Indian Century - Tour Gujarat

GUJARAT, PLACES TO VISIT

Both the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and India's first Defense Minister, Sardar Patel were born in Gujarat. Under Narendra Modi's able administration, the state has made tremendous strides in commerce and economy and infrastructure-building.

GUJARAT STATS:

AREA: 196,024 Sq. km (75,685 Sq. mi)	Rank: 6th
POPULATION (2011): 60,439,692
LITERACY RATE: 80.18%
HDI: 0.527	Rank: 11th
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Gujarati, Sindhi
Official Website: www.gujaratindia.com

GUJARAT LOCATOR MAP

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GUJARAT TOURISM MAP

NORTH: "Step Well", Patan

Khandagiri and Udaygiri rock-cut caves

Cactus garden

EAST: BHUBANESWAR, Cont.

Amba Bhavani Temple

Dholavira, Harappan City #1

Dholavira #2

NORTH CENTRAL:

Modhera: "Sun Temple

WEST: Dwarka, Dwarkanath Temple

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SOUTHWEST:

Somnath Temple

Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary

SOUTHEAST:

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	Barabati Fort
Palitana Jain Temple

SOUTHCENTRAL:

Lothal, a Harappan city

NORTHEAST: AHMEDABAD

Jumma Masjid

Shaking Minarets

Sabarmati Ashram

Hatheesing Jain Temple

Siddi Sayed Mosque
Siddi Sayed Mosque

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

OTHER ATTRACTIONS:

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

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Ravenshaw University, Cuttack

AHMEDABAD

FESTIVALS

International Kite Festival:

This is regarded as one of the biggest festivals celebrated. Months before the festival, homes in Gujarat begin to manufacture kites for the festival. The festival of Uttarayan marks the day when winter begins to turn into summer, according to the Indian calendar. It is the sign for farmers that the sun is back and that harvest season is approaching, which is called Makara Sankranti/Mahasankranti.

This day is considered one of the most important harvest days in India, as it marks the termination of the winter season and the beginning of a new harvest season. Many cities in Gujarat organize kite competitions between their citizens where the people compete with one another. In this region of Gujarat and of many other states, Uttarayan is such a huge celebration that it has become a public holiday in India lasting for two days. During the festival, local food such as Undhiyu (a mixed vegetable including yam and beans), Chikki (sesame seed brittle), and Jalebi is served to the crowds. Days before the festival, the market is filled with participants buying their supplies. In 2012, the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat mentioned that the International Kite Festival in Gujarat was attempting to enter the Guinness World Records book due to the participation of 42 countries in it that year.

Rann Utsav:

This is a cultural and artistic festival organized by the Gujarat Tourism Department every year. The festival exhibits traditional art forms of India and celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of the Kutch district highlighting the cultural splendor of Gujarat. The Rann Utsav has a variety of programs like cultural and folk dances, craftsmanship, music, carnival processions, pageantry, etc.

People from various parts of the country gather during the festivities to celebrate the splendid ‘White Desert’ and the spirit and warmth of the people of Kutch. Many cultural activities and programs are organized during the Utsav that engages every visitor. There is a splendid display of the arts and crafts of the region. The most captivating experience is the showcase of different art forms, dances, and music during the chilling winters under the full moon. Visitors can enjoy living in tents, sit by the evening bonfires, watch artisans work, dance with local folk dancers and enjoy camel safaris.