and Parsi. There were twenty
leading film companies and studios owned by Gujaratis between 1913 and 1931. They
were mostly located in Bombay (now Mumbai). There were at least forty-four leading
Gujarati directors during this period.[4]

The Gujarati cinema dates back to 9 April 1932, when the first Gujarati film
Narsinh Mehta was released.[4][5] Leeludi Dharti (1968) was the first colour film
of Gujarati cinema.[6] After flourishing through the 1960s to 1980s, the industry
saw a decline. The industry is revived in recent times. The film industry has
produced more than one thousand films since its inception.[7] In 2005, the
Government of Gujarat announced a 100% entertainment tax exemption for Gujarati
films.[8]

Gujarati cinema is chiefly based on scripts from mythology to history and social to
political. Since its origin, Gujarati cinema has experimented with stories and
issues from Indian society. The films are generally targeted at the rural audience
but after recent revival also caters audience with urban subjects.[4]
Languages of Gujarat

Gujarat is inhabited by people belonging to varied castes, religions, and

communities. Due to that, a number of varied languages are spoken in the state. The
official language of the state is Gujarati. It is an Indo-Aryan language derived
from Sanskrit. Gujarati is the 26th-most widely spoken language in the world. In
addition, it has eleven dialects, spoken in different parts of the state.

Gujarat shares its borders with the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and
Rajasthan. Therefore, there is a small population that speaks the respective
languages of the different states also, namely Marwari, Hindi, and Marathi. Apart
from this, Urdu and Sindhi are also spoken in Gujarat. Kutch is one of the
important areas in the state. It has an independent identity and is growing popular
among tourists. The mother tongue of the people of Kutch is Kachchi. It is an
important language of the region.

Another part of Gujarat is Saurashtra, which is also referred to as West Gujarat or

Kathiyawad. The mother tongue of these people is Kathiyawadi Gujarati which is
spoken in seven different districts in Saurashtra. Rajkot is the financial capital
of Saurashtra. Saurashtra is also known for giving many saints and great men like
Mahatma Gandhi. The young population migrated to different cities like Ahmedabad,
Surat, and Vadodara due to employment problems.
Literature

Gujarati literature's history may be traced to 1000 AD. Since then, literature has
flourished till date. Well-known laureates of Gujarati literature are
Hemchandracharya, Narsinh Mehta, Mirabai, Akho, Premanand Bhatt, Shamal Bhatt,
Dayaram, Dalpatram, Narmad, Govardhanram Tripathi, Mahatma Gandhi, K. M. Munshi,
Umashankar Joshi, Suresh Joshi, Pannalal Patel, and Rajendra Keshavlal Shah .

Kavi Kant and Kalapi are famous Gujarati poets.

Gujarat Vidhya Sabha, Gujarat Sahitya Sabha, and Gujarati Sahitya Parishad are
Ahmedabad based literary institutions promoting the spread of Gujarati literature.
Saraswatichandra is a landmark novel by Govardhanram Tripathi. Writers like Suresh
Dalal, Jyotindra Dave, Tarak Mehta, Harkisan Mehta, Chandrakant Bakshi, Vinod
Bhatt, Kanti Bhatt, Makarand Dave, and Varsha Adalja have influenced Gujarati
thinkers.

A huge contribution to Gujarati language literature came from the Swaminarayan

paramhanso, like Bramhanand, Premanand, with prose like Vachanamrut and poetry in
the form of bhajans.

Gujarati theatre owes a lot to bhavai. Bhavai is a musical performance of stage

plays. Ketan Mehta and Sanjay Leela Bhansali explored the artistic use of bhavai in
films such as Bhavni Bhavai, Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India! and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
Dayro (gathering) involves singing and conversation, reflecting on human nature.
Religions

In Gujarat, there has been several great religious figures. Sant Dadu Dayal (1554–
1660) a saint-poet and a major Bhakti figure from Ahmedabad, treated equally both
Rama as names of God and became popular in Northern India. He wrote, "The illusion
of Rama hath been dispelled by my mind; since I see Thee in all."[9]

Gujarat is also the home of Gandhi, who preached unity between all religions and
became a worldwide figure for peaceful struggle against tyranny.
Hinduism
Lakulisha was born in modern-day Gujarat

Gujarat is a part of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Many Hindu religious
traditions developed in Gujarat.

