indian culture essay in gujarati

ભારતીય સંસ્ક્રુતિના પાયા

Essays on the value of Indian civilisation and culture. This volume consists of various essays: 'Is India Civilised?', 'A Rationalistic Critic on Indian Culture', 'Defence of Indian Culture', 'Indian Culture and External Influence' and 'The Renaissance in India'. They were first published in the monthly review Arya between 1918 and 1921.

The Renaissance in India
1997 Edition
The Foundations of Indian Culture
1972 Edition

ભારતીય સંસ્ક્રુતિના પાયા ગુજરાતી
भारतीय संस्कृतीचा पाया मराठी
Les Fondements de la culture indienne Français

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Essays on the value of Indian civilisation and culture.

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

The diverse and vibrant state of Gujarat has a significant contribution to the cultural aspect of India. The sheer simplicity and amiability of Gujaratis have made them a flourishing community. 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

Dance Forms

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

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

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

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.

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

This post was published by Shelly Mehandiratta

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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.

Culture of Gujarat, Traditions, Food, Festival

Table of Contents

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’

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

Culture of Indian States
Indian Culture

Heritage of Gujarat
Architecture in Gujarat

Traditional Dresses of Gujarat

Gujarat food culture, art and craft of gujarat, music and dance forms of gujarat.

Fairs and Festivals of Gujarat
Religion in Gujarat
Language of Gujarat
Tourism in Gujarat
Occupation in Gujarat

Located along the western coast of India, Gujarat is the fifth-largest state of the country. The state has preserved its ancient history, culture and traditions since ages past. Recognised easily through its energy, colours and amiability, Gujarat is the ninth most populated state of India.

To understand the absolute diversity and unique culture of Gujarat, we dive into the various aspects that define the state and its people.

Heritage of Gujarat

The state of Gujarat is a trove of rich heritage and cultural history. The structures and monuments built with ancient technology stand tall in their domineering stature. The city of Sidhpur, for example, displays the relics of old centuries through its colourful mansions that belong to the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community . The ancient city of Baroda (now, Vadodara) is where the royal family of Gaekwad established their kingdom in the 18th century. The sweeping Laxmi Vilas Palace located in this city displays Indo-Saracenic architecture.

There are several other brilliant palatial buildings like the Naulakha Palace, Prag Mahal Palace, Vijay Vilas Palace and Lakhota Palace which are treasured insights into the legacy of architectural marvels.

Architecture in Gujarat

Culture-of-Gujarat-Architecture-Mahabat-Maqbara

The Mahabat Maqbara mausoleum is an example of the splendid craftsmanship of Indo-Islamic architecture. It was built during the 19th century at Junagadh , a historical city located at the bottom of Girnar Hills.

The majestic mosque of Jama Masjid is situated in the city of Ahmedabad is an example of architectural ingenuity with its fine, intricate details and splendid design. The Sidi Bashir Mosque with the Jhulta Minara and the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque are monuments of exquisite Islamic architecture.

The Uparkot Fort dates back to 319 BC and was built by Chandragupta Maurya. It exhibits several ancient structures including step-wells and Buddhist rock-cut caves. The Bai Harir ni Vav at Ahmedabad, the Adalaj stepwell and Rani Ki Vav at Paltan are examples of spectacular step-wells that narrate fascinating tales of history.

Most forts in Gujarat are made of stones, with arches and expansive gates adding to their grandeur. The design and layout were influenced by the methods of warfare that were prevalent during the time of its construction. Some famous names are those of Lakhota Fort in Jamnagar, Pavagadh Fort in Panchmahal District, Old Fort in Surat, Ilva Durga in Idar and Zinzuwada Fort in Rann of Kutch.

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

The traditional dress of Gujarati culture often has tie-dye or block prints. The Patola silk forms an essential part of the attire representing Gujarati culture. The vibrant women’s costume of Chaniya Choli is significant during festivities, especially the Navratri Mahotsav. It is a long, heavy skirt worn with a blouse and a dupatta called Chunni, all embedded with mirror work. Abhas is the representative traditional outfit worn by women of Kutch.

The men usually wear Kurta and Dhoti. The cotton Chorno pants are light and are very suited for the hot climate. Their Kediyu top is a frock-like, colourful clothing usually worn during joyous festivities. They often wear a headgear called Phento.

The gorgeous silk saree of Gharchola with its zari-embroidery and the white Panetar saree with its red bandhani border are traditional bridal attire. The Kurta of the groom, on the other hand, is adorned with intricate embroidery.

The cuisine of Gujarat is primarily vegetarian. The conventional meal consists of roti, rice, dal and vegetable preparation. A sweet dish like ‘gur’ or jaggery and Aam Shrikhand follows after as dessert. 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.

The distinct flavour and blend of taste vary from one region to another. Since the coastal climate of Gujarat is dry, adequate amounts of sugar, lemon and tomatoes in the diet help to keep the body hydrated.

The artisans of Gujarat create the most intricate and colourful handicraft products. Be it jewellery, interior decor pieces, gorgeous embroidered garments or furniture, Gujarat showcases creative craftsmanship and skill. The arts and crafts of Gujarat is a pivotal force in preserving its culture and heritage.

Among the numerous handicraft and handloom practices, there is leatherwork, metalwork, applique and patchwork, and mirror work. Places like Khambhat and Saurashtra are famous for their beadwork. The people have exquisite preferences for woodwork, as seen in the likes of Meenakari furniture and Sankheda furniture.

The detailed intricacy of the patterns on the Patola sarees impart an elegant, traditional outlook to the garment. Originated in the Mughal era, the gold threaded zari embroidery is Gujarat’s oldest textile craft.

