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Gujarat Darshan Guide

Gujarat Tourism, Stay, News, Culture

Culture of Gujarat, Traditions, Food, Festival

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About Gujara t Culture

Gujarat culture and heritage is among the most amazing and richest ones in the country. Unique and diverse, the cultural heritage of Gujarat is an incredibly fascinating one. Also, there are several awesome places to visit in Gujarat. Scores of people regularly visit Gandhinagar, the state’s capital. The largest city of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, is also among the most frequented cities in the state. Rann of Kutch, the great Indian White Salt Desert, is among the must-see attractions in Gujarat

Gujarat is a flourishing state with cultural diversity. This vibrant state forms an integral part of the Indian culture. Gujarati culture is the blend of traditions, beliefs, customs, arts, values, and modernization. Despite being among the most industrialized state in India, Gujarat preserves its rich culture and tradition of the ancient past.

Customs and Traditions of Gujarat Embracing different religious faiths, Gujarati’s demonstrate a vibrant mix of  Hinduism ,  Islam ,  Jainism , and  Buddhism . This amalgamation of cultures is quite evident in their beliefs, customs, traditions, institutions, and practices.

Traditions of Gujarat

Gujarati’s believe in various deities as there are many religions in the state together. Accepting different religious beliefs, Gujarati shows a lively mix of Hinduism, Islam, Jain, and Buddhism. This connection of cultures is evident in their beliefs, customs, traditions, institutions, and practices. Aboriginal people show a balanced lifestyle due to a thorough education, a mix of religious practices, and the development of artistic traits. The cow is considered a mother and so they are worshiped devotionally. The main celebrated ceremonies of Gujarati include birth, rope ceremony, marriage, and death. All rituals are performed by the highest-ranked Brahmins.

Languages of Gujarat

  • Gujarati is the mother tongue of the natives of Gujarat, many other languages are widely spoken throughout the state. Gujarati is an Indo-Aryan language derived from Sanskrit and is the 26th most widely used language in the world. Gujarati has about 11 different dialects, spoken in various parts of the state.

Food Of Gujarat

A traditional and authentic Gujarati meal consists of dal, roti, rice, vegetables, salad, chaas, farsan followed by a sweet dish.

Some of the famous Gujarati delicacies include dhokla, fafda, khandvi, dhal Dhokli, Undhiyu, handvo, Ganthia, dal Wada, khakhra, and Thepla.

A typical Gujarati dinner includes bhakri-shak or khichdi-kadhi. The Gujaratis are noted for their sweet tongue, and hence every meal is followed by a sweet dish or sometimes even jaggery.

Some Details of Gujarat Food

Khandvi –  This popular Gujarati cuisine is made in the form of thin layers of gram Flour that is cooked in buttermilk and converted into delicious small rolls. For the final stages these rolls are seasoned and sautéed with sesame seeds as well as other spices.

Undhiyu –  The word undhiyu is derived from the Gujarati ‘Undhu’, that means inverted literally. This is called so since this dish is prepared using an inverted clay pot. This is one of the most landmark dished of all time and is prepared using a combination of eggplant, Papdi, Surt, Methi and bananas amongst other such vegetables and items which is slow cooked and results in each bite bursting with flavours.

Aam Shrikhand –  This famous Gujarati sweet dish is created using saffron, condensed milk, chopped mangoes, sugar, Cardamom powder along with some cream. Some people also season this sweet dish with pistachios which brings out the flavors of all the ingredients that went into its making.

Gujarati Kadhi –  This is another famous Gujarati food item which is popular across the globe. This is especially a saving grace during the summer time when the scorching heat becomes unbearable. It is created using sour curd that is spiced with gram flour and is also best enjoyed while consumed with Chapatis or steaming hot basmati rice.

Cultural Dress of Gujarat

Patola Silk or ‘Queen of Silk’, it is a staple of traditional Gujarati suits. In Kutch, there is a unique traditional garment that is known as women. Chania Choli is a popular choice of decor during the Navratri festival season. Men also wear unique suits known as kadia dresses during the Navratri season. Also, one of the prevailing Gujarati trends is the Silver Pachikam Jewelry originating in Kutch.

Fairs and Festivals Of Gujarat

Makar sankranti and kite flying festival (14 january).

Also known as the kite flying festival this festival is celebrated with great vigor and enthusiasm. This festival marks the sun’s direct reaching to the tropic of Capricorn after the completion of the winter solstice. It is celebrated with many folk musics, dance, and kite flying. People of Gujarat gather on terraces to fly kites of various colors to celebrate Makar Sankranti or Uttrayana, in Gujarat, it is also the time when preparations like Undhiyu and sugar cane juice is served. the welcome to the sun after the cold winter months.

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, is 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.

Bhavnath Mahadev Mela (February)

This fair takes place at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple that is located on the foot of the holy mount Girnar in Junagadh. This fair takes place for 5 days in the month of February around the festival of Mahashivratri. During this fair, the Mahapuja of Lord Shiva takes place at midnight inside the temple on the 14th day of the dark half of the month of Magh. It is a popular belief that during this time, Lord Shiva himself visits this shrine.

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).

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 jewellery, 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 the district Surendranagar.

Kutch Festival Or Rann Festival

The ‘Kutch Festival’ or the ‘Rann festival’ is celebrated at the time of the Shiv Ratri in February/ March. The center of the festival is Bhuj in Kutch. It has crafts, fairs and folk dances, and music and cultural shows, all organized by 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. The Kutch region in Gujarat abounds with splendid beaches, fascinating wildlife, and beautiful palaces and monuments.

Music Of Gujarat

The folk music of Gujarat is known as Sugam Sangeet and has acclaimed world-wide fame. The range of musical instruments utilized in Gujarati folk music includes turi, manjira, ektaro, jantar, zanz pot drum, prabhati, dhol and ravan hattho. Bhajans are also incorporated in their folk songs. Bardic tradition is another major type of folk Gujarati music.

Dance Of Gujarat

Since Gujarati people are quite enthusiastic and amiable, they have many traditional forms of dance. The four major forms of dance are Dandiya Raas, Garba, Padhar, and Garbi.

  • Dandiya  Raas is performed by both men and women and utilizes the movement of bamboo sticks, known as Dandiyas. It has ancient roots and was believed to be played by the beloved Gopis of Lord Krishna.
  • Garba  is usually performed by the females in a circular formation. It is performed with reverence for the feminine form of divinity.
  • Garbi  is traditionally performed by only the men and incorporates the use of instruments like dhol and manjiras.
  • Padhar  is mainly performed by the rural communities near Nal Lake.

Engagement ceremony Of Gujarat

In many Gujarati communities, the engagement ceremony is known as ‘Goad Dhana’ which does not include a ring ceremony . (in Gujarat Script, ગોળ-ધાણા), which literally means “Jaggery and Coriander seeds” and refers to the practice of distributing a small amount of jaggery mixed with coriander seeds.

Marriage ceremony Of Gujarat

Marriage is a highly auspicious occasion in Indian culture. According to the Vedas, the Hindu scriptures, marriage is a sacred lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. 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

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.

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 presence of a large gathering that is invited to witness the wedding.

Vivah (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 heart and pray for 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 bless them completing the marriage. Kanya Viday;- The Bride is taking ashirwad from his relatives ( Father, mother, brother, sister, Mamas and all the relatives), the most difficult moments for Father, who is now handing over his daughter to the groom`s Family forever with very much emotional posture, it’s a very very difficult time, everyone is with tears in their eyes, that’s why its call Vasmi Viday.

Gujarati cinema

The Gujarati cinema dates back to 9 April 1932, when the first Gujarati film Narsinh Mehta was released.  Leeludi Dharti  (1968) was the first color film of Gujarati cinema. 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. In 2005, the Government Of Gujarat announced a 100% entertainment Tax Exemption for Gujarati films. The Gujarati cinema is also known as ‘Dhollywood’ or ‘Gollywood’

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Essay on Gujarati Culture

Students are often asked to write an essay on Gujarati Culture in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Gujarati Culture

Gujarati culture overview.

Gujarati culture is from Gujarat, a state in western India. It is famous for its rich traditions and colorful festivals. Gujaratis are known for their love of food, music, dance, and literature. Their lifestyle is a blend of modern and traditional ways.

Gujarati Food

The Gujarati cuisine is a mix of sweet and savoury dishes. It includes items like dhokla, thepla, and undhiyu. Gujaratis are mostly vegetarian. They enjoy their food with chutneys and pickles. Their meals are balanced and nutritious.

Gujarati Clothing

Traditional Gujarati clothing is vibrant and unique. Women wear sarees called ‘ghaghra-choli’ or ‘chaniya-choli’. Men wear ‘dhoti-kurta’ or ‘kurta-pajama’. They also wear turbans on special occasions.

Gujarati Festivals

Gujaratis celebrate many festivals. Navratri is the most famous one. It is a nine-night festival of dance and music. Diwali, Holi, and Makar Sankranti are also celebrated with great joy.

Gujarati Language and Literature

Gujarati is the main language spoken by Gujaratis. They have a rich literature with works in poetry, prose, and drama. The famous poet Narsinh Mehta was from Gujarat.

Gujarati Art and Craft

Gujarat is known for its arts and crafts. ‘Bandhani’ or tie-dye, and ‘Patola’ silk sarees are famous. They also make beautiful wooden toys and clay items. These crafts show their creativity and skill.

250 Words Essay on Gujarati Culture

Gujarati culture: an introduction.

Gujarati culture is full of color, life, and joy. It comes from the Indian state of Gujarat. The people of Gujarat are called Gujaratis. They are known for their love of food, dance, music, and art.

Gujarati food is famous all over India and even outside. The food is mostly vegetarian. The dishes are sweet, sour, and spicy at the same time. Some popular dishes are Dhokla, Thepla, and Khakhra. Gujaratis also love their tea, called ‘Chai’. They usually have it with snacks in the evening.

Dance and Music

Dance and music are a big part of Gujarati culture. Garba and Dandiya Raas are the most famous dances. They are performed during the festival of Navratri. The music is lively and makes everyone want to dance.

Art and Craft

Gujarat is also known for its arts and crafts. Bandhani, a type of tie-dye, is very popular. Patola silk sarees from Patan are also famous. They have beautiful designs and colors.

Gujaratis love to celebrate festivals. The most important one is Navratri. People dance all night during this festival. Diwali, the festival of lights, is also celebrated with joy. Kite flying festival, known as Uttarayan, is unique to Gujarat.

In conclusion, Gujarati culture is rich and vibrant. It is full of life, color, and joy. It is a symbol of the spirit of the people of Gujarat. They are proud of their culture and love to share it with others.

500 Words Essay on Gujarati Culture

Introduction to gujarati culture.

Gujarat is a state in the western part of India. It is known for its rich and vibrant culture. This culture is a beautiful mix of arts, beliefs, customs, and traditions that have grown over a long time. The Gujarati culture is famous for its unique dance, music, food, and clothing.

Gujarati Dance and Music

Dance and music are important parts of Gujarati culture. People in Gujarat love to dance and sing. One famous dance is Garba. It is performed during the festival of Navratri. People form circles and dance to the beat of the music. Another popular dance is Dandiya Raas, where dancers use sticks in a rhythmic way.

Music also plays a big role. Dayro, a type of folk music, is popular in Gujarat. It is used to tell stories and share wisdom. Gujarati folk songs, known as ‘lok geet’, are also loved by the people.

Food is an important part of any culture and Gujarat is no different. Gujarati food is famous for its great taste. The food is usually vegetarian. It is a mix of sweet and sour flavors. Some popular dishes are Dhokla, Thepla, and Khakhra. Gujaratis also love their snacks, known as ‘Farsan’, like Khandvi and Gathiya.

Gujaratis have a traditional style of clothing. Men usually wear a long white cloth called dhoti with a short coat known as ‘Kediyu’. Women wear a ‘Chaniya Choli’ during festivals and a ‘Ghagra Choli’ or saree on a regular day. The clothes are often bright and colorful.

Gujaratis love to celebrate festivals. The most important festival is Navratri. It is a nine-night festival where people dance and sing. Another big festival is Uttarayan, the kite flying day. People fly kites and enjoy special food. Diwali, the festival of lights, is also celebrated with great joy.

Gujarati Language

The Gujarati language is spoken by the people of Gujarat. It is a very old language with a rich history. It has its own script and has been influenced by other languages like Sanskrit and Persian.

Gujarati culture is a rich and vibrant way of life. It is a blend of color, joy, and tradition. It shows the spirit of the people of Gujarat. Their love for dance, music, food, and festivals is seen in their daily life. The Gujarati culture is a beautiful example of the diversity of India.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Understanding Gujarati Culture: Customs, Traditions, and Festivals

Gujarat, a state in Western India, is known for its rich culture, diverse traditions, and colorful festivals. The culture of Gujarat is a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. In this blog, we will explore some of the customs, traditions, and festivals that are an integral part of Gujarati culture.

Customs and Traditions: Gujarati customs and traditions are deeply rooted in ancient Indian culture. The state has a long history of trade and commerce, and this has influenced its customs and traditions over time. Some of the common customs and traditions observed in Gujarat include:

Hospitality: Gujaratis are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. It is customary for guests to be treated with respect and offered food and refreshments.