Gujarat is the birthplace of Lord Shiva's Avatar Lakulisa (Staff-God). He

established the Pasupata Shaivite tradition (one of the six major schools of
Shaivism) in 2 A.D. or 3 A.D. According to some traditions he was born in
Kayarohana or Kayavatara in Saurashtra while other traditions hold that it was
Karavana, in the modern-day town of Dabhoi Taluka near Baroda,[10] another that it
was Ulkapuri (modern Avakhal)[11] and another that it was in Braoch or Bharuch.[12]
From Gujarat, it spread north to Kashmir,[13] South to Tamil Nadu,[14] East to
Nepal[15] (where the Pashupatinath Temple stills exist popularly.)
Bhakti movement

The Bhakti movement was very popular in Gujarat, where devotees of both Islam and
Hinduism focused on the worship of God, trying to rid any separations based on
faith in God.

Swami Chakradhara was another major figure of the Bhakti movement, born in Gujarat
in 1194 A.D.[16] and he is believed to be the avatar of Vishnu. Chakradhar Swami
established the Mahanubhava, Vaishnavite sect, which spread to Maharashtra as well.
The sect still exists today in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Sant Kilha was another Vaishnavite saint of Gujarat born to a Subedar (army man)
father.[17] He was the disciple of Krishnasdas (of Jaipur) and became his successor
at the seat of Galta - Kilha's branch became known as the "Tapasa branch".[18]
Besides Ram Bhakti (devotion to Lord Rama), he was also inclined towards yog-
sadhana and this is why he was made acharya of the Galta Gaddi.[19] He is said to
be the founder of the Khati sect.[20]

Jalaram, a devotee of Lord Rama is another popular figure. Jalarama's birthday is

still celebrated by Gujarati (in Gujarat and abroad) as Jalaram Jayanti.

Swami Sahajanand, better known as Swaminarayan settled in Gujarat from Uttar

Pradesh. Today the Swaminarayan movement is very large in Gujarat.
Jainism

Gujarat is home to one of the largest Jain communities in India.

Shrimad Rajchandra was a Jain poet, philosopher, scholar, and reformer, best known
for his teachings on Jainism and as a spiritual guide of Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhi's mother was also Jain.[citation needed]

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism first arrived in Gujarat around 9th century AD. Parsis migrated from
Greater Iran to Gujarat and Sindh between the 8th and 10th century CE to avoid the
persecution of Zoroastrians following the Muslim conquest of Persia. Since then,
the Zoroastrians have flourished in the present day Gujarat and Mumbai. The holy
cities of Parsis are also located in Gujarat, like Udvada, their primary site.

Arrival in Gujarat: According to the Qissa-i Sanjan, the only existing account of
the early years of Zoroastrian refugees in India composed at least six centuries
after their tentative date of arrival, the first group of immigrants originated
from Greater Khorasan.[18] This historical region of Central Asia is in part in
northeastern Iran, where, it constitutes modern Khorasan Province, part of
western/northern Afghanistan, and in part in three Central-Asian republics, namely
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. According to the Qissa, the immigrants
were granted permission to stay by the local ruler, Jadi Rana, on the condition
that they adopt the local language (Gujarati), that their women adopt local dress
(the sari), and that they henceforth cease to bear arms.[19] The refugees accepted
the conditions and founded the settlement of Sanjan, which is said to have been
named after the city of their origin (Sanjan, near Merv, modern Turkmenistan).[18]
This first group was followed by a second group from Greater Khorasan within five
years of the first, and this time having religious implements with them (the alat).
In addition to these Khorasanis or Kohistanis "mountain folk", as the two initial
groups are said to have been initially called,[20] at least one other group is said
to have come overland from Sari, Iran.[21] This religion founded by Zarathustra
Spitma (better known as "Zoroaster") resembles Hinduism in many ways (although
differing as a strict monotheism too.)
For example, in this religion, the cow is very sacred. In the 9th chapter of the
Vendidad of the Avesta, the purificatory power of cow urine is dilated upon.[21] It
is declared to be a panacea for all bodily and moral evils. It is drunk as well as
applied externally as is done by Hindus also.[21] The urine of the bull, called
"nirang," is brought to the house of an orthodox Parsi every morning and is (like
cow milk) applied to the face, hands, and feet.[21]

The Zoroastrians—a.k.a. Parsi and Irani, due to their ancient heritage—entered

Gujarat from the Persian Empire.