Mention should be made of the Rogan painting of the Khatris from the Kutch region and the ancient tribal Warli paintings .

The folk music of Gujarat often incorporates Bhajans into them. Sugam Sangeet has acquired worldwide fame since the last few years. The state boasts of a variety of musical instruments including Turi, Ektara, Manjira, Jantar, Dhol, Prabhati and Ravanhatta. Bardic tradition is an important type of Gujarati folk music.

Gujarat is a state of vibrant dance forms that bring the people together in the joy of the occasion. Dandiya Raas , performed by both the women and men, traces its origin in the legends of Lord Krishna and the Gopis. The bamboo sticks used as props in the dance are called Dandiya. The energetic dance form of Garba is performed in a circular formation, usually by women. Garba dancers dress in the most colourful and gorgeous attires as they revolve in a celebratory dance around the divine statue of Shakti. Padhar is an interesting dance form performed by the rural communities residing around Nal Lake.

Fairs and Festivals of Gujarat

Gujarat is characterised by invigorating cultural festivals that are a reflection of its diverse population. People from other states visit Gujarat to witness and participate in the grand celebration of festivals like Navratri Mahotsav, Diwali, Rann Utsav , Rath Yatra and Makar Sankranti .

The Dang Darbar Fair is organised to honour the rulers and leaders of villages who gathered for Durbar during the British rule in India. It is held in the Dangs district, of a mostly tribal population. Some other important fairs that are organised in the state include Shamlaji Mela, Bhadra Purnima Utsav and Mahadev Utsav.

The Rann Utsav is a carnival of exquisite arts and crafts, music, dance and the natural brilliance of the white Rann. Through its thorough execution and excellent designing, the culture of the state is represented in all its colours.

Religion in Gujarat

Like most states of India, Gujarat, too, is home to people of different religions. The major religions of the state include Hinduism, Islam, Jainism and Buddhism. The variety of cultures, therefore, is reflected in the lifestyle, customs, practices, art and festivals celebrated in the state.

Language of Gujarat

The native people of the state speak Gujarati, an Indo-Aryan language derived from Sanskrit. It ranks 26th among the most used languages in the world and has many different dialects spoken in different parts of the state. A section of the population speaks languages like Hindi, Marwari, Marathi and Urdu, because of the influence of neighbouring states. The Kachhi-language of the semi-arid region of Kutch is significant to Gujarat’s culture.

Tourism in Gujarat

The cities of Gujarat are its cultural pride. The ancient Dwarka, its first capital, is one of the sacred ‘Char Dham’ Hindu pilgrimage sites.

In 2017, Ahmedabad was declared as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City . It is an abode of a diverse community of people about Hinduism, Islam and Jainism. Gandhi’s Ashram is a historically significant place of tourist attraction in Ahmedabad. Other important places include the city of Sidhpur, the hill station of Saputara (or “abode of serpents”), and the dockyard and trading centre of Harappa, Lothal.

Gujarat is a state of the magnificent history of architectural wonders. And such is reflected in its numerous places of worship. The Sun Temple at Modhera village was built by the rulers of the Solanki dynasty in the 11th century. The pilgrimage destinations of Dwarkadhish Temple, the Somnath Temple and the Shatrunjaya Hill Temples are renowned all across India.

There are several wildlife and bird sanctuaries located in Gujarat. The Velavadar Blackbuck National Park prides itself in the largest population of Blackbuck and the rare, spiral-horned Indian antelope. The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gir National Park and the Narara Marine National Park are some other attractive sites.

The great semi-arid region of Rann of Kutch is a major cultural and tourist attraction. Besides, Sabarkantha district’s Polo Forest and Idar Hill Fort are must-visit for history lovers.

Occupation in Gujarat

The chief occupation of the state is agriculture people primarily engage in farming crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, millet and cotton. Milk and dairy products are also significant outputs.

Industrial products like cement and petroleum provide a major contribution to the economy. The automobile industry, pharmaceuticals and tourism generate significant income for the people of Gujarat.

The film industry of Gujarat has always brought distinct forms of cinematic art other than mainstream entertainment. It is a major regional and vernacular film industry of India. Its first movie was in 1932, titled ‘Narsinh Mehta’.

The people of Gujarat have preserved its customs and traditions despite the influence of modernisation. They form an ethnically diverse community with their unique histories and practices. The state’s identity adhered to the life of the people.

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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
Gujarati Kadhi

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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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Gujarat’s Folk Culture and Oral Tradition: Its Importance, Peculiarities and Impact

Gujarat which derives its name from the term ‘Gujjar Rashtra’ constitutes a culture which is formed out of mingling of diverse ethnic folks. The flourishing state of Gujarat with its cultural diversity forms an integral part of the Indian culture and has long been harboring both, the indigenous and foreign traditions. The Gujarati culture is an amalgamation of a plethora of traditions, beliefs, customs, arts, values with a tinge modernization as well. Around one-fifth of the population of the state comprises of tribal and aboriginal communities. All these constituent tribes and communities form a confluence that renders an enriched and versatile Guajarati culture which is evident in the state’s distinctive dance styles, festivals, lifestyle and its cuisine. Though Gujarat is one of the most industrialized states in India, yet it has quite efficiently preserved its rich cultural and traditional inheritances since distant past. Read on to acquaint yourself with all the aspects of multifaceted Guajarati culture.