Clothing: The traditional attire of Gujaratis is the colorful and vibrant 'ghagra choli' for women and the 'dhoti kurta' for men. However, modern clothing styles have also become popular in recent years.

Food: Gujarati cuisine is famous for its vegetarian dishes and sweet treats like 'dhokla', 'fafda', and 'jalebi'. Meals are typically served on a thali, which includes rice, bread, vegetables, and lentils.

Festivals: Festivals are an integral part of Gujarat and it is known for its colorful festivals, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. Some of the major festivals include Navratri, Diwali, Holi, and Uttarayan.

Navratri: Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. It is celebrated with great fanfare, with people dressing up in traditional attire and performing the 'Garba' dance.

Diwali: Diwali is the festival of lights and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in Gujarat. People decorate their homes with lights and rangolis and exchange sweets and gifts.

Holi: Holi is the festival of colors and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Gujarat. People smear each other with colors and water and enjoy festive food and drinks.

Uttarayan: Uttarayan is the kite festival celebrated in Gujarat. It is a two-day festival where people fly colorful kites and enjoy traditional Gujarati snacks and sweets.

Culture and Arts: Gujarat has a rich cultural heritage, and its arts and crafts are famous all over the world. Some of the popular art forms in Gujarat include:

Embroidery : The traditional embroidery of Gujarat is famous all over the world. The intricate designs and vibrant colors of the embroidery make it a popular choice for clothing and home décor.

Handicrafts : Gujarat is also famous for its handicrafts, which include pottery, woodcarving, and metalwork. These handicrafts are popular souvenirs for tourists visiting Gujarat.

Folk Music and Dance: Gujarat is home to many folk music and dance forms, including the Garba, Dandiya, and Bhavai. These forms of music and dance are an integral part of Gujarati culture and are performed during festivals and other celebrations.

In conclusion, Gujarati culture is a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. From its colorful festivals to its intricate handicrafts, Gujarat has a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring. Whether you are a tourist visiting Gujarat or a student of culture, there are many customs, traditions, and festivals to discover and enjoy.

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Gujarati Culture, Dress and Food - The Heart and Soul of Gujarat

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1. Art and Culture of Gujarat

gujarati culture

Dance Forms 

gujarat culture

  • Dandiya Raas is performed by both men and women and utilizes the movement of bamboo sticks, known as Dandiyas. It has ancient roots and was believed to be played by the beloved Gopis of Lord Krishna.
  • Garba is usually performed by the females in a circular formation. It is performed with reverence of the feminine form of the divinity.
  • Garbi is traditionally performed by only the men and incorporates the use of instruments like dhol and manjiras.
  • Padhar is mainly performed by the rural communities near Nal Lake.

2. Customs and Traditions of Gujarat

3. languages and religions.

  • Although Gujarati is the mother tongue of the natives of Gujarat, many other languages are widely spoken throughout the state. Gujarati is an Indo-Aryan language derived from Sanskrit and is the 26th most widely used language in the world. Gujarati has about 11 different dialects, spoken in various parts of the state.
  • Since the state of Gujarat shares its border with Maharashtra , Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan ; a small section of its population speak the native languages of the neighbouring states, namely Marwari, Marathi, Hindi along with Urdu and Sindhi.
  • The natives of Kutch-a semi-arid region in Gujarat-speaks Kachchi language, which is quite an important language of the area.

4. Fairs and Festivals

gujarat culture, gujarati culture

The fairs and festivals of Gujarat showcase the real vibrancy and colours of its diverse culture. Thousands of people flock to Gujarat to witness the extravaganza during festivals like Navratri Mahotsav, Deepawali, Rathyatra and Kite festival. There are some fairs as well that are organized in the state every year, namely- Shamlaji Melo, Bhadra Purnima Fair, and Mahadev Fair. The Rann Utsav is a major festival and witnesses an exquisite carnival of music, dance and natural beauty.

5. Food of Gujarat

gujarati culture food

A traditional and authentic Gujarati meal consists of dal, roti, rice, vegetables, salad, chaas, farsan followed by a sweet dish. Gujarati cuisine is quite similar to that of Maharashtra, and most of the Gujaratis are vegetarian. Some of the famous Gujarati delicacies include dhokla, fafda, khandvi, dhal Dhokli, Undhiyu, handvo, Ganthia, dal Wada, khakhra, and Thepla. In Gujarati dishes, the flavors are a blend of sweet, spicy and sour tastes. Each region of the state has a distinctive flavor associated with its local food. A typical Gujarati dinner includes bhakri-shak or khichdi-kadhi. The Gujaratis are noted for their sweet tongue, and hence every meal is followed by a sweet dish or sometimes even jaggery.

6. Cultural Dresses of Gujarat

gujarati cultural dress

  • Patola Silk or popularly known as 'Queen of all silks' forms a major part of traditional Gujarati attire. Gujarati brides are adorned with silk and zari woven sarees of Gharchola and Panetar.
  • The traditional attires often incorporate tie-dye or traditional block prints.
  • The region of Kutch has a distinctive traditional outfit adorned by women known as Abhas. Chania Cholis are a popular choice of outfit during the festive season of Navratri Mahotsav.
  • Men also wear unique attire known as Kediya dress during the Navratri season.
  • A prevalent Gujarati trend is the silver Pachchikam jewellery that originated in Kutch.
  • 7. Gujarati Engagement and Wedding Ceremony

Engagement Ceremony

Wedding ceremony.

Gujarati Culture Engagement and Wedding

The wedding ceremony in the Gujarati culture is probably the most awaited event for the couple and its family but for all the guests as well. Like every Indian wedding, the rituals go back to the Vedic times, and the ceremonies kick off with the ( Varghodo ) wedding procession, that goes from the groom's house to the bride's house where the ceremonies take place. On arrival, the groom is welcomed by the bride's family ( Swagatam ) after which the bride's father performs a ritual involves him handing over his daughter to the groom ( Kanya Daan ) in front of the guest. After this, the rituals ( Ganesh Puja ) commences, this is known as the Vivaan. During the Vivaan, the couple performs the Mangal Phera where they go around the sacred fire and go through the most important part of the ritual, the Saptapadi or the seven sacred steps. The religious part of the ceremony comes to a close with the holy thread ( Mangalsutra ) being tied around the neck of the bride by the groom and he places the red dot ( tika ) on the wife's forehead, as a declaration of her new married status (Suhaag). The ceremony comes to a close when the couple goes to the groom's parents who will bless the couple ( Aashirvaad ).

8. Gujarati Cinema

Gujarati Culture Cinema

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Gujarat Travel Blog

Culture of Gujarat

The quickly developing westernmost state of Gujarat is not only known for being home to the endangered species of Asiatic lions, its vast salt coverings of Kutch or for being one of the cardinal points for the holy char dham yatra of India but it is also known all over the world for being a culturally colorful mosaic of age old traditions and also for being blessed with an opulent collection of heritage. From their clothing and language to their enigmatic celebrations and delectable food, Gujarat wonderfully represents its vibrant culture which is laced deeply into its everyday as we as its social life. It is also a blend of both modern as well as the ancient traditions that has shaped the current Gujarat, which is in a peaceful coexistence with technology and nature.

Get to know more about the culture of Gujarat so that you are able to enjoy your visit to this unique state even more:

Gujarat Music

Gujarati music has gained some attention and has been making its vital contributions since a very long time. There are several rags who’s original roots can be traced back to Gujarat these include – Gujari Todi, Bilaval (from Veraval), Sorathi, Khambavati, Ahiri and Lati. These are a few of the many priceless gifts of music that Gujarat has given to classical Hindustani music. Gujarat has been successful in preserving its musical authenticity and have actively been involved in not losing its musical heritage that is now a pride of Gujarat. Rann Utsav is one of the ways through which you can experience the glorious culturally enriched musical gift of Gujarat. The community who is to be thanked for keeping their music alive are the communities of Charans and Gadhavis, whose hereditary profession has been to carry on the lineage of Gujarati folk music. Some common types of Gujarati folk songs are – Lullaby, Nuptial songs and festive songs.

Dance Forms:

Dance Forms

  • Dandiya Raas – This famous dance form was originated in Gujarat and is characterized by being energetic, playful along with being romantic. The men and women taking part in this dance dress themselves up in traditional colorful clothing and dance around while simultaneously moving in concentric circles while clicking their bamboo sticks that they hold in either hands with each other.
  • Garba – This graceful traditional dance form is performed primarily by women arranged in a circular form. This dance is performed to offer reverence to goddess Ambaji. The dance involves rhythmic singing and clapping while moving around the goddess. Women dress up in colorful and elaborately embroidered Ghaghra, cholis, anklets, bracelets etc.
  • Garbi – Initially and originally this dance form was performed by the men of the Gujarati community. They used to perfumer this dance when they used to return victoriously back from a battle. The songs which they used to dance to used to be of the spirit of Valour and this dance was the characteristic of fascinatingly forceful movements. Nowadays even women take part in this dance.

Fairs And Festivals:

Kite Festival

  • Bhavnath Mahadev Mela (February) – This fair takes place at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple that is located on the foot of the holy mount Girnar in Junagadh. This fair takes place for 5 days in the month of February around the festival of Mahashivratri. During this fair, the Mahapuja of Lord Shiva takes place at midnight inside the temple on the 14th day of the dark half of the month of Magh. It is a popular belief that during this time, Lord Shiva himself visits this shrine.
  • Chitra Vichitra Mela (March) – attended by almost 60,000 to 70,000 tribal people this fair is known for being one of the largest tribal fairs. This festival takes place 14 days after the festival of Holi. The temples that are set up overlook rivers like Sabarmati, Akul and Vyakul. The fair is named after the two sons of King Shantanu Chitrangad and Vichitravirya.
  • Makar Sankranti (January) – Also known as the kite flying festival this festival is celebrated with great vigor and enthusiasm. This festival marks the sun’s direct reaching to the tropic of Capricorn after the completion of the winter solstice. It involves flying of colorful kites, folk music and traditional dance performances. Known as Uttarayan in Gujarat, it is also the time when preparations like Undhiyu and sugar cane juice is served.
  • Bhadra Purnima (September) – The full moon of bhadrapada is also known for being one of the four most vital festivals that are celebrated in Gujarat. To mark this occasion a large fair is organized on the full moon days and the evening times are filled with performances of folk drama – Bhavai. All the farmers and agriculturists go to the holy shrine of Ambaji.

Gujarat Cuisines

  • Khandvi – This popular Gujarati cuisine is made in the form of thin layers of gram Flour that is cooked in buttermilk and converted into delicious small rolls. For the final stages these rolls are seasoned and sautéed with sesame seeds as well as other spices.
  • Undhiyu – The word undhiyu is derived from the Gujarati ‘Undhu’, that means inverted literally. This is called so since this dish is prepared using an inverted clay pot. This is one of the most landmark dished of all time and is prepared using a combination of eggplant, Papdi, Surt, Methi and bananas amongst other such vegetables and items which is slow cooked and results in each bite bursting with flavours.
  • Aam Shrikhand – This famous Gujarati sweet dish is created using saffron, condensed milk, chopped mangoes, sugar, Cardamom powder along with some cream. Some people also season this sweet dish with pistachios which brings out the flavors of all the ingredients that went into its making.
  • Gujarati Kadhi – This is another famous Gujarati food item which is popular across the globe. This is especially a saving grace during the summer time when the scorching heat becomes unbearable. It is created using sour curd that is spiced with gram flour and is also best enjoyed while consumed with Chapatis or steaming hot basmati rice.

Wedding Ceremony:

Just like every other wedding ceremony in India weddings in Gujarat has to be one of the most awaited celebration not just for the couples and their families but also for the guests attending it. These rituals go back to the Vedic era and the ceremonies are started with the Varghodo wedding procession and on arrival the groom and their families are welcomed in the Swagatam. Kanya Daan is also a crucial part of this wedding procession where the father of the bride hands her over to the groom in front of all the guests. After the main wedding rituals the rituals for Ganesh puja commences which is also known as Vivaan. The procession of Mangal Phera also takes place along with the traditional Saptapadi or the seven sacred steps that the couples take place around the flaming kund. This religious and traditional wedding ceremony comes to an end and to the closing when the holy thread or the Mangalsutra is tied around the neck of the bride by the groom, after which he applies Sindoor on the bride’s head and declares their new marital status of being a Suhaag.

The population consists of a heterogeneous group of people following various beliefs, gods and goddesses. They also honor the cows and call it Gau mata. The population is home to Hindu beliefs, bhakti movement, Jainism, Zoroastrianism as well as Gujarati Muslims. All the lifecycle ceremonies are performed by Brahmans where the most important ceremonies are – birth, thread ceremonies, marriage and death. The major festivals here are Diwali and Navratri (the night of nine nights). The Gujarati population in general are full of life and enjoy mingling with each other no matter the caste or communities.