They have many businesses in India and are economically very powerful.
Gujarati Muslims
Main article: Gujarati Muslims

The term "Gujarati Muslim" is usually used to signify an Indian Muslim from the
State of Gujarat who speaks the Gujarati language as a mother-tongue (first
language) and follows certain customs different from the rest of Indian Muslims.

Gujarat was one of the first places the Muslims came to India. King Arjun of
Gujarat permitted a Muslim trader from Ormuz to build a mosque in Gujarat and even
paid for the expenses of a certain Shiite festival. (p. 185 An Advanced History of
India By Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, Kalikinkar Datta, Hemchandra Raychaudhuri)

The Sufi saints are very popular in Gujarat. Shaykh Makhu was a Sufi saint of the
Shattari lineage (p. 185 An Advanced History of India By Ramesh Chandra Majumdar,
Kalikinkar Datta, Hemchandra Raychaudhuri). Since Gujarat is situated on the
western border of India, there was a direct interaction with the people of Arabia
and Persia. Many Gujarati Saints and Sufis became famous. Among them, the names of
Sheikh Ganjul lim (1381), Syed Burhanuddin (1411), and Sheikh Wajihuddin Alvi are
well known.[22]

Gujarati Muslims are very prominent in industry and sports, and there is a very
large Gujarati Muslim community in Mumbai. Several Gujarati Muslim communities are:

Memon
Dawoodi Bohra
Khoja
Sunni Vora (aka "Vora Patel")
Surti Muslims
Pathan

There are many famous Gujarati Muslims:

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Abdullah Yusuf Ali (translator and commentator of the Quran)
Azim Premji (son of founder of multinational Wipro and current chairman)
Badruddin Tyabji
Ismail Merchant
Tiger Memon (infamous)
Irfan Pathan
Yusuf Pathan
Zaheer Khan
Munaf Patel
Sajid Nadiadwala
Farooq Shaikh
Parveen Babi
Ismail Darbar

Fairs and festivals

Fairs

Around more than a 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 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), 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 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 Mela (March)

This fair, one of the largest purely Adivasi (tribal) fairs, is attended by around
60,000 to 70,000 tribal people. It takes place every year in the village of
Gunbhakhari in Sabarkantha district, very near the borders of Rajasthan. It is held
a fortnight after Holi, the festival of colours. The site of the fair is attractive
as the temple overlooks the rivers Sabarmati, Akul, and Vyakul. The name of the
fair is derived from Chitrangada and Vichitraviraya, the sons of King Shantanu, who
are believed to have lived there and been cured of diseases which afflicted them.
The fair attracts large numbers of Bhils (tribals) who come from all the
surrounding districts using every imaginable form of transport. The Garasis and
Bhil tribals dress in their customary colourful costumes. The costume of the men
generally consists of a blue shirt, dhoti, and a red or saffron turban. Women don
ghaghras (embroidered skirts), which have a circumference of as much as 20 yards
(18 m) and are covered from head to foot with ornate and heavy silver jewellery.
They use liquid kumkum (vermilion) to colour their cheeks and lips a brilliant red,
while their eyes are outlined with kajal (kohl). Every group that comes to the fair
carries its own drum making the atmosphere come alive with the incessant beat of
numerous drums. The women sing folk songs, and everyone dances. The dancing and
drumming continue for hours until everyone is exhausted. Over a hundred stalls hold
food and drink and sweets of various kinds. Silver ornaments can be bought, and
household articles, as well. Here, as in other fairs, there is a giant wheel and a
merry-go-round which never ceases to spin.

