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. 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.
Gujarat arts and crafts are famous throughout
the world. The wide array of crafts which Gujarat specializes include metalwork
items, furniture, jewelry, colorful linen, beadwork, leatherwork, mirror work,
embroidered garments, baked clay articles, etc. Gujarat is well known for
furnishings as well. It produces some of the most elegant ethnic craft pieces
including some of the most exquisite cushion covers, tablemats, quilts and
bedcovers which are available both in simple colorful geometric designs and
complex patterns. The arts and crafts of the state have quite proficiently
preserved the legacy of its glorious past. Some of the popular dress items of
the industry include kurtas, salwars, odhanis, ghaghras, cholis, skirts and
jackets, each of which are made from authentic hand block-printed material.
Some of the finest hand woven sarees known as patola silk known as ''queen of
silk'' is flourished. Gujarat is also the home of a thriving textile industry
contributing immensely to the arts and crafts of India. Quite evidently the art
and craft of Gujarat exhibits the lifestyle, its rich cultural inheritance and
above all, the spirit of the state.
Not only this gujarat is rich in its traditional
dance form,the most beautiful dance forms of the world is here.
Four of the most prominent traditional dances of
Gujarat are Dandiya Raas, Garba, Garbi and Padhar.
The Garba is also a traditional Gujarati dance
mainly performed by females in a circular formation. While performing garba
both men and women wear colorful costumes. The girls and the women wear Chaniya
choli.
Gujarati folk music is extremely rich and
versatile and is also known as sugam sangeet.
Gujarat consists of a population belonging to
various castes, religions and communities. Consequently there are a number of
varied languages that are spoken across the state.
The cuisine of south Gujarat is somewhat similar
to that of Maharashtra. While in Gujarat, the diet principally comprises of
jowar. However today, wheat forms an integral part of the Gujarati platter that
is used in many distinctive ways. Some of the most popular and delicious
Gujarati dishes which is savored all around India include dhokla, fafda, dhal
dhokli and dal wada.Gujarat is a religiously diverse state.
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.
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.