The state of Gujarat is popular in music because of its contributions. A number of ragas emerged in this state such as Khambavati (from Khambhat, Cambay), Gujaqri Todi Bilaval (from Veraval), Sorathi, (from Sorath), Lati and Ahiri. It is said that the legendary musicians Baiju Bawra and Tana Riri also belong to this state. Pure form of Charans and Gadhavis folk music is still prevalent here. Besides classical and folk music, Gujarat has produced several folk instruments like Jantar, Bungal, Turi, String type Ravan Hattho and more.

Fairs & Festivals

During various fairs and festivals thousands of tourists pour in each year from all across the globe to witness the rich and diverse cultural heritage of this part of India. Some of the major Gujarati festivals which are celebrated with great vigor and enthusiasm are Rathyatra, Navratri Mahotsav, International Kite festival, Holi and Deepawali. Some of the most important fairs held in Gujarat include Bhadra Purnima Fair, Shamlaji Melo and Mahadev Fair. All of the above mentioned ingredients converge to form a versatile and diverse Guajarati culture which is prevalent in its lifestyle. Despite modernization and industrialization, Gujarat has somehow been able to preserve all the rich cultural and traditional legacies of dance and art which the land has been harbouring since time immemorial.

Gujarati folk music is extremely rich and versatile and is also known as sugam sangeet. The range of instruments in Gujarati folk music include wind instruments like turi, pava,bungal, string instruments like ravan hattho, ektaro, and jantar and percussion instruments like manjira and zanz pot drum. The songs include bhajans which are categorized by theme of poetry/lyrics and also by musical compositions such as katari, prabhati, dhol etc. One more popular form of the folk music tradition of Gujarat is the baardic tradition. The Deviputra/Chaaran/Ghadhvi community has upheld and enriched the folk tradition of story-telling with or even without music. Some of the traditions include form of doha, chhand, sorathaa, bellads etc.

5 popular folk dances from Gujarat

The name Bhavai is derived from Sanskrit word “Bhava” which means emotions/ feelings. The Bhavai drama is a continuous performance which lasts for the whole night without any stage equipment. It includes issues from social life in a satirical way. Usually women don’t perform in Bhavai and male artists perform female roles as well. the origin of the dance is believed to be from Asait, a Brahmin from north of Gujarat. Bhavai is usually performed in open grounds drawing from the events in the lives of the contemporary people.

This dance form actually stages a mock-fight between the Goddess Durga and Mahishasura, the mighty demon-king. During dandiya, dancers move their feet and arms in a complicated, choreographed manner with dhol being used as complementary percussion instrument. The sticks (dandiyas) of dance represent the swords of Durga. The costume for women is traditional like colorful embroidered choli and ghagra with men wearing special turbans and kedias. Garba is usually performed before Aarti in the honor of the Goddess, while Dandiya is performed after it as a part of celebration.

Garba is a form of dance where the name is derived from the Sanskrit term Garbha (womb) and Deep (lamp). Traditional garba is performed around a central lamp or around Goddess Shakti. This circular & spiral movements have similarities to other spiritual dances like those of Sufi culture. Traditionally, it is performed during Navratri. The movements represent the cycle of life from birth to death with the only thing being Goddess Shakti. The dance symbolizes that God, in feminine form in Garba, is the only constant in a constantly changing world.

Padhar dance is one of the prominent folk dances from Gujarat performed by people belonging to Padhar Community. Padhar people are followers of Hinduism and they worship various forms of Goddess Durga. When performing this dance form the people are in a mood of excitement and frenzy. People indulge in a lot of fun, merry making, music and dance.

Tippani folk dance from Gujarat comes from Chorwad district. It has women from seaside striking the floor with sticks and chanting, while other women dance. With simple musical equipment like ‘Thali’, the dancers produce the music. It shows the boredom created by long trips of their men to the ocean. This dance is one of the patterns of the vigorous dance forms of the folk dance in Gujarat. Although, the dance starts gradually, the rapidity increase with the dancers alternately striking the ground. Towards the end, all women sit in rows and smack the floor very fast. Costumes for the dance consist of a short coat known as ‘“Kedia’ with tight sleeves.

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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 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.

Gujarat Traditions

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.

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.

Gujarati Costumes

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 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

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.

Famous tourist attractions

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.

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1st Edition

Critical Discourse in Gujarati

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Description

This volume forms part of the Critical Discourses in South Asia series, which deals with schools, movements, and discursive practices in major South Asian languages. It offers crucial insights into the making of Gujarati literature and its critical tradition across a century / several centuries. The book presents one of a kind historiography of Gujarati literature and of its critical discourse. It brings together English translations of major writings of influential figures dealing with literary criticism and theory, aesthetic and performative traditions, and re-interpretations of primary concepts and categories in Gujarati. It initiates an exploration into Gujarati critical discourse from the heather to neglected pre-colonial centuries and presents key texts in literary and cultural studies, some of which are being made available for the first time into English. These seminal essays explore complex interconnections understand the dynamics of critical discursive situations in Gujarati literature and to carefully construct a mobile post of observation that matches those dynamics. They offer a radical departure from the widespread historiographical practice in Indian writings of disregarding pre-colonial literary critical discourse. The book also offers a new and indigenous periodization of Gujarati literature and its critical discourse, derived from a fresh perception of Gujarati and Indian literary culture. Comprehensive and authoritative, this volume offers an overview of the history of critical thought in Gujrati literature in South Asia. It will be essential for scholars and researchers of Gujarati language and literature, literary criticism, literary theory, comparative literature, Indian literature, cultural studies, art and aesthetics, performance studies, history, sociology, regional studies, and South Asian studies. It will also interest the Gujarati-speaking diaspora and those working on the intellectual history of Gujarat and Western India and conservation of the language and their culture.

INTRODUCTION: Critical Discourse in Gujarati: A Vikalpa Vachana.