Dhrang Fair (April)

Around 40 km from Bhuj, it is known for the samadhi of the famous saint Mekran Dada
who served the community with great love and dedication and won their devotion. He
was supposed to be the incarnation of Lakshmanji. A large fair is held on Magh Vad
when a large number of Dada's followers from different parts of Gujarat and
Rajasthan come to the Samadhi and participate in religious rituals.

Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair (September–October)

The small hamlet of Tarnetar, about 75 kilometers from Rajkot, is the site for one
of Gujarat's most well-known annual fairs, held here during the first week of
Bhadrapad (September–October). This fair is primarily a "marriage mart" or
"Swayamvar" for the tribal youth of today who still visit Tarnetar, to find them a
suitable bride. The tribal youth elegantly dressed in colourful dhotis, waistcoats,
and eye-catching turbans come to be chosen by village belles dressed in colourful
finery. Like all important tribal fairs, it is attended by tribes from the
adjoining areas who indulge in dancing, competitive sports, and other such forms of
entertainment. There are over 300 stalls selling food, refreshments, exhibiting
embroidery and cattle shows. The bachelors are usually identified by their large,
colourful embroidered umbrellas and their distinctive hairstyles. These umbrellas,
which have become emblems of the fair, are embroidered by the tribal youth for over
a year. The fair is held around the Trinetreshwar Temple, which was dedicated to
the three-eyed Lord Shiva and 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).

Vautha Mela (November)

This fair is held every year at Vautha where two rivers, the Sabarmati and the
Vatrak, meet. Like most fair sites in India, this also has both mythological and
current religious associations. The Vautha Mela site is 3 square miles (7.8 km2) in
the area. Legends hold that Kartik Swami or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva,
visited the site. This is why the fair is held during Kartika Purnima, the full
moon night of the month of Kartik, corresponding to November. The site, also known
as Saptasangam, is at the confluence of seven rivers. The most important Shiva
temple here is the temple of Siddhanath.

What is most significant about this fair is that it is the only major animal
trading fair in Gujarat and is on par with the famous camel fair at Pushkar,
Rajasthan. However, the only animals traded here are donkeys. About 4,000 donkeys
are brought every year for sale, usually by Vanjara (gypsy) traders. The pilgrims
who visit Vautha during the fair are from several communities and include farmers,
labourers, and people belonging to several castes.

Shamlaji Melo (November)

The Shamlaji Melo, also called the Kartik Purnima fair, is held in the month of
November every year and lasts for about two weeks. It is attended by almost two
hundred thousand people from adjoining districts and even from Rajasthan. Devotees
belong to various castes and communities, including the Garasias and Bhils throng
to this festival. These pilgrims come in groups, singing devotional songs and
carrying religious banners to have a darshan (worship) of the deity at the Shamlaji
Temple. The Shamlaji Temple is a renowned Vaishnav Shrine, and the deity housed
here is known by various names included Gadadhar (bearer of the mace) and Shaksi
Gopal. The fair is also popular with the tribal people of the area, particularly
the Bhils, who revere Shamlaji, the deity they refer to as "Kalio Bavji", the dark
divinity. The temple is of great archaeological significance as it was built in the
11th century. Apart from a darshan of the deity in the temple, the pilgrims
consider a bath in the river Meshwo essential.
Tarnetar Fair

A man in traditional costumes during Tarnetar fair.

The venkatareddy Tarnetar Fair is one of the most happening events in Gujarat and
is held at the Temple of Shiva or Trinetreshwar (three-eyed god), popularly known
as Tarnetar. Popular belief associates the village with the Swayamwar (marriage) of
Draupadi after Arjun performed the Mastsyavedh, an unparalleled feat of archery.
Villagers from all over the state, dressed in their brilliant traditional costumes
and exquisite jewelry, flock to Tarnetar. A veritable feast for the eyes is the
Rasada, a captivating folk dance performed by hundreds of women moving gracefully
in a single circle, dancing gaily to the accompaniment of four drums and jodja pava
(double flutes). It is in district Surendranagar.