The population that resides in Gujarat belongs to various different castes, religions as well as communities. This results in people speaking various different languages while the official language of the state is Gujarati, which is also known for being the 26th most widely spoken language in this state. This language also has eleven different dialects that are spoken in different parts of India. Since Gujarat shares its boundaries with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan a small fraction of the population located around these regions speak Hindi, Marwari and Marathi. There are also people who speak Urdu and Sindhi. The mother tongue of people residing in the Kutch region is Kuchchi and an important language of this region.

An integral and vital part of every Gujarati costume is the Gujarati accessories and jewelries. The stand out feature of their jewelery is its intricately and finely designed bangles, earrings, chains, necklaces among others. A tassled key ring which the women carry on their hips also makes up for their traditional dress code. Every jewelery is carefully and finely crafted, the Gujarati men have the option of wearing gold chains, rings and even accessorizing their outfit with a studded and embellished turban. Women living at the core regions and village of Gujarat, adorn themselves with metallic or silver jewelry and in the present day is a modern fashion statement.

Gujarati Culture Video

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Translating Gujarat: On Raising Visibility and Sharing Literary Wealth

Gujarat boasts a vibrantly active and industrious 24% of India’s overall seacoast. At 1,600 kilometers, this is the longest coastline of all Indian states and, since ancient times, has invited an unceasing influx of travelers, traders, and warriors from all over the world. The region connects with present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan via northbound land routes through the Sindh desert and what is presently known as Rajasthan. Its eastern mainland adjoins the rest of northern and central India. And in the south, it neighbors agriculturally productive and highly industrialized towns and cities like present-day, cosmopolitan Mumbai. The state’s topography is also filled with extremes and contrasts, from the salt deserts and marshes of Kutch in the northwest to the arid and semiarid scrublands of the western Kathiawad peninsula to the forested mountains and fertile plains in the southeast. Frequented by migratory tribes and clans of pastoralist warriors, pilgrims, and traders, these age-old routes and vastly diverse ecologies have allowed for a fascinating hybridization of cultures and languages from all around the country and the world. Even the name Gujarat originates from a tribal dynasty, the Gurjara-Pratiharas, who came from the north in the mid-eighth century to defeat the local rulers and rule the region along with much of northern India.

Given all of the above, the Gujarati language has never been a discrete or stable entity despite the pre-Independence attempts by British colonial officers, Gandhi, and other Indian nationalist leaders to codify it as such. As scholars like Riho Isaka, Samira Sheikh, Sitanshu Yashaschandra, Rita Kothari, Aparna Kapadia, et al. have proved, the language is a richly complex linguistic system without fixed boundaries that has evolved through centuries of economic, political, and cultural interactions between speakers of Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujari, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Portuguese, Dutch, Urdu, Sindhi, Hindi, and more.

This plurality enabled the flourishing of numerous ethnolinguistic identities within the region, which, in turn, have engendered diverse literatures and cultural artifacts through the centuries. Arguably, though, Gujarat had its major literary renaissance in the late 1800s. In part, this was due to cross-pollination with the growing number of literary translations from English and other Indian and European languages. And, in part, it was due to a sociopolitical awakening among Gujarat’s literati—most of whom were educated elites—driven by anti-colonialism, nationalism, and the independence movement. Both of these factors led to a profuse blossoming of the modern Gujarati short story, groundbreaking first novels and memoirs, literary criticism approached as a rigorous art form in itself, travelogues that became established as a literary genre, and modern poetic forms that deviated from all previous traditions. Writers, poets, critics, and dramatists like Dalpat, Narmad, Nilkanth Sr., Navalram Pandya, Nandshankar Mehta, and others led the initial charge.

During this pre-Independence peak era of literary output, the historical novel genre became notably dominant because it also grappled with identity-building, a sense of nationalism, and state formation. Gujarati historical novels of this time are, in themselves, sources of history—beyond the stories they contained, they were also modes of collective consciousness, social reform, and earnest attempts to transcend history itself. This pre-Independence rise of Gujarati historical fiction was deeply influenced by the likes of Scott, Tolstoy, Cervantes, and others. The first-ever Gujarati novel, Nandshankar Mehta’s Karan Ghelo, published in 1866, was historical fiction. Next came the canonical, near-historical novel quartet Sarasvatichandra,  by Govardhanram Madhavram Tripathi, published from 1887 to 1901. With over 150 characters and 2,000 pages, its length surpassed Tolstoy’s War and Peace and it preceded Proust’s In Search of Lost Time . Writers like K. M. Munshi and Dhumketu published several historical fiction series set in pre-British India. Jhaverchand Meghani painstakingly collected ancient oral folklore from different regional communities into multi-volume works. Gunvantrai Acharya created swashbuckling tales of the nautical adventures of Gujaratis who traveled far and wide.

Yet, the first-ever English (or any language) translations of a handful of these works have only emerged in the last decade or so. The rest remain like faint memories of long-buried treasures despite the recovery and preservation efforts of a few stalwarts in every generation. In particular, many works remain unknown even to the Gujarati readership because they came from marginalized Gujarati communities—for example, the Parsi Gujarati community, which was much smaller than the Hindu majority but produced relatively more books at the time.

We can draw a line connecting the aforementioned Acharya to his daughter, the celebrated and prolific author Varsha Adalja, whose fiction opened this collection. Crossroad is a multi-generational historical novel set during the time of India’s independence movement. Written when the author was in her seventies, the work is groundbreaking for several reasons. In particular, despite Gujarat giving India its two most well-known Independence leaders—Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammad Ali Jinnah—and Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad being Gandhi’s political base, this is among the handful of contemporary Gujarati novels to carefully explore those volatile times. That it does so mostly through the lives and experiences of women is another singular feat. Adalja’s prose is colloquially lyrical and true to its time and place. It is also cinematic and immersive, while not shying away from the worst sociopolitical issues like the infanticide and rape of young girls. As I finish my translation of the novel, I am frequently struck by the depth of her craft and research. And I am reminded of how much we still need to learn about Gujarat during those decades beyond the lives and works of Gandhi, Jinnah, and the intelligentsia.

Immediately after independence from the British in 1947, Gujarat became part of Bombay State, and the Mahagujarat Movement for a separate state became the next big political drive. From 1947 to 1960, a Sanskritized version of the language became more standardized, relegating the many regional variations to dialect status. This is also when, as translator Meena Desai writes in her introduction to a ghazal by Befaam (the pen name of Barkat Ali Ghulam Husain Virani), the Gujarati ghazal form came into its own as part of the “burgeoning movement toward an independent identity of a much-colonized country.” Tracing its origins back to seventh-century Arabic love poetry, the ghazal had gathered Persian influences as it spread across South Asia in the twelfth century through Sufi mystics and Islamic Sultanate courtiers. Ghazals continue to enjoy popularity today—especially in Bollywood—in different languages and regions of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Even noted American poets have composed ghazals in English. Though difficult to translate because of their layered meanings, repetitions, and symbolism, Gujarati ghazals continue to flourish both in India and among the diaspora.

Shortly after Independence, another upheaval in Gujarat—particularly the large regions of Kathiawad and Saurashtra—involved the unification of more than two hundred independent princely states. In British India, these states had functioned more like allies rather than subordinates of the British Raj. The newly-formed Indian government pushed hard to integrate the nearly six hundred total princely states, which made up more than half the country. But legacies, traditions, and memories lingered on, as we see in an excerpt of Hasmukh Shah’s upcoming memoir, Dithu Mai . . . ( From the Margins of History ), translated by Mira Desai. Shah describes markers of a world that was quickly disappearing at that time—a Muslim ruler, his integrated team of Hindu and Muslim drivers from across caste and class hierarchies, and his garage filled with expensive and difficult-to-maintain British and American vehicles. From the child narrator’s innocent point of view, all of this is fascinating and impressive. We know the child grew up to become a key staff member for three separate Indian prime ministers. Undoubtedly, some of his diplomatic and negotiation skills had begun developing in those humble yet culturally syncretic beginnings.

That idea of cultural syncretism is also brought forth in Bharat Trivedi’s poem about Ahmedabad , an ancient city with a rich history named after a fifteenth-century Muzaffarid Sultan. As Mira Desai writes in her translator’s note, “Beyond the Hindu, Muslim, and Maratha dynasties and the British colonial rulers, there were also the Siddis, descendants of shipwrecked Africans, who bequeathed an intricate and famous carved stone screen (referenced here as Siddi Sayyed ni jali) to the city.” Though it has seen much communal tension in the last two decades, Ahmedabad has always been a political and intellectual hotbed, particularly during the Gandhi years. And while it is a constant muse for poets, writers, filmmakers, and songmakers, the walls of this city guard many untold stories still. I lived in the sprawling outskirts from mid-2014 to early 2020 and continue to explore its past and present in my own fiction. Once it grabs hold of your imagination, Ahmedabad remains a perpetual state of mind.

The third poet we’ve featured, Jayesh Jeevibahen Solanki, grew up in a village close to Ahmedabad and was a prominent, brave voice in the Gujarat Dalit Movement for most of his adult life. As translator Gopika Jadeja writes in her introductory note , “These poems give us a glimpse into a promising young mind, a poet and activist who envisioned a different future for Dalit and marginalized communities in India.” The objects described starkly in these two poems—stolen mangoes, torn kites, ice lollies for a rupee, a shirtless torso, and shoeless feet—all reveal the impoverishment that Solanki experienced throughout his life, which he tragically ended in October 2020. During my time in Ahmedabad, when I was fictionalizing the 2014 Dalit flogging incident in Una for a short story, I found a few videos of Solanki talking to journalists and reciting his poetry. His grounded convictions and passionate energy will forever haunt all who encountered him, virtually or in person.

It takes both a deep passion and a certain kind of energy to persist as a bilingual poet and writer, as Pratishtha Pandya writes in her personal essay, “ Writing in Mother Tongue and an Other Tongue .” Pandya traces her lifelong encounters with different languages and literatures to understand how her translation practice made her “more attuned to the sounds, nuances, and even limitations of the languages I was working with.” More profoundly, she investigates how there are things she can write in the “other tongue” that she cannot approach in her mother tongue because of cultural conditioning. This linguistic hopscotching about may feel ungainly at times, she writes. Still, there is joy in the spontaneous discoveries it can yield for those willing to jump past boundary constructs and land on just the right words to express themselves fully.

Sachin Ketkar also talked about the pleasures and challenges of bilingualism in my interview with him. As a Marathi-speaking Maharashtrian who grew up speaking Gujarati in Gujarat and working with English as a scholar and academic, Dr. Ketkar experienced “subtractive bilingualism”—a phenomenon I have also experienced since leaving India in 1991 but had not been able to name until this conversation. This is when, as he told me, the acquisition of an elite and powerful language like English results in the depletion and deprivation of linguistic, cultural, and creative resources of the language(s) in which one is raised. We discussed his own literary and translation journey and how intricate questions of cultural identity, tradition, modernity, and relevance stared at him with every step of that journey. Translation, for him, is primarily a creative process of negotiating through those questions. As he also shares in the interview: while creative bilingualism or multilingualism has been additive in nature for literatures in other Indian languages (e.g. Tamil, Hindi, Bangla, Marathi, and more), it has not been the same with Gujarati literature for various reasons.

In a country with so many languages, translation is, as Rita Kothari put it in my interview with her, “an un-self-conscious act [that’s] in the air, in the cosmos. And it’s hidden by being most proximate and natural.” As a multilingual scholar, translator, academic, and author, she has written extensively about Gujarati literature and translation theory. She has also co-translated, with Abhijit Kothari, the most famous historical fiction in our literary canon: K. M. Munshi’s Patan trilogy. Here, we discussed the evolution and craft of Gujarati literature in translation . This is my third interview with Dr. Kothari, and one of the recurring themes is how she sees languages as sociopolitical constructs that are, beyond their uses for communication, about power and identity. Given the evolutionary aspects I described above, this is truer than ever for the Gujarati language. In closing, Dr. Kothari recommends another great Gujarati-to-English translator, to whom we turn next.

Tridip Suhrud is renowned for his Gandhian scholarship. He is also the only Gujarati-to-English translator who has been brave enough to take on the work of translating the canonical Gujarati historical quartet, Sarasvatichandra , which I mentioned earlier. In this interview , we discussed some of his milestone translations, and I asked him where Gujarati literature stands with respect to literatures from other Indian languages in terms of creativity, innovation, diversity, volume, and recognition. He reflected on the Gujarati intellectual tradition overall, and said that “. . . we in Gujarat [ . . . ] have not thought about ourselves in our tongue with as much rigor and originality as we ought to have, or the seriousness with which language communities like Marathi, Bangla, Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam have done.” Regarding the Gujarati translation scene, he has also discussed elsewhere how we Gujaratis are very good at bringing literary wealth from other cultures into ours, but not so good at sharing our own wealth.

Though that last bit was also a good-humored dig at the age-old Gujarati stereotype as the mercantile, business-minded community, when we look at the three Gujarati-to-English translations published in 2022 (excluding my own Dhumketu translation, which was the US edition of the 2020 Indian publication), it bears out. In her omnibus review , Shalvi Shah writes that they were “all written and translated by men and the only literary works translated from Gujarati to English in India in 2022 were published and are set more than five decades ago.” As a young translator herself, she calls out the difficulties of finding daring, new, experimental works. Sadly, this latter point also bears out, although I’m grateful that we have rare translations of books by a Gujarati Parsi and a Gujarati Dalit among those three.