Sitanshu Yashaschandra .

CHAPTER 1/ Ka . ( Sections Ka. 1 to Ka. 5.)

Beginnings -- Real contra Colonial : Gujarati Critical Discourse from 12 th to 18 th cent. CE.

Ka 1. Bhalan ( 15 th century). Excerpts from his Critical Discourse in verse.

i. From Nalakhyan .

ii From Kadambari.

iii From Chandi Akhyan.

Ka 2: Mandana Bandharo (16 th Century). Excerpts from his Critical Discourse in verse.

From Prabodh Batrisi.

Ka 3: Akho Sonaro (16 th/ 17 th Century). Excerpts from his Critical Discourse in verse, see Introduction.

Ka 4 : Mana-Bhatt Premanand (17 th century). Excerpts from his Critical Discourse in verse.

i: From Shamalashah-no Moto Vivah. [ Longer Narrative Poem on Marriage of [Narasimha Maheta’s son, Shamalashah] .

ii: From Shamalashah-no Moto Vivah.

Ka 5: Shamal Bhatt. (18 th Century.) Excerpts from his Critical Discourse in verse.

i: From: Chandra Chandravatini Varata.

ii: From: Nanadabatrisi.

CHAPTER 2/ Kha . (Sections Kha. 1 to Kha. 3.)

Pratham Vivarta / First Variation (1820 – 1915).

Para-bodha/Sva-bodha Kal.

Period of Alien Cognition / Indigenous Cognition.

Part I. Sudharak Yug / Times of the Reformers. (1820 -1875).

Sections Kha 1 to Kha 3.

Kha 1: Dalpatram Dahtabhai Travadi (Dalapat).

i: From ‘ Deshi Bhasha Prayojan ’ ‘ Purpose of the Native Language’.

ii: From his Preface to Alamkaradarsh .

Kha 2: Narmadashankar Dave (Narmad).

From His essay “Kavi ane Kavita.’ The Poet and Poetry.

Kha 3: Navalram Pandya

i: From ‘Musings on Poetry’.

ii: From ‘ One Language in Hindustan’ (1871).

CHAPTER 3/ Ga .

Pratham Vivarta / First Variation. (1820 -1915).

Para-bodha/Sva-bodha Kal . – Period of Alien Cognition / Indigenous Cognition.

Part II. Pandit Yug / Era of the Erudite. (1875 -1915).

Sections Ga 1 to 7.

Ga 1. Anandashankar Dhruv

i: Poetry: A (Playful) Part of Ātman.

ii: Literature and the Nation

Ga 2: Govardhanram Tripathi.

Classical Poets of Gujarat.

Ga 3: Manilal Nabhubhai Dvivedi.

Literature.

Ga 4: Ramanbhai Nilkanth.

Svanubhava Rasik and Sarvanubhava Rasik : The Two Worlds of Poetry

Ga 5: Narasimharao Divetiya.

Art and Turth: Reflection on Aesthetics

Ga 6: Nanalal Kavi.

Gujarati poetry and Musicality.

Ga 7: Balavantaray Thakor (1869 -1952)

Beyond the Lyric

CHAPTER 4 / Gha . (Sections Gha 1 to Gha 8)

Dvitiya Vivarta / Second Variation : 1915 – 1955.

Hind Svaraj Kal / Period of India Engendering its Freedom.

Gha 1: Mahatma Gandhi.

i : Speech at Gujarati Sahitya Parishad. Ahmadabad, October 31,1936.

ii : Foreword by M K Gandhi to K M Munshi’s Gujarat and Its Literature .

Gha 2: Kaniayalal M. Munshi.

Gujarat: The Land and the People.

Gha 3: Ramnarayan V. Pathak

Literature and Life

Gha 4: ‘Sundaram’ (Tribhuvandas Luhar).

Perspectives in Literary Criticiscism

Gha 5: Umashankar Joshi.

Gha 6: Jhaverchand Meghani.

The Cultural Forces that Constituted Folk Literature of Gujarat.

Gha 7: Ramprasad Bakshi.

Spirituality and Literature

Gha 8: Vishnuprasad Trivedi

The Devotion to Beauty

CHAPTER 5. Cha. (Sections Cha 1 to Cha 9)

Trutiya Vivarta / Third Variation: 1955 onwards

Vyapana Shakti Kal. / Time of Energies for Enlargement.

Cha 1. Suresh Joshi.

Our Literary Criticism.

Cha 2. Niranjan Bhagat.

Dharma, Science and Poetry

Cha 3 Harivallabh Bhayani.

Stylistics Approaches - Western and Indian

Cha 4. Shirish Panchal.

Crisis in Criticism.

Cha 5. Chandrakant Topiwala.

The Consumate Indian Rasa Theory. Chnadrakant Topiwala

Cha 6. Himanshi Shelat.

Feminism in Gujarati literary Fiction (1975 - 1999)

Cha 7. Babu Suthar.

Locating a Regional Language in a Globalization Process.

Cha 8. Bhagvandas Patel.

The Direction of My Research.

Cha 9. Kanti Malsatar.

Some Views on Dalit Literature

Editor’s Note on APPENDICE 1, 2 3. / S.Y.

Appendix 1. A Vision of the Ancient Vallabhinagar for the Present

Harivallabh Bhayani

Appendix 2. Mahamaatya Vastupal and His Literary Circle.

Bhogilal Sandesara.

Appendix 3. Some Chronological Markers in History of Gujarati Literary Culture.

