Culture is the most important and unique feature about the people of a certain region. It signifies the art of living, the heritage and traditions. As it is rightly said that “We should never forget our ancestors, where we have come from, our roots as that gives us our identity. The stronger bond we develop amongst us, it shows our unity and uniqueness”
Each and every state has its own unique culture which cannot be compared with any other state as these are very specific. Gujarat also has its own culture which varies from food, faith, attire and tradition.
Food
Gujarati food is mostly vegetarian. A typical Gujarati thali consists of Farsan (steamed or fried snack), Roti (flat bread), Sabzi/Shaak ( Combination of Veggies and spices) and Rice. The flavors are basically a beautiful amalgamation of Sweet , Sour and Spicy tastes. In that too the flavor would also be based on the person who is cooking it and to which region of Gujarat he belongs to. Each and every region namely North Gujarat, Kachchh, Kathiawad and South Gujarat have their own unique touch in Gujarati food. Undhiyu , Dhokla, Khaman, Thepla are some of the famous dishes. The dinner basically consists of khichdi – kadhi and Bhakri – Shaak.
Languages and Religions
The most wide spoken language in the state is Gujarati. It is 26th most spoken native language in the world. But due to the influence of the adjacent states Marwari, Hindi, and Marathi along with Urdu and Sindhi are also spoken in Gujarat . It also has many dialects which are spoken in different regions. On the religious front Gujarat proves the slogan “Unity in Diversity” as there are many religions followed here like Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism. But the majority is Hinduism which is either Swaminarayan, Hinduism or Vaishnavism.
Art and Literature
The Gujarati folk music is known as Sugam Sangeet. A variety of instruments are played along with this like wind instruments such as turi, pava,bungal, string instruments like ravan hattho, ektaro, and jantar and percussion instruments like manjira and zanz pot drum. The Gujarati literature is also very influential because of renowned poets like Narsinh Mehta, Dalpatram and writers like Mansukhram Tripathi, Naval Ram, K.M.Munshi.
Attire
Patola silk from Patan is very renowned in the country. It is considered the “Queen of all Silks”. The ‘Bandhani’ work of Jamnagar and ‘Jari’ work of Surat is also renowned. The saree worn by the Gujarati bride is very Unique called as Panetar. Chaniya Cholis are worn by the women and men wear Kediyas during the Navratri festival.
Festivals
The major festivals celebrated over here are Uttarayan, Holi-Dhuleti, Rakshabandhan, Navratri. Navratri is the only festival which is celebrated here only. It is celebrated over nine days. People do their traditional Garba in the appraisal of Maa Amba. People also play the traditional Dandiya Ras along with it. The Bhavai folk drama is also a unique feather in Gujarat’s cultural heritage. heat Many fairs are also held in the state on auspicious days such as Bhadra Purnima Fair, Shamlaji Melo and Mahadev Fair.
The people of Gujarat always try to build up a small Gujarat wherever they stay outside Gujarat. They try to preserve their rich heritage and culture of Gujarat. It is rightly said that “Jya Jya Vase Gujarati , Tya Tya Vase Gujarat”
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