Earlier, I mentioned a literary renaissance period for Gujarati literature as the independence movement got underway. The next big turning point came in the post-Gandhian era of the 1950s and 1960s with avant-garde writers like Mohammad Mankad and Suresh Joshi. Though Joshi was trained and well-read in Western literary traditions, he chose to write in Gujarati. To date, there has been no other who can match Joshi’s experimental aesthetics and prolific works of fiction, literary prose, literary criticism, and translations from several languages. In his 1992 essay collection, Imaginary Homelands , Salman Rushdie writes this about meeting Joshi:

To go on in this vein: it strikes me that, at the moment, the greatest area of friction in Indian literature has nothing to do with English literature, but with the effects of the hegemony of Hindi on the literatures of other Indian languages, particularly other North Indian languages. I recently met the distinguished Gujarati novelist Suresh Joshi. He told me that he could write in Hindi but felt obliged to write in Gujarati because it was a language under threat. Not from English, or the West: from Hindi. In two or three generations, he said, Gujarati could easily die. And he compared it, interestingly, to the state of the Czech language under the yoke of Russian, as described by Milan Kundera.

(Joshi’s stance predates that of contemporary writers like J. M. Coetzee, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, and Minae Mizumura, who have all also made the political choice to write against the hegemony of English by first publishing their books in Spanish, Gikuyu, and Japanese respectively.)

Today, there is still a language pyramid in India where Bangla, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Malayalam, and others sit at the top. The language and history scholars I mentioned earlier have explored the whys and wherefores in their various books and papers. Globalization continues to diminish the ranks of Gujarati readers and writers by increasing the dominance of English. A quick check on Amazon India shows that, beyond academic texts, the Gujarati-language bestsellers are self-help and how-to books translated from English alongside the perennial favorite books about Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. With each generation, the body of Gujarati literature seems to become less abundant, vibrant, and innovative than it was during Joshi’s time. The Indian government and a handful of Gujarati literary institutions do what they can. For example, in 2007, the Gujarati Sahitya Akademi created a prize to recognize and encourage Gujarati authors and poets below the age of thirty . At last count, there are at least twenty different Gujarati literary awards . The Gujarati Sahitya Parishad, the oldest literary organization, has at least thirty different literary awards .

And yet, consider this: Gujarati has fifty-six million speakers worldwide. It is the sixth most spoken language in South Asia and the third most spoken language in the South Asian American diaspora . By some accounts, the Gujarati diaspora is spread over 125 countries . But my 2022 translation, The Shehnai Virtuoso and Other Stories by Dhumketu, was the first ever Gujarati-to-English literary translation to be published in the US. It was also the first ever book-length translation of this modern Gujarati short story pioneer, who published nearly twenty-six volumes of short stories alone.

For any literary culture to thrive, its readership must grow within its own societies and beyond with more translations into and from the language. This first-ever collection at Words Without Borders is a cultural intervention to bring these works to a wider readership, and to also help raise visibility within Gujarati society, especially the global diaspora. For translators from under-represented languages like ours, the act of translation can also be a mode of recovery and reclamation. Together, this small sample reveals rich glimpses of the diverse, complex, and ever-evolving literary traditions of Gujarat. It is an effort to share some of our literary wealth and celebrate our Gujarati ways of being.

Copyright © 2023 by Jenny Bhatt. All rights reserved.

Jenny Bhatt

Jenny Bhatt is a writer, literary translator, book critic, and the founder of Desi Books, a global multimedia forum for South Asian literature.

Into English: Sachin Ketkar on Bilingual Translation

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Gujarat – Culture and Tradition

Gujarat – Culture and Tradition

Gujarat is also called as “ Jewel of Western India ” is known for its unique and rich culture. It bordered by Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and the Arabian Sea and is home to Gujars, who ruled the area during the 700’s.

It was the main center of the Indus Valley Civilization and Harappan civilization. The Gujarati culture is a blend of there beliefs, customs, inventions, values, and technology.

Gujarat history

Gujarat dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization time, it contains ancient cities from Indus valley Lothal, Dholavira, and Gola Dhoro. The history provides evidence of trade ties with Egypt, Bahrain, and Sumer in the Persian Gulf.

Chandragupta Maurya conquered a number of places now what form Gujarat. Emperor Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya order engraving of his edicts in Junagadh rock. After the Maurya Empire, the Sakas controlled the region.

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There was The Kshatrapa dynasty from the start of the 1st century AD which was replaced by the Gupta empire. In the 900s the Solanki Dynasty came into power which made Gujarat reached its much greater extent.

Then came the Muslim Ruler Mahmud of Ghazni who invaded Gujarat, later Mughal emperor Akbar conquered it which was later acquired by Chhatrapati Shivaji.

During the Independence movement, Gujarat became a place of revolts as many freedom fighters like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi hailed from Gujarat.

Gujarat Traditions

Gujarat Culture

Gujarat carries its own culture and tradition which is clearly visible in day to day activities of people. Fairs and festivals of Gujarat are very popular and there are about 1000 festivals celebrated in Gujarat.

Gujarat has its own wedding tradition too, their marriage is performed according to Vedas which consists of prayers, invocations, and vows recited in Sanskrit. The wedding ceremony takes place in mandap and the four pillars which surround the mandap are the parents of the bride and the groom.

The ceremony is performed before a sacred fire, or agniaa, which is the eternal witness of the marriage, and all vows are taken.

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Gujarati Language

Indo-Aryan language evolved from Sanskrit Gujarati is spoken in Gujarat. Whereas people of Kutch speak Kutchi while Memoni is also spoken among Sindhi memons and Muslims.

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Gujarati Costumes

gujarati dress

Gujarati has its own unique cultural dressing. The women’s main dress is Chaniyo & Choli, while men wear Chorno & Kediyu. The jewelry adorned by both males and females. The Gujarati outfits usually have thread work, use of beads, astragals, small patches which add creativity to Gujarati dresses.

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Gujarati Cuisines

Gujarati cuisines

Gujarati cuisines are one of the healthiest cuisines in India and are primarily vegetarian. A Gujarati thali consists of roti, dal, rice, and sabzi with Indian pickle. Gujarati dishes are dhokla, pathra, samosa, Khaman while sweet dishes are mohanthal, jalebi, doodh pak.

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Gujarati Music and dance

Garba

Gujarati folk music is called Sugam Sangeet, while the instrument used are turi, bungal, pava, ravan hattho, ektaro, and jantar. The folk dance raas-garba is very popular in Gujarat when chaniya choli is worn by women while kedia is worn by men and they dance during Navratri celebrations.

Suggested Read: Palitana Mandir

Famous tourist attractions

Somnath temple

Gujarat is one of the most popular states for tourism in India, it is popular for the beautiful Great Rann of Kutch , hills of Saputara, there are many holy temples, historic capitals, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, hill resorts to visit.

Suggested Read:  Formation Dates of Indian States

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Language, ethnicity, and socialisation in the Gujarati diaspora in the United States

Profile image of Nishaant Choksi

2021, People's Linguistic Survey of India, vol 41 Indian Languages in the Diaspora

Related Papers

Ann R David

Despite the fact that the UK Hindu Gujarati population has been well documented in sociological, migrant and religious studies (see Dwyer 1994, Jackson 1981, Knott 2000 and Marett 1989), very little has been written to date about the community’s cultural practices. This chapter examines the folk ‘dances’ of garba and raas that are an integral part of religious festivals, particularly the autumnal Navratri celebrations, as well as social and community events such as weddings parties. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork carried out in two main urban centres, London and Leicester, both home to large Gujarati groups, I raise questions about the tensions between tradition and modernity seen in these practices, as well looking at the contrast between classical dance and folk dance forms and their meaning to the community. Further questions arise in relation to the construction of a Gujarati ethnic and religious identity by the different generations now born in the UK. Do these cultural forms of garba and raas express a religious faith or are they simply an essential ingredient in being Gujarati, whether in India or in the diaspora? Ethnographic evidence from Navratri events and from detailed interviews in the UK reveals that the Navratri festival is the locus for the transmission of Gujarati religious and socio-cultural practices and a powerful confirmation of caste identity, as this chapter will argue. The fieldwork is situated in the larger context of Asian migration to the UK and of the settlement of the Gujarati groups since the early 1970s.

essay on gujarat culture in gujarati language

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Purushottama Bilimoria PhD

The article maps the contours of Hinduism in the two major antipodean nations, Australia and New Zealand, highlighting some specific features of the socioreligious history and experiences of Sanatanis or adherents of the sanātanadharma (eternal sacred law). The following profile is contextualized in the background of South Asian diaspora during the colonial period.

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Mona G Mehta

This article examines the Narmada Movement in Gujarat to illuminate the enduring modes of politics and collective identifications it engendered in the state. It shows how the movement engaged the instruments of democracy to forge a popular consensus around a coercive Gujarati nativism that became the touchstone of political action and helped consolidate a politics of Hindutva at the turn of the twenty-first century. It concludes by reflecting on the conundrum of democracy in Gujarat posed by this coercive nativism, namely, democracy's complicity in and vulnerability to popular support for exclusionary politics. This analysis elucidates the regional particularities of politics in Gujarat while also revealing the contradictory relationship among democracy, participatory social movements and exclusionary politics more generally.

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Nishaant Choksi

This thesis paper examines the reactions of Indian-American press in light of the 2002 pogrom against the Muslim minority in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Gujarat has a large diaspora in the United States and in many ways this diaspora was implicated in the violence. The thesis argues that the reactions to the violence in the immigrant English language press, both among right-wing and liberal Hindus as well as among South Asian Muslims were filtered through discourses of American multiculturalism and imagined 'homelands' rather than engaging with the lived realities of India. The immigrant Gujarati-language press on the other hand presented a much more nuanced and intimate reaction, and thus offered a more compelling condemnation of the violence. The thesis shows how American multiculturalism is implicated in the growth of right-wing violence in South Asia, and ends with a reflection on the impact of these ideologies on second-generation Indian-American youth.

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Gujarat

Culture of Gujarat

The culture of Gujarat forms an integral part of Indian culture. Even with extensive modernization, Gujarat and its people have been able to preserve the culture and tradition of the ancient past. Noted for their colorful dresses, the people of Gujarat - popularly known as 'Gujaratis' - exhibit a warm and friendly nature, and the 'untouched' simplicity about them constitutes an integral part of the beautiful culture of Gujarat.

Gujarat boasts vibrant art, architecture, and culture, which is reflected in the day-to-day lives of the local populace. The amiable and peace-loving Gujaratis are well known for their concern and affection for all life forms.

Most of the art traditions and cultural heritage of Gujarat can be traced back to the ancient period of Lord Krishna. The Gujaratis exhibit a natural penchant for singing and dancing. They have special songs and dances for every occasion and festivals celebrated all around the year. They have, till date, successfully preserved Gujarat's rich song, dance, and drama tradition.

Let's look at the features that make the culture of Gujarat flourish.

Beliefs of gujaratis.

Gujaratis have many beliefs and worship gods and goddesses. For example, they honor the cows as they give us milk and call them "Gau Mata". In addition, the population in Gujarat has Hindu beliefs, Jainism, the bhakti movement, Zoroastrianism (an Iranian religion), and Gujarati Muslims. The life cycle ceremonies are carried out by Brahmans, where the most significant ones include bird, and thread ceremonies, marriage, and death. They also celebrate the 'Festival of Lights' - Diwali and Navratri (the night of nine nights).

People of Gujarat

Several ethnic groups showcase the cultural diversity of Gujarat. These groups are further classified as Indic (northern-derived) and Dravidian (southern-derived). The Indic group constitutes - Bhatia, the Nagar Brahman, Bhadela, Rabari, and Mina castes. On the other hand, the Dravidian group comprises tribes like Dubla, Naikda, Macchi-Kharwa, Bhangi, and Koli. The rest of Gujarat's population, like the native Bhil tribe, has mixed characteristics. 

Around one-fifth of the population consists of Scheduled Castes, mostly living in Ahmedabad. Further, about 70% of the Gujaratis are Hindus, and the rest are Jains and Muslims. And nearly one-third of the total populace is urbanized. 

Gujarati culture is varied, and that can be seen in the traits of the people living in different regions of the state. For instance, those living in Kutch, an arid region, are hardy by nature but blessed with a spirit of enterprise for business organization. Another example is the people of peninsular Saurashtra, known for their artistic skills. The Gujaratis in the northern part of the state are simple and more practical. In contrast, southern Gujaratis are gentle and loving.

Languages of Gujarat

Gujarati is the mother tongue of the Gujarat people and is widely spoken. This language is an Indo-Aryan language with its root in Sanskrit. Gujarati is the 26th most used language in the world and has about 11 distinct dialects. Also, the state shares a border with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Thus, a small sect of people speaks the native languages of the neighboring states like Hindi, Urdu, Sindhi, Marwari, and Marathi. Another significant language of Gujarat is Kutchi or Kachhi, spoken by the people living in Kutch.