Sitanshu Yashaschandra is a renowned Gujarati language poet, playwright, translator and academic. He has received Sahitya Akademi Award, Kabir Samman (Madhya Pradesh), Gangadhar Maher Award (Orissa), Kusumagraja Samman (Maharashtra) and was awarded Padma Shri in 2006.

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Indian Culture and Tradition Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on indian culture and tradition.

India has a rich culture and that has become our identity. Be it in religion, art, intellectual achievements, or performing arts, it has made us a colorful, rich, and diverse nation. The Indian culture and tradition essay is a guideline to the vibrant cultures and traditions followed in India.

India was home to many invasions and thus it only added to the present variety. Today, India stands as a powerful and multi-cultured society as it has absorbed many cultures and moved on. People here have followed various religion , traditions, and customs.

Although people are turning modern today, hold on to the moral values and celebrates the festivals according to customs. So, we are still living and learning epic lessons from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Also, people still throng Gurudwaras, temples, churches, and mosques.

The culture in India is everything from people’s living, rituals, values, beliefs, habits, care, knowledge, etc. Also, India is considered as the oldest civilization where people still follows their old habits of care and humanity.

Additionally, culture is a way through which we behave with others, how softly we react to different things, our understanding of ethics, values, and beliefs.

People from the old generation pass their beliefs and cultures to the upcoming generation. Thus, every child that behaves well with others has already learned about their culture from grandparents and parents.

Also, here we can see culture in everything like fashion , music , dance , social norms, foods, etc. Thus, India is one big melting pot for having behaviors and beliefs which gave birth to different cultures.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Indian Culture and Religion

There are many religions that have found their origin in age-old methods that are five thousand years old. Also, it is considered because Hinduism was originated from Vedas.

Thus, all the Hindu scriptures that are considered holy have been scripted in the Sanskrit language. Also, it is believed that Jainism has ancient origin and existence in the Indus valley. Buddhism is the other religion that was originated in the country through the teachings of Gautam Buddha.

There are many different eras that have come and gone but no era was very powerful to change the influence of the real culture. So, the culture of younger generations is still connected to the older generations. Also, our ethnic culture always teaches us to respect elders, behave well, care for helpless people, and help needy and poor people.

Additionally, there is a great culture in our country that we should always welcome guest like gods. That is why we have a famous saying like ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. So, the basic roots in our culture are spiritual practices and humanity.

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Gujarati Food

Gujarati food originated from Gujarat, the western coastline state of India, often referred to as "Jewel of Western India". Although the long coastline ensures huge variety of seafood, the influence of Jain culture and philosophy makes the region a predominantly vegetarian barring some communities who incorporate non-vegetarian items such as goat, chicken, eggs and seafood in their platter. Gujarati cuisines are not only varied and lip smacking but also high in nutritional value. Different cooking styles and combination of spices are incorporated in preparing different dishes marking uniqueness of each. Traditionally a Gujarati thali comprise of rotli, kadhi or dal, rice, and shaak/sabzi. Some of the dishes are stir fred, while others are boiled. Gujarati food is more often served on a silver platter. Gujaratis use a combination of different spices and flavours to cook their meals and this is what makes their food truly exotic. People in Gujarat eat one or the other type of curry along with rice and roti in almost every meal. Gujarati dishes usually have a very subtle taste that makes it truly distinct from other Indian cuisines. Most of the Gujarati dishes are sweet, while others have a quite larger concentration of sugar as compared to salt and spices. Sometimes, jaggery is used as an alternative to sugar.

Traditional Gujarati Thali

The Gujarati thali has garnered much fame not only outside the Gujarati diaspora but also beyond the national boundary. A typical Gujarati thali served as lunch or dinner in households and restaurants consists of an array of selective dishes arranged in a thali or plate. The platter usually consists of rotli or chapatti that is homemade bread; rice; a shaak/sabzi, that is a sweet or spicy dish prepared out of varied combinations of vegetables and spices; and either dal (lentils) or kadhi, a thick gravy made of chickpea flour, yogurt and vegetable fritters known as pakoras. A farsaan (snacks item) such as pathra, dhokla and samosa among others; a dish made of whole beans or pulses; a sweet dish or mishthaan such as jalebi and mohanthal also find place in the platter.

While the daily meal of the Gujaratis prepared in households which they often refer as dal-bhat-rotli-saak remains simple, special occasions or festivals witness dozens of items in a Gujarati thali including a variety of farsans and mithais or sweet dishes, adhering strictly to the dietary rules regarding combinations of items to be served. For instance when kadhi is served, a dal preparation like mug ni dal or vaal is also served in the platter. The sweet dish for this particular platter would be items like shrikhand or doodhpak that is the ones based on milk or yogurt, but raita although made of yogurt would not compliment such a thali. Sweets like ladoo or lapsi that are wheat-based would find place in festive meals that are dal based.

The varied dishes that can be served in a Gujarati Thali include items like steamed basmati rice; chapati; Gujarati khatti mithi daal that is lentil sweet and sour in taste; bhakhri, a round flat unleavened homemade bread crispy and thicker than rotli; badshahi khichdi, a preparation made of rice and lentils (dal); undhiyu that is a preparation of mixed vegetable cooked with paste of spinach; ringana methi nu shak, eggplant or aubergine prepared with methi or fenugreek leaves; aloo rasila, a thin curry made of potato and tomato; and bhindi sambhariya, that is a ladyfingers curry among others complimented with kachumber salad comprising of freshly chopped cucumbers, tomatoes and onions dressed with curd or vinegar and a varied range of chutneys that is sauces or dips made out of different ingredients.