Kutch Utsav

The Kutch Mahotsava, is usually organized during the end of February and the
beginning of March. The Kutch region in Gujarat abounds with splendid beaches,
fascinating wildlife, and beautiful palaces and monuments.

Sanskruti kunj Fair

The Sanskruti kunj Festival shows the different cultures of the states of India. It
is organized in the winter session in the capital city, Gandhinagar. All the
competitors of India come during this fair and show their state's culture & dance.

It is a 10-day long festival, and this located on the bank of river Sabarmati over
12-hector landscaped land. Timing for sanskruti kunj between 2.00 pm to 10.00 pm
and every evening from 7.30 pm, the folk song and dance performances would be
presented.

Shamlaji Fair

The Shamlaji shrine and the site boast of an ancient and glorious heritage.
Thousands of tribal people flock to the Shamlaji fair. (Shamalaji is also known as
Gadadhar Dev, whose Name is also reflected in the Thousand Name of Lord Vishnu Also
known as Vihnu Sahastra Nama, who Created Bhrahma, and Bhrahma Created This World.
Those who had crossed Bhrahma Is known as Parbhrahma, who claim Himself as Allah
but He also does not know that in Lord Vishnu, who seems to be idle in whom
Thousands of Universe takes birth every moment and get destroyed every moment.
Still, he fulfills the desire of Bhakta. Bhakta associates or joins himself with
Lord Vishnu, who is also known as Shree Krishna. Famous Saint Narsimh Mehta write
Hundi on the name of Shmalia Sheth in the time of his distress, a type of
promissory note which was honored by Shree Krishna. Shri Narsimh Mehta wrote poetry
in the honor of Shri Krishna that became Mahatma Gandhi's prayer song.

Vautha No Melo

Situated at the confluence of two rivers near Ahmedabad, the site attracts people
of all communities. Animals, particularly donkeys and camels, are sold in large
numbers during this fair.
Festivals

Other than nationally observed festivals, some festivities are specific to Gujarat.

Makar Sankranti and Kite Flying Festival (14 January)

The Kite Flying Festival takes place in mid-January and marks the time when the
sun's direct rays reach the Tropic of Capricorn after the winter solstice. It is
celebrated with much folk music, dance and kite flying. People of Gujarat gather on
terraces to fly kites of various colours to celebrate Makar Sakranti or Uttrayana,
the welcome to the sun after the cold winter months. Glass-strengthened threads of
the Indian fighter kites are matched against each other in the air — the kite
fighter who cuts the other thread is the victor. At night, kites with Chinese
lanterns are flown and held aloft. Food such as Undhiya, sugar cane juice, and
local sweets is typically served to celebrate the day.

Dance Festival — Modhera (January)

Resting on a knoll in the village of Modhera are the ruins of the 11th-century Sun
Temple. The outer walls of the temple are covered with sculptures in which the
figures of Surya, the sun god, are prominent. The Sun Temple is the site of an
annual festival of Indian classical dances organized by the Tourism Corporation of
Gujarat. The idea is to present classical dance forms in the atmosphere they were
originally presented in.

The Kutch Mahotsav (February–March)

The 'Kutch Festival' or the 'Rann festival' is celebrated at the time of the Shiv
Ratri in February/ March. The centre of the festival is Bhuj in Kutch. It has
crafts, fairs, and folk dances and music and cultural shows, all organized by the
Gujarat Tourism. Tours are also conducted out to the ruins of Dhola Vera, a city
that was once a part of the Indus Valley civilization.

Bhadra Purnima (September)

The full moon of Bhadrapad is one of the four most important festival days of the
year when farmers and agriculturists come to Ambaji, a place that derives its name
from Goddess Ambaji, whose shrine is located there. On this occasion, a large fair
is organized on full moon days. In the evening, performances of Bhavai, the folk
drama of the state are held, and Garba programmes are organized. The devout attend
readings of the Saptashati, the seven hundred verses in praise of the goddess, and
visit the temple for a darshan (worship) of her. The Ambaji shrine is the principal
shrine of the goddess in Gujarat, and its origins are still unknown. The Temple of
Ambaji is recognized as one of the original Shakti Pithas (religious texts) where,
according to the ancient Scriptures, the heart of the goddess Ambaji fell to earth
when her body was dismembered. A triangular Vishwa Yantra, inscribed with figures
and the syllable 'Shree' in the centre, represents the deity. There is no idol,
which testifies the temple's antiquity. Idol worship became popular much later.
Gujarati cuisine
Main article: Gujarati cuisine