Art of Gujarat

Art is a huge part of the culture of Gujarat. The vastness of handcrafted products in this state is known worldwide. The intricate Gujarati art forms include jewelry, furniture, leatherwork, metalwork, embroidered garments, mirror work, baked clay items, and so much more. Not only this, but the state also produces some of the most elegant furnishings like bed covers, cushion covers, table mats, and quilts. Daily patterns are also woven on the Patola sarees with precision. 

Gujarati Music

You might have heard Gujarati Music, especially on the holy days of Navratri. People dance to traditional songs and perform Garba, a traditional dance form about which we will discuss more. In addition, there are several rags, which originated in Gujarat only and included Gujari Todi, Bilaval (from Veraval), Sorathi, Khambavati, Ahiri, and Lati. These rags are also used in classical Hindustani music. 

Music is an essential part of the culture and tradition of Gujarat that the people have preserved for centuries. Rann Utsav is a significant festival in this state that brings rich Gujarati music into the ears of Indians and foreigners who attend this festival. Charans and Gadhavis are communities that keep their music alive and carry on Gujarati folk music lineage. Lullaby, Nuptial, and festive songs are some common Gujarati folk songs.

Gujarat Dance Forms

You are probably living under a rock if you haven't heard of the dance form of Garba. Gujaratis love it! Ras and Garba are the two most popular dance forms in Gujarat. Tippani Nritya, Padhar Nritya, Siddi Dance, Dangi Nritya, and other local tribal dances are quite famous. If you are interested in folk drama, then Bhavai is the way to go.

Dandiya Raas is a popular dance form of Gujarat that requires you to be energetic and playful. The men and women perform this dance, dressed beautifully in traditional clothes. They move in concentric circles while clicking their "dandiyas" or bamboo sticks that they hold in either hand with each other.

Next, Garba is a traditional dance form in which women gracefully dance in a circular form. It is performed to offer reverence to Goddess Ambaji. Garba involves dancing rhythmically while clapping the hands and moving around the goddess. The dresses women wear while performing Garba are exquisite, like embroidered Ghagra, cholis, bracelets, anklets, and more.

Fairs and Festivals of Gujarat

Gujarat's people are high-spirited and love to celebrate fairs and festivals. If you ever get a chance, attend any of the festivals mentioned below to get a deep insight into Gujarati culture. 

  • Bhavnath Mahadev Mela - Celebrated in February at Bhavnath Mahadev Temple in Junagadh.
  • Chitra Vichitra Mela - Celebrated in March by around 60,000 to 70,000 tribal people.
  • Makar Sankranti - Celebrated in January, also called the Kite Flying festival.
  • Bhadra Purnima - Celebrated in September on the full moon days with folk performances.

Gujarati Culture Dress

Nowadays, almost all people wear western clothing. But the traditional dresses of Gujarat are gorgeous. The men and women wear beautiful dresses on special occasions, and women wear silver jewelry with intricate details. 

Traditional dresses of Gujarati men include Chorn, Kediyu, Dhoti, Kurta, and Phento. Adults wear a gold ring and a gold chain. On the other hand, traditional dresses of Gujarati women include Ghagra Choli or Chaniya Choli, Chaniyo, and saree. Married women wear Mangal Sutra, bangles, earrings, nose rings, and necklaces. And unmarried women wear small hoop earrings called balis and even nose rings or studded nose jewelry. Bindi and sindoor are essential for married women. 

While performing Raas Garba, which is performed to reenact the Raas Leela or the dance of Lord Krishna, women wear chaniya choli or ghagra choli with a kamarbandha (colored waistband). Men wear churidars (tight trousers) and keviya (tight long-sleeved coats plaited with frills). 

Culture Food of Gujarat

Gujarati cuisine is known worldwide. From dhokla to fafda, most people have tried one or two items from Gujarat. Here is a list of the top foods in Gujarat that are a huge part of Gujarati culture.

  • Aam Shrikhand
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Things To Do in Gujarat

Arts and crafts, best time to visit, how to reach, forts and monuments, holy places, beaches in gujarat.

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Gujarat Cities

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FAQs about Culture of Gujarat

Ans. Gujarat has diversity in culture. From the number of fairs and festivals celebrated with enthusiasm to traditional music and dances and mouth-watering cuisine to the tradition of performing arts, Gujarat has a rich cultural heritage that lures tourists from across the globe.

Ans. Gujarat is known for its handicraft items like jewelry, embroidered items, patola sarees, mirror work, leatherwork, furniture, and baked clay items. They form a huge part of the art and culture of Gujarat.

Ans. Traditional dance and music are an integral part of Gujarat's traditions. Folk dances like Dandiya Raas, Garba, Tippani, Padhar, Siddi, and Dangi from the state's rich tradition, are performed playfully and energetically by Gujaratis.

Ans. Here is a list of famous foods that Gujarat is known for -

  • Aam Shrikhand  

Ans. Gujarat was a part of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which was about 2500-1700 BCE. Several Hindu religious traditions developed in Gujarat.

Ans. The traditional dress of females in Gujarat includes Ghagra choli, and the traditional dress of men in Gujarat includes keviya and churidars.

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A Guide to the Incredibly Rich Gujarat Culture and Heritage

Gujarat Culture and Heritage

Gujarat culture and heritage is among the most amazing and richest ones in the country. Unique and diverse, the cultural heritage of Gujarat is an incredibly fascinating one. Also, there are several awesome places to visit in Gujarat. Scores of people regularly visit Gandhinagar, the state’s capital. The largest city of Gujarat , Ahmedabad, is also among the most-frequented cities in the state. Rann of Kutch, the great Indian white salt desert , is among the must-see attractions in Gujarat. For those who wish to know more about this fascinating state, here’s our guide to Gujarat culture and heritage .

Art and Culture of Gujarat:

An amalgamation of various traditions and cultural beliefs, multiculturalism runs in the very veins of Gujarat culture and heritage. Handicrafts of Gujarat are famous not just in India but across the world as well. Popular items to buy include Gujarati jewelry, furniture, embroidered items, patola saris, mirror work, metal work, leather work, and baked clay articles among other things.

Dance, music, and other art forms are a huge part of Gujarat culture and heritage. Sugam Sangeet is the folk music form of Gujarat while the four major dance forms comprise Garba, Dandiya Raas, Garbi, and Padhar. Even if you happen to be visiting on last minute flights for a work trip, make sure to catch some of these lively folk performances.

Languages of Gujarat:

Gujarati language is spoken by the natives of Gujarat. Derived from Sanskrit, it is an Indo-Aryan language spoken widely across the world and not just in Gujarat. The other regional dialects spoken here include Kutchi, Charotari, Kathiawal, and Surti. However, apart from Gujarati language dialects, there are several other languages spoken in Gujarat by a section of the natives of its neighboring states. Some of these languages spoken are Marathi, Hindi, Marwari, Sindhi, and a bit of Urdu. Thereby, the countless Gujarati languages form a huge part of the fascinating Gujarat culture and heritage.

Customs and Religions of Gujarat:

Several religions peacefully coexist in the state and have a significant impact on Gujarat culture and heritage. Owing to this, the customs and traditions of Gujarat are incredibly diverse with a majority of Gujaratis believing in a number of gods and goddesses. You will find a spirited mix of Hinduism, Jainism, Islam, and Buddhism demonstrated by the Gujarati people. Thereby, the natives embody a balanced lifestyle along with an enrichment of artistic traits and a mix of varied religious practices. Birth, marriage, and thread ceremony are the majorly celebrated observances. Highly ranked Brahmins are the only ones who can perform the rituals associated with these ceremonies.

Gujarati Culture Dress:

Also popularly referred to as Queen of silks , Patola silk forms a major part of the traditional dress of Gujarat. An irreplaceable part of Gujarat culture and heritage, the traditional wear of Gujarat often embody block prints and tie-dye designs. Gujarati brides deck themselves in zari and silk-woven saris of Panetar and Gharchola. The women of Kutch wear Abhas, a distinct traditional wear. For the ultra-festive season of Navratri Mahotsav, women choose to wear Chaniya cholis while the men wear a dress known as Kedia . Also, the silver Pachchikam jewelry that traces its roots to Kutch is a prominent fashion trend in Gujarat.

Gujarati Culture Food:

Gujarat dress and food form a vital part of Gujarat culture and heritage with a vast majority of Gujaratis being pure vegetarians. You will find that the flavors of Gujarati dishes are a mouthwatering blend of spicy, sweet, and sour tastes. The most popular Gujarat culture food items are dhokla, khandvi, fafda, undhiyon, dal wada, handvo, thepla, khakhra, gathiya, and dal dhokli . Whenever you visit the state, be it on economy or business class flights , do try the traditional Gujarati thali. Typically, it consists of dal, rice, roti, vegetables, salad, farsan, and chaas to be followed by a lip-smacking dessert. For Gujaratis, a typical dinner consists of khichdi-kadhi or bhakri-shak .

Gujarat Work Culture:

Work is a significant aspect of Gujarat culture and heritage . While most of the Gujaratis are businessmen, the commercial capital of Ahmedabad is a leading textile city. It has helped Gujarat rank among the topmost industrial cities in India. Gujarat is also home to a large number of airports with its most significant one being the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) at Ahmedabad. The airport is well-connected to other major Indian cities via cheap domestic flights. Several international travelers, especially in flights from USA , arrive here as well.

Gujarat Festivals and Fairs

The actual vibrancy and colors of Gujarat’s diversity can be witnessed via its spectacular festivals and fairs. Scores of people book cheap flights for a visit to this remarkable state during popular festivals such as Navratri Mahotsav, Rath Yatra, Deepavali, and kite festival. Popular fairs depicting Gujarat culture and heritage include Mahadev fair, Bhadra Purnima Fair, and Shamlaji Melo. The annual Rann Utsav fair held at the Rann of Kutch is an absolute must-have experience! The vibrant festival is an extravagant carnival of Gujarati music, dance, and stunning natural beauty.

People Also Ask

What is the traditional dress of gujarat .

The traditional dress for Gujarati women is called Chaniya-choli or Ghagra-choli. Chaniyo, similar to a lehenga, comes in vibrant colors and is decorated with intricate thread or mirrorwork. It is paired with choli, an equally vibrant short upper garment. Most Gujarati women drape a chunni/odhni/dupatta over their heads. The traditional attire for men consists of chorno (a type of stitched dhoti) and kediyu (a frock-like kurta with frills). They also wear a traditional turban called Phento. 

What is Gujarat’s traditional dance?

Garba is the most popular traditional dance form in Gujarat. This highly energetic dance performance is a major highlight of the Navratri celebrations in the state. Dandiya Raas, Bhavai, Tippani, and Vincchudo are other popular folk dance forms of Gujarat.

What is Gujarat’ special food?

Dhokla, khakhra, khandvi, fafda-jalebi, khaman, thepla, and dabeli are some of the most famous Gujarati delicacies that are available almost anywhere in India. 

What is the main festival of Gujarat?

Gujarat celebrates several festivals, including popular Indian festivals like Holi, Deepavali, and Janmashtami and cultural festivals such as Rann Utsav, Modhera Dance Festival, Rath Yatra, etc. The nine days of Navratri are celebrated with much pomp and fervor in Gujarat.

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Things You Must Know About Gujarati Cultural Background

Gujarat is a Potpourri of art and craft and dance and literature and is famous for its unique culture. It’s interesting to learn about the different cultural aspects of Gujarat and understand its importance.

Origin, Ethnicity and Language of Gujaratis

The ethnic lineage of the Gujarati’s is derived from the Gurjars who arrived in India along with Huns as and when the Huns were travelling and crossing Punjab. Large groups of them settled in Gujarat and any of them are of Indo Aryan origin. 20% of the Gujarati’s are of tribal groups like Naikda, Bhils, Kolis and Macchi-Kharwa who still stay in Gajarat as they weren’t defeated by the Aryan invaders. In fact the Bhil community soon became the rulers of Gujarat while the Kurjars occupied middle level positions. Gujarat has a multi religious culture as a lot of immigration happened in the medieval age which brought in Islam and Zoroastrianism. In 14 th century Saurashtra, the Kathis or the Sun Worshippers held dominance and they were experts in the art of horse breeding. Soon the Rabaris who had a royal lineage dominated Saurashtra and they were mainly cattle breeders.

As of today most of Gujaratis speak the Gujarati language and people of this ethnicity are concentrated in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. However sizeable numbers also live in far flung areas of the country like Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli etc. incidentally Guajarati communities like Bohra, Memom and Khoja who have settled in Karachi still consider their ethnicity to be Gujarat. Marwari, Hindi, Marathi and Urdu are also spoken in Gujarat and in the Rann of Kutch…Kutchi is the primary language.

Gujarati Homes

Diversity of culture, traditions and religion mark the Gujaratis. The Guajarati culture has elements of Hinduism, Jainism, Islam, Buddhism etc. and is a mirror of many different forms of beliefs, arts, institutions, languages, technology and values. One overriding custom of the Gujaratis is the respect of elders and the tradition of passing on knowledge and values from generation to generation. Culturally the Guajarati’s are friendly and adept at mingling in foreign cultures which is why they have spread to different parts of the world.