Distinct Features of Gujarati Food

Gujarati cuisines vary in flavour and other aspects with different regions; the most distinct being the ones from Surat, Kachchh, Kathiawad and North Gujarat. Tastes also differ according to choice and preference of families. A bent towards sweeter taste is quite palpable from many of the popular dishes of the region. Traditionally sugar or jaggery is used in preparing some vegetable items and dal which give them a more sweet flavour and offsets the otherwise insipid vegetables. Again some of the dishes taste spicy, salty and sweet at the same time. As the region remains quite hot and dry in summers with temperature soaring to around 50 °C, ingredients like lemon, tomatoes, salt and sugar are used commonly in preparing different dishes to avoid dehydration. The cooking style of Gujarati food is also quite unique. While some dishes are stir fried other are steam-cooked with the vegetables along with spices or dal being boiled and then vaghar (Chaunk) is added to it to enhance flavour of the dish. Vaghar is a cooking technique where depending on the dish a specific combination of whole spices and sometimes other ingredients are fried in ghee or oil following which these ingredients along with the oil is poured in the boiled vegetables or dal. One of the staples of the region is khichdi prepared out of rice and lentils and served with items like pickles and chaas or buttermilk, a yogurt based drink quite popular in different parts of India.

Cuisines of the populace vary round the year with availability of different seasonal vegetables and fruits. For instance, during the summer when mangoes are available, the traditional Gujarati dish ‘Keri no Ras’ or Aamras usually dominates a Gujarati platter. This dish, which is generally savoured with rotli or pooris, (unleavened roundish deep-fried homemade bread) comprises of sugared fresh mango pulp.

There is a custom of consuming moong dal on Wednesdays in many Gujarati families. Gujaratis also have the habit of keeping fast regularly with their diet being restricted to dried fruits, nuts and milk. In recent times, the populace has shown a knack towards more fried and spicy items. Although predominantly a vegetarian state, some of the communities consume non-vegetarian items like fish, chicken and eggs. For instance the Kharwa community developed a style of cooking that comprise of fresh as well as dried fish. Some of the seafood usually consumed includes prawns, lobster, pomfrets, crabs and khandwas among others. Many new recipes have emerged from a blend of Gujarati and Western cuisines courtesy modern chefs.

Commonly Used Spices & Seasonings

Spices play a pivotal role in most of the Gujarati dishes. The spices and seasonings commonly used in preparing Gujarati cuisines includes hardar or havej (turmeric powder), elaichi (cardamom), jeeru (cumin), kothmir (coriander), aambli or aamli (tamarind), kesar (saffron), god (jaggery), kokum (garcinia indica), methi (fenugreek seeds and leaves), pudina (mint), hing (asafoetida), laving (cloves), soonth (ginger powder), lal marchu (cayenne pepper), chaat masala, mitho limbdo (curry leaves), lilu marchu (green chilli) and garam masala ( a combination of spices roasted and powdered). Traditional mixes of different spices used in preparing different Gujarati items are considered to expedite digestion. Again some of the spices or combination of spices are avoided or used in lesser proportions during summer months such as Garam masala and its components.

A sneak Peak at the Different Items of a Meal

Bhat (Rice)

Rice forms an integral part of a Gujarati thali, however its form may vary. It can be plain rice; a Khatta-mittha bhat that is a rice preparation boiled with spices and potato having a sweet and sour taste complimented with lemon peel; a biranj that is rice seasoned with sugar, dried fruits and saffron; a pulao where rice is prepared with vegetables, and khichdi. A rice pudding called doodhpak prepared by boiling rice with sugar and milk and seasoned with saffron, cardamom, almonds, cashews and raisins usually forms part of dessert in a thali.

Rotlo (Breads)

There are different types of Gujarati homemade breads made in different styles and they use different flours either singly or in combination. Some of these like puran poli or vedmi, whole wheat bread stuffed with sweet chickpea dal; thepla, bread made of a combination of flours, spices and shredded vegetables; and puri, deep fried bread made of whole wheat flour have earned much popularity even outside the Gujarati community.

Dal (Pulses)

The items in this category may include moong dal, tuer dal, mix dal, meethi kadhi and kadh.

Shaak/Subzi (Vegetables)

The Gujaratis excel in preparing various kinds of luscious as well as exotic vegetable dishes including the stuffed ones. Some of them are batata nu shaak, a potato curry; bharela karela, stuffed dry bitter gourd; chola nu shaak, curry made with black eyed peas; dudhi nu shaak, curry made with bottle gourd; guvar nu shaak, a cluster beans curry; dudhi bateta nu shaak, a curry with potato and bottle gourd; and bhinda nu shaak, a dry okra preparation among many others.

Farsan (Side Dishes)

The side dishes of a Gujarati meal served with a thali are called farsan and are of varied forms. These can also be consumed separately as snack items. Some of the popular farsans are chaat, a mouth-watering dish prepared with a mix of potato and crispy fried bread flavoured with chutney that is sauce like items, spices, yogurt and coriander; dahi vada that is fried dumplings dipped in yogurt and seasoned with cayenne pepper, cumin and salt; dhokla, a rice flour steamed cake; and kachori, a deep fried ball of dough stuffed with yellow moong dal, ginger, cayenne pepper and black pepper.

Mithai (Sweets)

When it comes to sweets, the Gujaratis have a wide variety to offer. These include shrikhand, jalebi, sukhadi, malapua, sutarfeni, keri no ras, ghughra, kansar, son papdi, laddu, kaju katli, gaajar halwa, gulab jamun and the list goes on! Milk, nuts and sugar are the three main ingredients that are used in preparing different Gujarati sweets. Items like ghooghra and magas are usually prepared during festivals and special occasions like marriage.

The condiments that compliment a thali with some even accompanying snacks items include raita, athanu, chutney and papad.