The food served in the South of Gujarat is influenced by the cuisine of

Maharashtra. In South Gujarat, people usually consume Jowar, whereas, in Saurashtra
and North Gujarat, the diet consists mainly of Bajra and Maize. In Baroda, you will
find a blend of all tastes due to its location. In earlier times, wheat was
consumed only by the elite and by the middle class during the festive season. With
changing time, things have changed. Today, wheat forms an integral part of the
Gujarati platter and is used in a number of ways.
Gulab Jamun
Jalebi
Kachori
Pav Bhaji
Bhajias (Pakoras)

Sweets

Basundi
 Doodh Pak
Gajar ka Halwa
Gulab Jambu
Jalebi
Ladoo
Bundi na Ladoo
Churma na Ladoo
Tal na Lado
Sing na Ladoo
Chikki
Dalia ni Chikki
Shing Ni Chikki
Tal ni Chikki(particularly for winter)
Puran Puri
Vedvi (similar to Puran Poli but fully dipped in ghee)
ShriKhand (particularly in Summer)
Mohan Thal
Magas
Barfi
Ghari
Surati Ghari
Bhavnagari Ghari
Sutarfeni
Kaju Katri
Golpapdi (jeggari and wheat-flour )
Barfi Churmu
Rabdi
Khaja
Dudhi no Halwo (and Mung Dal No Halwo Particularly for Marriage)
Badam Ni Chaki(Particularly Offer to Lord Shrinathji of Nathdwara)
Pista Ni Chaki(Particularly Offer to Lord Shrinathji of Nathdwara)
Morning Sherow (Wheat Halwo)
MaisurPack

Snacks

Bhajias/Pakoras
Pav Bhaji
Chana Dal Wada
Kutchi Dabeli
Dal Wada
Dhokla
Locho
Farsi Puri
Ganthias
Handvo
Kachori
Khandvi
Muthias
Sev-Usual
Bhel
Panipuri
Fafda
Chevdo
Bhakharvadi
Chavanu/Surti bhusu
Jain Chevdo
Patra
Gatha
Pulses (Dals)Kadhi

Mixed Dal
Moong Dal
Plain Dal
Tuver Dal
Udad Dal
Kadhi
Dhal Dhokli

Vegetables

Batata Suki Bhaji

Cabbage Peas
Cauliflower-Green Peas
Methi Mutter
Okra
Sev-Tomatoes
Undhiyu

The chewing of Betel leaves (paan) in Gujarat

The chewing of the betel leaf, known as paan in Gujarati, is part of many Asian
cultures, especially those of China and Vietnam. Preparation techniques vary from
using hands to feet to help in grinding and extracting exotic flavours. The nut is
either slivered or grated, often flavored with spices according to local tradition
and usually wrapped in a betel leaf (betel leaf comes from the betel pepper plant,
Piper betle, which is not botanically related to the betel palm, Areca catechu),
along with some lime (calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide) to better extract the
alkaloids. Some people also chew tobacco, marijuana, or cocaine along with betel
nut. After about 20 minutes of chewing, the fibrous residue which remains of the
nut is spat out onto the street, where it remains visible due to its characteristic
bright red color.

In Gujarat, betel (paan) chewing is as popular as tobacco smoking is global. Paan

is often served wrapped in a betel leaf.

In Gujarat and the rest of India, paan has played an important part in social life
and customs for hundreds of years. In the courts of Medieval Rulers, the betel leaf
or paan was offered as part of hospitality, friendship, and love. Kings also
relished betel leaves after sex.[citation needed]

The different types of paans are:

Saada paan, a mixture of cardamom, betel nut, and cloves.