Modern homes are now built in Gujarat but there are many who still show fondness for wooden houses and traditional homes. Traditional Gujarati houses have intricate design elements and exquisite interiors and every home has a Chabutra meant for feeding the birds. The kind of furniture used in homes is dependent upon the exact geographical location… Sankheda near Vadodara has lacquered furniture and that’s now a landmark of Southern Gujarat. Rajkot homes have Minakari Furniture while homes in Surat, Saurashtra and Kutch have intricately carved furniture.

Music and Dance

The traditional folk dance forms of Gujarat are Dandiya Raas, Garba, Garbi, Tippani, Padhar and Dangi. While Dandiya Raas is a romantic, playful and vibrant form of dance inspired by Krishna….the Garba is lighter and more graceful dance form performed by females in reverence of Goddess Amba. Garbi is a forceful dance characterised by forceful movements of the limbs and is essentially meant for raising the morale before battle. The Padhar dance was performed by the rural community living around Nal Lake and it’s inspired from the undulations of the sea waves

The history of Gujarat’s literature dates back to 1000 AD and it has now flourished.  Famous poet’s ad novelists are Hemchandracharya, Mirabai, Shamal Bhatt, Premanand Bhatt, Govardhanram Tripathi, Suresh Joshi, Mahatma Gandhi, Pannalal Patel, Akho, Dalpatram, Kavi Kant and Kalapi.

Gujarati theatre is inspired from Bhaval and it’s taken forward to cinematic excellence by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta.

The different parts of Gujarat have different tastes as the neighbouring state has always played a strong influence. In south Gujarat that shares borders with Maharashtra, Jowar is consumed while in Saurashtra and North Gujarat…Bajra and Maize are consumed. In Baroda…a fusion of all tastes are found.

Most Gujarati are vegetarians and they consume a wide variety of lentils like Urad, Moong, Tuvar, Rajma and mixed Daal. Some famous Daal preparations are Khadi and Dal Dhokli, they eat vegetable dishes like stuffed Karela, Methi mutter, okra, tomato sev, cabbage peas, cauliflower peas, Undhiyu etc. Gujaratis tend to put a hint of sweet flavour in their food. The Gujarati eat a variety of snacks like Chana Dal Vada, Kutchi Dabeli, Dal Vada, Dhokla, Handvo, Kachori, Fafda, Chivda, Bhakarwadi, Jain Chivda, Sev Usal, Chavanu, and Patra.

Famous Gujarati sweets are Ghari, Kaju Katli, Barfi Churmu, Khaja, Rabdi, dudh/moong dal halwa, badam/ pista chakki, wheat halwa, mysore pak. Puran puri, shrikhand. Mohanthal, ladoo, magasand chikki are also quite famous in Gujarat

Fairs and Festivals

Gujarat is known as the land of fairs and festivals and more than 1000 festivals are celebrated here. Some famous fairs are Bhavnath Mahadev Mela that happens in February, Dangs Darbar at Ahwa in July, Chitra Vichitra Mela in Gunbhakhari in March and the Dhrang Fair near Bhuj in April. The Trineteshwar Mahadaev Fair near Rajkot happens in October while the Vautha Mela happens in the meeting point of river Sabarmati and Vatrak in November. Other famous fairs are the Kutch Utsav, Sanskruti Kunj Fair and Shamlaji Fair.

International Kite Festival, Gujarat

Festivals unique to Gujarat are the Makar Sankranti Kite Flying Festival in January and the Modhera dance festival in January. The Kutch Mahotsav festival in February I Bhuj is a large crowd-puller while the Bhadra Purnima Fair is a unique night farmers festival.

Handicrafts

Needlework of Gujarat is world famous with aari work, applique work, mirror embroidery (abhala) and Chakla embroidery are the most famous styles. International exposure, widespread exports and instant recognition amongst the fashion designing community of India has been enjoyed by Gujarati needlework.

Bandhani or tye and dye fabrics are very famous in Gujarat and the Bandhej as well Jamdani style of Jamnagar, Bhuj and Mandvi are the most famous. The famous colourful print and embroidery enhanced Gujarati Patola Sarees are also very famous.

Gujarat is also a silver jewellery hub with Bhuj and Kutch being famous for their distinctive styles of jewellery.

Gujarati beadwork is very famous and the regions of Khambhat and Saurashtra have the tallest claims to fame. The Kathi tribes produce amazing beadwork that is demonstrated on a variety of items including Torans that are hung over doorways.

Quilting, Kalamkari and embroidery are used in producing floor spreads (called Namdas) and Dhurries ….these are important handicraft export items.

Clay utensils, terracotta toys and Aravali and Chota Udaipur tribal made Gora Dev figures of Gujarat are very famous. Mud wall paintings that are fashioned into plaques and are then decorated with mirrors are another famous item.

Zari industry of Surat is one of the oldest handicraft aspects of Gujarat and it dates back to the Mughal era. Surat is one of the biggest producers of Zari and the Chalak, Katori, Kangari, Tiki designs are variable in Saree, turbans, blouse pieces, gharchola and panetar (Gujarat wedding dresses).

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Culture of Gujarat

essay on gujarat culture in gujarati language

Table of Contents

Overview of Gujarat Culture

Gujarat, a state in western India, is known for its rich cultural heritage. It reflects a mix of tradition and modern life. Gujarat stands out for its lively festivals, delicious food, and colorful crafts. The culture in Gujarat is a unique blend of the past and present. The people here are friendly and enterprising, and they speak Gujarati. The state also hosts lively celebrations like Navratri and Uttarayan, which make it special. Gujarat’s rich culture adds to India’s diverse mix, making it an interesting region.

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History of Gujarat Culture

Ancient Times: Gujarat’s culture can be traced back to around 2500 BCE when the Indus Valley Civilization thrived here. We can see this in places like Lothal and Dholavira, which had well-planned cities and trade with other civilizations.

Medieval Period: During the middle ages, Gujarat had a mix of Hindu and Islamic cultures, especially under the rule of the Mughal Empire. This time brought impressive buildings and a blend of art, music, and literature.

Maritime History: Gujarat’s location by the coast made it a hub for trade with places like Africa, Arabia, and Southeast Asia. This trade influenced its culture, bringing in different customs, traditions, and food.

British Rule: When the British ruled India, Gujarat went through significant changes in society and economy. It was also a time when leaders like Mahatma Gandhi emerged, playing a big role in India’s fight for independence and shaping the culture and politics of Gujarat.

After Independence: After India became independent in 1947, Gujarat became its own state in 1960. Since then, it has developed a modern culture while keeping its old traditions alive.

Food Culture of Gujarat

Food culture means the way people eat and enjoy food in their daily lives. It includes their habits, traditions, and the things they believe about food. Different cultures have their own unique foods, which help them keep their identity. Traditional dishes are an important part of this food culture, and when people share a meal with friends and family, it creates a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Food culture is important because it uses local and seasonal ingredients, which helps us connect with our own culture and other cultures. While food is important in most cultures, some cultures value it more than others. Writing about food and culture allows people to explore their love for food, like trying different dishes from around the world, learning about American cooking, or discovering foods introduced by immigrants.

Food Culture of Gujarat

Festivals of Gujarat

  • Navratri: Gujarat’s most famous festival is Navratri, celebrated energetically over nine nights to honor Goddess Durga. People wear colorful traditional clothes and enjoy dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas all night long.
  • Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti): On January 14th each year, Gujarat hosts a big kite festival. The skies fill with colorful kites, symbolizing the awakening of gods from their deep sleep. It marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
  • Rann Utsav: Held in Kutch during the winter for about three months, this festival celebrates local culture, crafts, and traditions. It features folk dances, music, and crafts set against the backdrop of a white salt desert.
  • Janmashtami: Dwarka, a significant Hindu city, celebrates Janmashtami with enthusiasm, marking Lord Krishna’s birth. The city comes alive with reenactments of Krishna’s life, devotional singing, and festive gatherings.
  • Tarnetar Fair: A colorful rural fair near Tarnetar village, known for traditional marriage rituals and tribal culture. It’s famous for folk music, dance, traditional outfits, and a unique umbrella exhibition.
  • Bhavnath Mahadev Fair: This fair at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple in Junagadh during Mahashivratri includes a procession of Naga Sadhus and attracts pilgrims from all over the country.

Festivals of Gujarat

Gujarat Culture Dress

Gujarat, a culturally rich state in India, has special cultural dress of Gujarat its lively culture. The way people in Gujarat dress is different from the rest of India, blending old traditions with new ones.

For men, the traditional Gujarati of Gujarat is a dhoti and kurta, often with a phento (a type of turban). On special occasions, they wear a kediyu and phento. Chorno, loose cotton pants, are also worn by Gujarati men. Chorno can be tied with a string or have elastic at the waist.

Cultural dress of Gujarat for women usually includes chaniya choli or ghagra choli, along with chaniyo, choli, chunni, and saree, along with an odhni (dupatta or chunni). The chaniya looks like a lehenga or ghagra and includes a blouse and an odhni or dupatta.

In cities, where women work, wearing sarees every day can be hard. People wear traditional clothes like these during special times, like weddings or Navratri festivals. The clothes in Gujarat are known for their bright colors, detailed designs like bandhani or bandhej, and embroidery with gold and zari threads. People also wear fancy jewelry with these outfits to complete the look.

Gujarat Culture Dress

Cultural Dance of Gujarat

Gujarat has a rich culture with lively traditional dances. These dances are colorful and full of energy, reflecting the local way of life.

One famous dance in Gujarat is Garba. It’s named after the Sanskrit words for “womb” and “lamp.” People perform Garba around a central lamp or an image of Goddess Shakti. Garba celebrates fertility, honors women, and pays tribute to mother goddesses. It’s also part of the nine-day Navratri festival in September or October.

In Garba, people dance in a circle, moving counterclockwise around a picture of a mother goddess like Durga or a symbol of her creative power, often an illuminated clay or water pot.

Gujarat also enjoys other spiritual dances, like those from Sufi culture. The state has a rich tradition of classical dance forms like Bharat Natyam, Kathak, and Odissi, which are also popular.

One major annual dance festival in Gujarat is the Modhera Dance Festival. It’s a platform for artists, both established and emerging, to showcase their talents against the backdrop of the Sun Temple.

Cultural Dance of Gujarat

Gujarati Cinema

Gujarati cinema, also known as Dhollywood, is where they make movies in the Gujarati language, which is spoken a lot in Gujarat, India. It’s based in Ahmedabad and is one of India’s important film industries. It’s getting more popular, and they release more movies each year.

In the past, Gujarati films used to tell traditional stories about people in Gujarat. But nowadays, they tell more modern stories about the changing world and the experiences of Gujarat’s people.

More actors and filmmakers are joining the Gujarati film industry, making it more competitive and creative. They also work with filmmakers from other parts of India and even from other countries.

You can watch Gujarati movies on TV, like Colors Gujarati Cinema. And now, many Gujarati films are on platforms like YouTube, so more people can watch them.

Gujarati Cinema

Languages of Gujarat

Gujarat, a state in India, has a rich cultural heritage and many languages spoken within its borders. The primary language here is Gujarati, which is also the foundation for other regional languages. Hindi is spoken in cities, English is used in education and jobs, Sindhi is common in Saurashtra, Marathi is heard in central and southern areas, Kutchi is native to the Kutch region, and Kathiyawadi is spoken in Kathiawad. Additionally, Surti is used in Surat, Charotari in central Gujarat, and Rathvi, Vasavi, and Bheel are tribal languages.

Gujarati itself has various dialects, including Standard Gujarati, Surati, Kathiyawadi, Kharwa, Khakari, and Tarimukhi. These dialects may differ in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar, but they are all part of the broader Gujarati language. The linguistic diversity in Gujarat reflects the state’s cultural heritage and historical influences from different communities.

Also Check: Culture of Other States

Religion of Gujarati People

The majority of people in Gujarat practice Hinduism, with around 90% of the population following this religion. Among Gujarati Hindus, there are two main groups: one worships Vedic and Puranic deities, while the other doesn’t believe in regular deities and idol worship.

The first group includes Shaivites, Shaktas, Vaishnavites, and followers of minor deities. The second group belongs to more recent sects like Arya Samaj and Kabir Panthi.

Gujarati Hindus value rituals like bathing and fasting, which they do once a week and every eleventh day in a fortnight. They also believe in concepts like Heaven, Hell, and the cycle of rebirth. They aim to improve their status in this life and the next through devotion to God, charity, and kindness towards others and cows. There are also smaller communities of Muslims, Jains, and Parsis in Gujarat. Muslims make up about 8.73% of the population, mainly Sunnis.

Despite these differences, modern Gujarati society is known for religious tolerance and unity among different communities, contributing to the region’s rich culture.

Gujarati Literature

Gujarati literature has a long and diverse history, going back to the 12th century. The earliest writings in Gujarati were by Jain scholars, and the language had fully developed by the late 12th century.

The history of Gujarati literature can be split into three main periods: the early period (up to around 1450 A.D.), the middle period (up to 1850 A.D.), and the modern period (from 1850 A.D. onwards).