Nasta (Snacks)

Many of the farsans are also taken as nasta that includes khandvi which has remained one of the popular Gujarati snacks. Items categorised as nasta are mostly deep fried and prepared out of gram flour. Some Gujarati nasta items are dhokla, khakhra, mathis, chakri, fafda and sev.

List of Popular Gujarati dishes


Bajri no rotlo	Chakri
Makai no rotlo	Chorafali
Bhakri	Fafda
Phulka rotli	Ghanthia
Juvar no rotlo	Khakhra
Parotha	Mathia
(Also known as vedmi)	Sev
Puri	Sev mamra
Thepla/dhebra	Lasaniya mamra
Pooda (sweet)	Dhokla
	Porbandar khajli

Biranj
Khatta-mittha bhaat (sour and sweet rice)	Moong Dal
Doodhpak	Meethi (Sweet) kadhi
Khichdi	Kadh
Pulao (rice with vegetables)	Tuer dal
Khichu	Mix dal


Bateta nu shaak (potato curry)	Adadiya
Bateta sukhi bhaji (dry potato ve)	Jadariyu
Bharela bhinda (stuffed dry okra)	Sutarfeni
Bharela karela (stuffed dry bitter gourd)	Kansar
Bhinda nu shaak (dry okra)	Maisub
Vatana bataka nu shaak	Halvasan
Chola nu shaak (black eyed peas curry)	Malpua
Dhana capsicum nu shaak	Keri no ras
Dudhi bateta nu shaak	Basundi
Dudhi chana ni daal nu shaak	Ghari
Dudhi ganthia nu shaak (bottle gourd)	Ghughra
Dudhi mag ni dal nu shaak	Ghebar or Ghevar
Dudhi nu shaak (bottle gourd curry)	Son Papdi
Fansi ma dhokli nu shaak	Magas (or Magaj)
Fansi nu shaak (dry green bean curry)	Sukhadi
Ganthia nu shaak	Mohanthar/Mohanthal (gram flour fudge)
Gathoda nu shaak	Gud papdi (Gol papdi)
Guvar nu shaak (cluster beans curry)	Ronvelia
	Penda
	Barfi
Kadhi	Ladu
Kanda bataka nu shaak	Shiro
Karela nu shaak (bitter melon curry)	Ghooghra
Kobi bateta nu shaak	Jalebi
Mag nu shaak (mung bean curry)	Shrikhand
Methi nu shaak (fenugreek)	Lapsi
Panchkutiyu shaak	Doodhpak
Parwal bateta nu shaak	Shakkarpara
Ringan nu shaak (eggplant)	Kopra paak
Ringan no olo	Gaajar halwo
Sev tameta nu shaak	Dudhi no halwo gur
Tameta bateta nu shaak	Kaju katri
Tindoda nu shaak (ivy gourd curry)	Gulab jambu
Undhiyu	Velan lapsi
Vad papadi nu shaak	Beet no halwo
	Condiments
	Chutney
Dabeli	Raita
Bhajiya	Athanu
Locho	Papad
Chaat
Dahi vada
	Kokum
Handvo	Aambli or Aamli (Tamarind)
Kachori	Go? (Jaggery)
Khaman	Chaat Masala
Khandvi	Hardar or Havej (Turmeric powder)
Khichu	Kothmir (Coriander)
Lilva kachori	Elaichi (Cardamom)
Methi na gota (Fried fenugreek Dumplings)	Garam Masala
Muthia	Hing (Asafoetida)
Pani puri	Jeeru (Cumin)
Sev khamani (Khaman topped with crispy, fried gram flour.)	Kesar (Saffron)
Vegetable handva	Lilu marchu (Green chilli)
Dal vada, Vaati dal na bhajiya	Lal marchu (Cayenne pepper)
Makai no dana (Corn chevda)	Methi (Fenugreek leaves and seeds)
Khichdo	Phoodino or pudina (Mint)
	Soonth (ginger powder)
	Laving (cloves)
	Mitho limbdo (curry leaves)

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4:043 Dickinson, Emily: A Life of Letters, This is my letter to the world/That never wrote to me; I'll tell you how the Sun Rose/A Ribbon at a time; Hope is the thing with feathers/That perches in the soul

Gujarati literature

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IndiaNetzone - Indian Literature - Gujarati Literature

Gujarati literature , literature of the Gujarati language , a major tongue of India. The oldest examples of Gujarati literature date from the writings of the 12th-century Jain scholar and saint Hemachandra . The language had fully developed by the late 12th century. There are works extant from the middle of the 14th century, didactic texts written in prose by Jain monks; one such text is the Balavabodha (“Instructions to the Young”), by Tarunaprabha. A non-Jain text from the same period is Gunavanta’s Vasanta-vilasa (“The Joys of Spring”). Two Gujarati bhakti (devotional) poets, both belonging to the 15th century, are Narasimha Mahata (or Mehta) and Bhalana (or Purushottama Maharaja). The latter cast the 10th book of the Bhagavata-purana into short lyrics.

By far the most famous of the bhakti poets is a woman, the saint Mira Bai , who lived during the first half of the 16th century. Though married to a mortal, Mira Bai thought of the god Krishna as her true husband. Her lyrics, telling of her relationship with her god and lover, are among the warmest and most moving in Indian 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 (“Garland of Flowers”), a collection of lyrics by Narsingh Rao. Other poets of the late 19th and early 20th centuries include Kalapi, Kant, and especially Nanalal Dalpatram Kavi, who experimented in free verse and was the first poet to eulogize Mohandas K. Gandhi . Himself a Gujarati, Gandhi admonished poets to write for the masses and thus inaugurated a period of poetic concern with changes in the social order. Many incidents in Gandhi’s life inspired the songs of poets. That period in Gujarat , as elsewhere, gave way to a period of progressivism, as seen in the class-conflict poetry of R.L. Meghani and Bhogilal Gandhi. In postindependence India, poetry tended toward introspection. However, the modern forms have not superseded the traditional verse of devotion to God and love of nature.