Chutney paan, a mixture of cardamom, betel nut, and spicy mint paste.
Meetha paan, a mixture of grated coconut, dates, gulkand (rose petal and sugar
syrup), and jellied fruit.
thook paan, a special mixture of sugar, and amylase
Tobacco paan, a mixture of tobacco of different brands, and betel nut.

Using paan with tobacco significantly increases the risk of mouth cancers. Even
without tobacco, the use of paan has been associated with changes in the lining of
the mouth that increase the risk of cancer of the mouth.
See also

Architecture of Gujarat
Godadi
References

"Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant's Gol Dhana Ceremony to Take Place Today; Know What
It Is". News18. 19 January 2023.
"What is Gol Dhana, the ceremony which will be performed by Anant Ambani and
Radhika Merchant?". Firstpost. 19 January 2023.
"Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant Gol Dhana Ceremony today, spiritual significance of
this pre-wedding rasam". 19 January 2023.
K. Moti Gokulsing; Wimal Dissanayake (17 April 2013). Routledge Handbook of Indian
Cinemas. Routledge. pp. 88–99. ISBN 978-1-136-77284-9.
"'Dhollywood' at 75 finds few takers in urban Gujarat". Financial Express. 22 April
2007.
"Gujarati cinema: A battle for relevance". dna. 16 December 2012. Retrieved 15 July
2015.
"Golly! Gujarati films cross 1k mark". The Times of India. 29 July 2011. Retrieved
15 July 2015.
Roy, Mithun (3 May 2005). "Crisis-hit Gujarati film industry gets 100% tax rebate".
Business Standard India. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
p. 400 History of Medieval India By S. Chand
Dasgupta, p. 7, A History of Indian Philosophy
Dyczkowski, p. 23 Canon of the Saivagama and the Kubjika Tantras of the Western
Kaul Tradition
Farquhar, p. 146, An Outline of the Religious Literature of India
P. N. K. Bamzai, p. 202, Culture and Political History of Kashmir
Shah, p. xi, Studies in Jaina Art and Iconography and Allied Subjects in Honour of
Dr. U
"Pashupata Saivism" Archived 20 August 2008 at the Wayback Machine Hinduism Today,
March 1994
p. 113 Social Life in Maharashtra Under the Peshwas By Sudha Vishwanath Desai
p. 78 The Aryan Path By Sophia Wadia, Indian Institute of World Culture
Encyclopaedia of Indian literature vol. 1 By Sahitya Akademi
p. 107 History of Rajasthani Literature By Hiralal Maheshwari
p. 453 The Modern Review By Ramananda Chatterjee
Bhandarkar, p. 72 Some Aspects of Ancient Indian Culture

Islam and Indian Culture, p. 169, By Mohammad Shujaat, Shujaat Muhammad

vte

State of Gujarat
Categories:

Gujarati cultureIndian wedding traditionsEngagement

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Culture of Gujarat

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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(July 2015)
This article possibly contains original research. (February 2011)

The culture of Gujarat is ancient, new, and modern.

Gujarati engagement ceremony

Gol Dhana (ગોળ-ધાણા) is a Gujarati tradition during which jaggery and coriander
seeds are eaten to celebrate a couple's engagement. They are distributed to the
guests of the ceremony by the family of the groom. [1][2] The giving of Gol Dhana
symbolizes auspicious beginnings. [3]
Gujarati Hindu wedding ceremony

This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding
citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
(January 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Marriage is a highly auspicious occasion in Indian culture. According to the Vedas,

the Hindu scriptures, marriage is a sacred lifelong commitment that unites two
souls. It is considered to be the strongest of all social bonds and is the
initiation into a lifetime of togetherness.

The Vedic wedding ceremony consists of prayers, invocations, and vows recited in
Sanskrit, the most ancient surviving language. The Vedic wedding ceremony dates
back to over five thousand years and is performed under a decorated canopy, the
mandap. The four pillars that surround the mandap represent the parents of the
bride and groom. This signifies the important part they have played in raising
their children to become the responsible adults they are today. The ceremony is
performed before a sacred fire, or agniaa, which is the eternal witness of the
marriage, and all vows are taken.
Parts of the ceremony