During the medieval period, the literature was heavily influenced by the Bhakti movement, and poets like Narsimha Mehta were prominent during this time.

In the modern period, novelists like Govardhanram Tripathi emerged, and he wrote “Sarasvatichandra,” which was the first social novel in Gujarati literature.

Gujarati literature includes various forms like poetry, novels, plays, essays, and biographies. This period is considered a golden era when all these forms of writing reached their peak.

The themes of Gujarati literature cover a wide range, from devotion to God and love of nature to social and existentialist topics.

Gujarati literature has made significant contributions to Indian literature as a whole and is known for its heartfelt and touching poetry.

It also represents the cultural values of the region through folk songs, narratives, theater, and aphorisms.

Interesting Facts About Gujarat Culture

  • Language Variety: In addition to Gujarati, Gujarat has various local dialects and languages like Kutchi, Bhili, and Gamit, which show its diverse culture.
  • Home of Asiatic Lions: The Gir Forest in Gujarat is the only place in the world where you can find Asiatic Lions living in the wild, which is a symbol of the state’s unique natural heritage.
  • Historic Buildings: Gujarat is famous for its stepwells, known as ‘Vavs’ locally. The Rani ki Vav in Patan is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its beautiful carvings and historical importance.
  • Gandhi’s Birthplace: Gujarat is where Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s independence movement, was born. His ashram in Ahmedabad, Sabarmati Ashram, is an important historical and cultural site.
  • Cultural Villages: The state promotes its culture through model villages like Hodka and Dhordo in Kutch, where visitors can see traditional lifestyles, crafts, and local food.
  • Navratri Celebrations: Gujarat’s Navratri is not just about dancing and music; it also involves setting up thematic dolls and figurines in homes, telling stories from mythology and culture.
  • Kite Museum: Ahmedabad has a unique Kite Museum that displays traditional and modern kites, some of which are centuries old, reflecting the importance of kite flying in Gujarati culture.
  • Vegetarianism: Gujarat is known for its mostly vegetarian cuisine, influenced by Jainism and Hinduism, which is a part of its cultural identity.
  • Patola Silk Sarees: Patan is famous for its double ikat woven Patola silk sarees, which are not just clothing but also symbols of status and heritage. They are known for their durability and intricate designs woven from memory.
  • Dandiya Sticks: In the traditional dance form of Dandiya Raas, the sticks used represent the swords of Goddess Durga, adding a spiritual aspect to the dance.

FAQs on Culture of Gujarat

What is the culture of gujarat.

The culture of Gujarat is a vibrant blend of traditions, festivals, dance, music, and cuisine. It's known for its colorful attire, folk arts, and strong community spirit.

What is the tradition of Gujarat?

Traditional practices in Gujarat include folk dances like Garba and Dandiya, kite flying during Uttarayan, and celebrating festivals like Navratri with great enthusiasm.

What is Gujarat mainly known for?

Gujarat is mainly known for its rich cultural heritage, the Asiatic Lion in Gir Forest, architectural wonders like stepwells, and as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.

What are Gujaratis famous for?

Gujaratis are famous for their entrepreneurial spirit, warm hospitality, vibrant festivals like Navratri, and a cuisine that offers an array of delectable vegetarian dishes.

Which God is popular in Gujarat?

Lord Krishna is particularly popular in Gujarat, especially in the city of Dwarka, which is considered a major pilgrimage site and holds significant religious importance.

What is the cultural food of Gujarat?

The cultural food of Gujarat includes items like Dhokla, Thepla, Fafda, Jalebi, and Khandvi, emphasizing vegetarian dishes often with a hint of sweetness.

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Essay on gujarati language (1230 words).

essay on gujarat culture in gujarati language

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Essay on Gujarati Language!

Gujarati evolved from a dialect of the Gurjara Apabhramsa. It reached a distinctive form by the 12th century. Jain influence is strongly evident in the early stages of its development.

Jain authors transformed the Rasa, originally a folk dance, into melodious dramatic poetry. In the eleventh century, due to the development of trade and commerce, the religious influence of Jainism and that of Hinduism, and the encouragement provided by Siddhraj, Solanki and Vaghela Rajputs, literary activities flourished.

In the context of gradual evolution, the history of Gujarati literature is generally classed into three broad periods: the early period (up to c. 1450 AD), the Middle period (up to AD 1850) and the Modern period (AD 1850 onwards). However, Gujarati literature and its tremendous maturation and proficiency have been traced back to the Muzaffarid dynasty, which had provided the sultans of Gujarat in western India from 1391 to 1583.

The first four centuries of the second millennium AD— Praag Narsinh-Yug—saw the emergence of the distinguished Jain monk and scholar Hemchandracharya Suri, one of the earliest scholars of Prakrit and Apabhramsha grammars and the mother of the Gujarati language. He had penned a formal set of ‘grammarian principles’, a treatise that formed the cornerstone of Apabhramsa grammar in the Gujarati language. He wrote Kavyanushasana, a handbook or manual of poetry, Siddha-haima-shabdanushasana, Prakrit and Apabhramsha grammars, and Desinamamala, a list of words of local origin.

The earliest writings in this language were by Jaina authors. Rasas were long poems which were essentially heroic, romantic or narrative in nature. Salibhadra Suri’s Bharatesvara Bahubalirasa (AD 1185), Vijayasena’s Revantgiri-rasa (AD 1235), Ambadeva’s Samararasa (AD 1315) and Vinayaprabha’s Gautama Svamirasa (AD 1356) are the most illustrious examples of this form.

Other notable prabandha or narrative’ poems of this period include Sridhara’s Ranamalla Chhanda, Merutunga’s Prabodhachintamani, Padmanabha’s Kanhadade Prabandha and Bhima’s Sadayavatsa Katha.

The phagus are poems that pictured the blissful and cheery nature of the spring festival, examples being Rajasekhara’s Neminatha-phagus (AD 1344) and Vasantha- vilasa (AD 1350). “Neminatha Chatuspadika”, written in 1140 by Vinayachandra, is the oldest of the baramasi genre of Gujarati poems.

The earliest work in Gujarati prose was written in 1355 by Tarunaprabha (Balavabodha). Manikyasundara’s Prithvichandra Charita (AD 1422), a religious romance, is the best illustration of old Gujarati prose.

During the fifteenth century, Gujarati literature was deeply influenced by the Bhakti movement. Narsinh Mehta (AD 1415- 1481) was the foremost poet. The Ramayana, the Bhagavad Gita, the Yogavashistha and the Panchatantra were all translated into Gujarati. This period also experienced the colossal Puranic revival, which led to the rapid growth and maturation of devotional poetry in Gujarati literature.

Meera and Dayaram, along with Narsinh Mehta, were foremost contributors of the sagun bhakti dhara. Bhalana (1434- 1514) had translated Banabhatta’s Kadambari into Gujarati. Bhalana composed Dasham Skandha, Nalakhyan, Ramabal Charitra and Chandi Akhyana. Meera supplied many padas (Verse).

Premanand Bhatt elevated the Gujarati language and literature to a new height. Shamal Bhatt was an extremely creative and productive poet (Padniavati, Batris Putli, Nanda Batrisi, Sinhasan Batrisi and Madana Mohan).

Dayaram (1767-1852) wrote religious, ethical and romantic lyrics (the ‘Garbi’) in his works Bhakti Poshan, Rasik Vallabh and Ajamel Akhyan. Parmanand, Brahmanand, Vallabha, Haridas, Ranchhod and Divali Bai were other authoritative ‘saint poets’ from this period.

The nirgun bhakti dhara was represented by again Narsinh Mehta. Akho’s Akhe Gita, Chittavichar Samvad, Anubhav and Bindu are seen as ’emphatic’ compositions on the Vedanta. Other contributors are Mandana, Kabir-Panthi, Dhira Bhagat, Bhoja Bhagat, Bapusaheb Gaikwad, and Pritam.

From the middle of the 19th century, Gujarati came under the strong western influence, due to colonial residence. Modern Gujarati literature is associated with Dalpatram (1820-1898) who wrote Vinacharitra and Narmad (1833-1886) who wrote the first Gujarati dictionary, the Narmakosh.

It is a history of the world, and also an authority on poetics. Narmad’s Rukmini Haran and Virasinh are considered to be masterpieces. The other great works in this era are Bholanath Sarabhai’s Ishvara Prarthanamala (1872), Navalram’s Bhatt nu Bhopalu (1867) and Veermati (1869), and Nandshankar Mehta’s Karana Ghelo (1866)— the first novel of Gujarati literature.

Ranchhodlal Udayaram Dave (1837-1923) is seen as a groundbreaker in the art of play- writing in Gujarati. Other dramatists of note were Dalpatram, Narmad and Navalram. The poets of note include Narsinhrao Divetiya (Smarana Samhita, Kusumamala, Hridayavina, Nupur jhankar and Buddha Charit); Manishankar Ratanji Bhatt or Kavi Kant (Purvalap) and Balwantray Thakore (Bhanakar).

Poet Nhanalal, author of Vasantotsava (1898) and Chitradarshan (1921), an epic referred to as Kuruksetra, outshone in his apadya gadya or rhyming prose. Govardhanram Tripathi (1855-1907), author of Saraswatichandra, was among the celebrated novelists of Gujarati literature.

During the period of influence of Gandhi, Gujarat Vidyapith became the nerve-centre of all literary activities. Novels, short stories, diaries, letters, plays, essays, criticisms, biographies, travel books and all kinds of prose began to flood Gujarati literature.

Modern Gujarati prose was given prominence by KM. Munshi, one of the best known literary figures of Gujarati literature whose works include dramas, essays, short stories and novels and Mahatma Gandhi, whose An Autobiography of My Experiments with Truth, Satyagraha in South Africa, Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule, a political pamphlet, and a paraphrase in Gujarati of John Ruskin’s Unto The Last are well- known works.

During the 1940s, there could be witnessed a rise in communistic poetry and this inspired a movement for progressive literature in Gujarati. Poets like Umashankar, Sundaram, Shesh, Snehrashmi and Betai, amongst others, centred on the existing social order, the struggle for independence and the travails of Mahatma Gandhi himself.

Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s poems, Umashankar Joshi enriched Gujarati literature by writing in Tagore’s style. His writings include Prachina, Mahaprasthan, Nishith (Jnanpith Award in 1967). The Gujarati novel was also made a household name by G.G. Joshi (‘Dhumaketu’), Chunilal V. Shah, Gunvantrai Acharya, Jhaverchand Meghani, Pannalal Patel and Manubhai Pancholi.

Chandravadan Mehta, Umashankar Joshi, Jayanti Dalai and Chunilal Madia were some significant dramatisits and Kaka Kalelkar, Ratilal Trivedi, Lilavati Munshi, Jyotindra Dave and Ramnarayan Pathak the noted essayists of the time.

In the 1940s and the 1950s, poetry dominated. Rajendra Shah, Niranjan Bhagat, Venibhai Purohit, Prahlad Parekh and Balmukund Dave were the major poets.

Post-independence Gujarati poetry revealed greater subjectivity and explored newer philosophies, thoughts and imagery. The poems are very subjective and brutal. Gujarati poets of the era include critically acclaimed poets like Suresh Joshi, Gulam Mohamed Sheikh, Harinder Dave, Chinu Modi, Nalin Raval and Adil Mansuri.

Post-independence prose literature had two distinct trends: traditional and modern, the former represented by writers of ethical values (Gulabdas Broker, Mansukhlal Jhaveri, Vishnuprasad Trivedi and others) and the latter by writers reflecting the influence of existentialism, surrealism and symbolism (Chandrakant Bakshi, Suresh Joshi, Madhu Rai, Raghuvir Chowdhury, Dhiruben Patel, Saroj Pathak and others).

Popular writers like Vithal Pandya, Sarang Barot, Dinkar Joshi, Harkisan Mehta, Ashwini Bhatt wrote novels that won the hearts of the common people. Pannalal Patel’s novel Maanavi Ni Bhavaai received the Jnanpith Award in 1985.

After the mid-1980s, Gujarati literature has seen the likes of Bhagwatikumar Sharma, Vinesh Antani, Dhruv Bhatt, Yogesh Joshi, Bindu Bhatt, and Kanji Patel who have brought freshness in narration in novels.

Gujarat Vidhya Sabha, Gujarat Sahitya Sabha, and Gujarati Sahitya Parishad are Ahmedabad-based literary institutions promoting the spread of Gujarati literature.

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Traditional Dresses of Gujarat: Vibrant, Colourful and Mesmerizing

Jebeen Thahir

  • Indian Culture
  • Indian Fashion
  • Traditional Dresses of India

Table of contents

Gujarati culture, traditional dresses of gujarati men, traditional dresses of gujarati women, gujarati weddings, traditional jewellery of gujarat, features of the traditional dresses of gujarat, traditional dresses of gujarat in the present day.

Traditional-Dresses-of-Gujarat-01

Every part of the world has its own traditions and cultures, which it always tries to uphold. From the language, which is spoken by the people of a specific community to the food that they eat, every element has an important role in the state’s culture and tradition. Hence, the traditional dresses worn by the people of a specific community also play an important role in portraying the distinct culture of the state . Across India, each state in the country has its own specific attire that is culture specific and ethnic to the state it belongs to. It is the distinct and vibrant costumes of a place that add to the festive mood of the festivals. Thus traditional costumes or attires have a vital part to play in determining the culture of any state. Here we take a look at the vibrant traditional dresses of Gujarat.