Among novelists, Govardhanram Tripathi (1855–1907) stood out. His Sarasvatichandra was the first social novel and became a classic. In the period after independence, the Modernists embraced existentialist , Surrealist , and Symbolist trends and gave voice to a modern sense of alienation. Later Gujarati writers include K.M. Munshi, Harindra Dave, Umashankar Joshi, Pannabhai Patel, Rajendra Shah, and Bhagwati Sharma.

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

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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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.

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.

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An illustration of Hansa Mehta sitting on a wooden chair by a window with her legs crossed. She is wearing a pink sari over a white blouse. Her head is partly covered, and a bindi appears between her eyebrows.

Overlooked No More: Hansa Mehta, Who Fought for Women’s Equality in India and Beyond

For Mehta, women’s rights were human rights, and in all her endeavors she took women’s participation in public and political realms to new heights.

A postcard depicting Hansa Mehta. Her work included helping to draft India’s first constitution as a newly independent nation. Credit... via Mehta family

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By Radha Vatsal

While researching this article, Radha Vatsal discovered that she and Hansa Mehta both descended from the 19th-century novelist Nandshankar Mehta.

May 31, 2024

This article is part of Overlooked , a series of obituaries about remarkable people whose deaths, beginning in 1851, went unreported in The Times.

Human rights has long been considered a Western concept, but recent scholarship has been uncovering the influence of women from the global south. Women like Hansa Mehta.

Mehta stood up against the British government during India’s struggle for independence. She campaigned for women’s social and political equality and their right to an education. And she fought for her ideals during the framing of the constitution for a newly independent India.

A black and white photo of Mehta wearing a head covering and a jacket while smiling and standing next to a seated Eleanor Roosevelt, who is wearing a blouse and jacket and sitting in front of a desk covered with papers while smiling at Mehta.

For Mehta, women’s rights were human rights. This conviction was best exemplified at a 1947 meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, to which she had been appointed as one of just two women delegates, alongside Eleanor Roosevelt. Mehta boldly objected to the wording of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the commission was tasked with framing.

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ભારતીય સંસ્ક્રુતિના પાયા
Essays on the value of Indian civilisation and culture. This volume consists of various essays: 'Is India Civilised?', 'A Rationalistic Critic on Indian Culture', 'Defence of Indian Culture', 'Indian Culture and External Influence' and 'The Renaissance in India'. They were first published in the monthly review Arya between 1918 and 1921.
Culture of Gujarat
In many Gujarati communities, the engagement ceremony is known as 'Gol Dhana', which does not include a ring ceremony. (in Gujarati script, ગોળ-ધાણા) ... 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 ...
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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.
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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 ...
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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The flourishing state of Gujarat with its cultural diversity forms an integral part of the Indian culture and has long been harboring both, the indigenous and foreign traditions. The Gujarati culture is an amalgamation of a plethora of traditions, beliefs, customs, arts, values with a tinge modernization as well.
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Quite evidently the art and craft of Gujarat exhibits the lifestyle, its rich cultural inheritance and above all, the spirit of the state. Dances. Four of the most prominent traditional dances of Gujarat are Dandiya Raas, Garba, Garbi and Padhar. Dandiya Raas owes its root to the days of Lord Krishna who played raas on the bank of Yamuna River ...
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Mahatma Gandhi was born in 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. Gujarat's Duty was an article written by Mahatma Gandhi in Navajeevan, on 11thJuly, 1920. In this article, Gandhi mentions that India is facing terrible problems and how we tackle them determines our future. His close contact with Gujaratis, made him believe he can discuss his ideas freely with them.
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Traditionally a Gujarati thali comprise of rotli, kadhi or dal, rice, and shaak/sabzi. Some of the dishes are stir fred, while others are boiled. Gujarati food is more often served on a silver platter. Gujaratis use a combination of different spices and flavours to cook their meals and this is what makes their food truly exotic.
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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 ...
Gujarati Languag
Gujarati Languag. Type Of Document: Digitized Document Year / Date (YYYY-MM-DD): 1949 Date Uploaded (YYYY-MM-DD): 2018-04-01 Organization: National Archives of India Identifier: PP_000000005950 File Size: 28.9 Pages: 315 Collections: Digitized Private Papers,Sardar Patel
Gujarati
Gujarati. Type Of Document: Digitized Document Year / Date (YYYY-MM-DD): 1937 Date Uploaded (YYYY-MM-DD): 2018-04-01 Organization: National Archives of India Identifier: PP_000000006058 File Size: 34.4 Pages: 71 Collections: Digitized Private Papers,Sardar Patel
Overlooked No More: Hansa Mehta, Who Fought for Women's Equality in
It is considered the first novel written in the Gujarati language. ... a 1981 collection of her essays. ... Street," about a woman journalist from India who becomes embroiled in the case of a ...
Gujarati
GUJARATI. Type Of Document: Digitized Document Year / Date (YYYY-MM-DD): 1949 Date Uploaded (YYYY-MM-DD): 2018-04-01 Organization: National Archives of India Identifier: PP_000000006356 File No.: File No. 5/11-6 File Size: 4.0 Pages: 36 Collections: Digitized Private Papers,Sardar Patel

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