Gujarati-Culture

Gujarat is a state situated in India and shares its borders with the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra . The state is known for its diverse culture and traditions. The costumes of the state are quite different and varied from that of other parts of the country. Since the state hosts many cultural festivals all through the year, it also has a wide variety of traditional dresses, which comprise the vibrant costumes worn by the people of the state that reflect its own culture and traditions. Men usually wear a Kurta or Kediyu, while women dress in sarees or Chaniya Choli, though recently Salwar Kameez is also preferred by Gujarat women.

Traditional-Dresses-of-Gujarat-men

Men usually wear Chorno, which is a kind of cotton pants, and it looks quite similar to a dhoti. Chorno is one of the most common clothing which is found in the state and is hence also readily available. This clothing is adaptive to the hot and warm climate of the state. Chorno is worn along with the Kediyu at the top part of the body. It is frock-like clothing and is worn widely in the state. The Kediyu usually comes in a variety of vibrant colours and is also worn on special occasions. Men wear kurta and dhoti too. The men of Gujarat also wear a headgear called Phento.

Traditional-Dresses-of-Gujarat-women

Women usually wear the Ghagra or the Chaniya Choli, which is quite popular not only in Gujarat but in other parts of India too. This attire is adorned with vibrant designs and is worn during festivals and other occasions. Chaniyo is another popular attire worn by the women of Gujarat . This attire is quite similar to the Lehenga in appearance. What makes the Chaniyo unique is its vibrant colours, and distinct intricate thread works and mirror works. Women also wear Chunni. Chunni looks quite similar to the dupattas and is usually used to cover their heads. The woman of Gujarat also wears the saree, in a distinct style, which is different from that of the other parts of the country. Apart from these traditional dresses, the people of Gujarat also wear special dresses for special ceremonies. During Raas Gharba , the women wear Ghagra Choli.

Traditional-Dresses-of-Gujarat-Wedding

During weddings , the bride and the groom have distinct and traditional attires. Brides usually wear the Panetar Saree or the Gharchola. Panetar Saree is coloured white with a red bandhani border. Charcoal is a saree that is coloured red and has square patterns woven in it. The groom usually is dressed in a Kurtha with embroidery work. The people residing in the Kutch district, which is situated in the state of Gujarat, is also home to a distinct culture. The women of the district wear a distinct type of Choli named Abha, which is also known as kanjari. Abha consists of a long piece of blouse that is embellished with mirror work and a gold or silver thread work. Apart from these, it can also be observed that the costumes of the state differ across communities, as each community has its particular way of attire.

Traditional-Jewellery-of-Gujarat

Though men of the state usually do not wear much jewellery, they do wear a gold chain and a gold ring. For the women of the state, the traditional jewellery includes rings, nose pins, necklaces, chains, among others. Married women wear the Mangal Sutra as a symbol of their marriage. The women from the villages in the state also wear tribal jewellery. Apart from these, the women of the state also wear small balis and nose piercings known as Nath, which is similar to the studded nose jewellery.

Features-of-the-Traditional-Dresses-of-Gujarat

The most distinct features of Gujarat’s costumes include vibrant colours, intricate embroidery, and the elaborately designed mirror work. The costumes also include stonework and beadworks. The costumes of the state also embody figurative intricate and geometrical patterns in their designs. Most of the vibrant costumes that form an important part of the culture of the state are usually worn on special occasions.

The state also has several festivals celebrated all year round. Apart from the distinct nature of the costumes worn by the people residing in Gujarat, the jewellery of the state is also quite different from that of the rest of the country. The jewellery worn by the women of the state differs between different communities. The ornaments include Bangles, chains, nose rings, among others. Intricately designed, they form an important part of their costumes. The state’s attire is also quite popular for its Bandhani and Bandhej designs, which are embroidered with Zari and gold threads.

Traditional-Dresses-of-Gujarat-in-the-Present-Day

However, in the present times, the costumes worn in the state has also undergone a significant shift. With the arrival of modernity, many attires have changed in their appearance. Women mostly wear salwar kameez while youngsters mostly prefer skirts, jeans, and tops. The western influence is evident in the clothing style of the people of the state. However, on special occasions, the people of the state usually prefer to wear their traditional attire over modern costumes. However, in many rural areas such as in the district of Kutch, people mostly wear their traditional attires.

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  1. Essay in Gujarati गुजराती निबंध- आदर्श शिक्षक Favorite Teacher

  2. શિયાળા ની સવાર વિશે ગુજરાતી માં નિબંધ|| Shiyala Ni Svar Essay In Gujarati

  3. GUJARATI ESSAY ON DIWALI. દિવાળી વિશે નિબંધ

  4. 26 જાન્યુઆરી વિશે ગુજરાતી માં નિબંધ|| 26 January Essay In Gujarati|| Republic Day Essay In Gujarati

  5. ગરવી ગુજરાત નિબંધ‌ || Garvi Gujarat Gujarati Nibandh|| ગરવી ગુજરાત ગુજરાતી નિબંધ || Gsp education

  6. તમારું નવા વર્ષ નું રિઝોલ્યુશન શું છે ?

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  1. Culture 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.

  2. Culture of Gujarat, Traditions, Food, Festival

    Gujarat culture and heritage is among the most amazing and richest ones in the country. Unique and diverse, the cultural heritage of Gujarat is an incredibly fascinating one. ... Gujarati is an Indo-Aryan language derived from Sanskrit and is the 26th most widely used language in the world. Gujarati has about 11 different dialects, spoken in ...

  3. Essay on Gujarati Culture

    Conclusion. Gujarati culture is a rich and vibrant way of life. It is a blend of color, joy, and tradition. It shows the spirit of the people of Gujarat. Their love for dance, music, food, and festivals is seen in their daily life. The Gujarati culture is a beautiful example of the diversity of India.

  4. Understanding Gujarati Culture: Customs, Traditions, and Festivals

    Gujarat, a state in Western India, is known for its rich culture, diverse traditions, and colorful festivals. The culture of Gujarat is a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. In this blog, we will explore some of the customs, traditions, and festivals that are an integral part of Gujarati culture.Customs and Traditions: Gujarati customs and traditions are deeply rooted in ...

  5. Culture of Gujarat

    The state of Gujarat boasts a vibrant art, architecture, culture, and heritage; all of which is quite evident in the day-to-day lives of the locals. The diversity exhibited by Gujarat is a result of the various ethnic groups constituting Gujarat's population; including Indic and Dravidian groups. 1. Art and Culture of Gujarat.

  6. Gujarati language

    Gujarati (/ ˌ ɡ ʊ dʒ ə ˈ r ɑː t i / GUUJ-ə-RAH-tee; Gujarati script: ગુજરાતી, romanized: Gujarātī, pronounced [ɡudʒəˈɾɑːtiː]) is an Indo-Aryan language native to the Indian state of Gujarat and spoken predominantly by the Gujarati people.Gujarati is descended from Old Gujarati (c. 1100-1500 CE).In India, it is one of the 22 scheduled languages of the Union.

  7. Culture of Gujarat

    Language: The population that resides in Gujarat belongs to various different castes, religions as well as communities. This results in people speaking various different languages while the official language of the state is Gujarati, which is also known for being the 26th most widely spoken language in this state.

  8. Gujarat

    Gujarat - Culture, Arts, Crafts: Much of the culture of Gujarat reflects the mythology surrounding the Hindu deity Krishna (an incarnation of the god Vishnu), as transmitted in the Puranas, a class of Hindu sacred literature. The older rasnritya and raslila dance traditions honouring Krishna find their contemporary manifestation in the popular dance called garba.

  9. Translating Gujarat: On Raising Visibility and Sharing Literary Wealth

    Translating Gujarat: On Raising Visibility and Sharing Literary Wealth. By Jenny Bhatt. Jenny Bhatt wraps up our Gujarati feature with her essay on Gujarati literary history and the importance of translation as a mode of recovery and reclamation. March 6, 2023. Published in Translating Gujarat: A Literary Intervention. India Language Translation.

  10. Cultural Heritage of Gujarat, ગુજરાત

    It is vibrant with its true colors of rich heritage and cultural traditions. Dating back to history with the Harappan civilization, the state becomes a confluence of many religions - Hinduism, Islam, Jainism and Buddhism. The Gujarati culture blends in arts, beliefs, customs, traditions, institutions, inventions, language, technology and values.

  11. Gujarat

    The Gujarati culture is a blend of there beliefs, customs, inventions, values, and technology. History. Gujarat dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization time, it contains ancient cities from Indus valley Lothal, Dholavira, and Gola Dhoro. The history provides evidence of trade ties with Egypt, Bahrain, and Sumer in the Persian Gulf.

  12. Culture of Gujarat: Exploring the Rich Heritage, Art, Music, Food and

    Gujarat's most traditional and authentic delicacies include Dhokla, Thepla, Dal Dhokli, Undhiyu, Fafda, Handvo, Ganthia, Khandvi and Gujarati Khadi. Pickles, Farsans and Chutney are great accompaniments for heavy meals. The conventional dinner of a Gujarati includes khichdi-kadhi or bhakri-shak.

  13. (PDF) Language, ethnicity, and socialisation in the Gujarati diaspora

    Madhu Rai has written several other novels, short stories and plays, and has been involved in promoting Gujarati language writing among the US diaspora. He has served as the editor of the US- based Gujarati literary magazines Gurjari and Mamata, and also edited for some time the New York-based Gujarati language newspaper Gujarat Times.

  14. Culture of Gujarat

    Languages of Gujarat. Gujarati is the mother tongue of the Gujarat people and is widely spoken. This language is an Indo-Aryan language with its root in Sanskrit. Gujarati is the 26th most used language in the world and has about 11 distinct dialects. Also, the state shares a border with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.

  15. Gujarati Essay

    MatruPrem Essay In Gujarati, Essay Holi in Gujarati>, Essay on Diwali, Essay writing in Gujarati, Nibandh In Gujarati Essay In Gujarati, Good Essay In Gujarati Language, Gujarati Essay, Essay In Gujarati Language, Nibandh Lekhan, Essay Gujarati Sites, Gujarati Essay Sites For Kids, Gujarati Essay Sites Students,નિબંધ લેખન, ગુજરાતી નિબંધ લેખન ...

  16. Essay On Gujarat

    Social Aspect & Culture Name was originated from the "Gujjars" (ethnic group in India). Official language of the people is "Gujarati". Gujarat is religiously diverse state, having majority of Hindu people. Muslims account 5.7% of the population, Gujarat is the third largest state in India to have Jain community. History

  17. A Guide to the Incredibly Rich Gujarat Culture and Heritage

    Languages of Gujarat: Gujarati language is spoken by the natives of Gujarat. Derived from Sanskrit, it is an Indo-Aryan language spoken widely across the world and not just in Gujarat. The other regional dialects spoken here include Kutchi, Charotari, Kathiawal, and Surti. However, apart from Gujarati language dialects, there are several other ...

  18. Gujarat Culture & Traditions

    Diversity of culture, traditions and religion mark the Gujaratis. The Guajarati culture has elements of Hinduism, Jainism, Islam, Buddhism etc. and is a mirror of many different forms of beliefs, arts, institutions, languages, technology and values. One overriding custom of the Gujaratis is the respect of elders and the tradition of passing on ...

  19. Gujarati literature

    One of the best known of the non-bhakti Gujarati poets is Premananda Bhatta (16th century), who wrote narrative poems based on Purana-like tales.Though his themes were conventional, his characters were real and vital, and he infused new life into the literature of his language.. Deeply influenced by the advent of British rule, the Gujarati literary scene in the year 1886 saw the Kusumamala ...

  20. Gujarati language

    Gujarati is officially recognized in the Indian constitution and is spoken by more than 46 million people. Most of these reside in the Indian state of Gujarat, though there are significant diaspora communities around the world, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States. The development of the language can traced to approximately ...

  21. Gujarat Culture and Tradition

    Gujarat, a state in western India, is known for its rich cultural heritage. It reflects a mix of tradition and modern life. Gujarat stands out for its lively festivals, delicious food, and colorful crafts. The culture in Gujarat is a unique blend of the past and present. The people here are friendly and enterprising, and they speak Gujarati.

  22. Essay on Gujarati Language (1230 Words)

    Essay on Gujarati Language! Gujarati evolved from a dialect of the Gurjara Apabhramsa. It reached a distinctive form by the 12th century. Jain influence is strongly evident in the early stages of its development. Jain authors transformed the Rasa, originally a folk dance, into melodious dramatic poetry. In the eleventh century, due to the ...

  23. Traditional Dresses of Gujarat: Vibrant, Colourful and Mesmerizing

    Thus traditional costumes or attires have a vital part to play in determining the culture of any state. Here we take a look at the vibrant traditional dresses of Gujarat. Gujarati Culture Image - Adam Cohn via Flickr. Gujarat is a state situated in India and shares its borders with the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The ...