L.D. College of Engineering Atmiya Institute of Technology & Science Vishwakarma Government Engineering College, Chandkheda (Formerly GEC, Gandhinagar) [government engineering college modasa] ([1]) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology (SVIT) V. Ahmedabad (અમદાવાદ Amdāvād, Hindi: अहमदाबाद) is the largest city in The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs are India's premier Management institutes that also conduct research and provide consultancy services in the field of management Ahmedabad (અમદાવાદ Amdāvād, Hindi: अहमदाबाद) is the largest city in Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology Surat (NIT Surat is one of the 20 National Institutes of Technology (NITs established in India in June 1961 Gujarat National Law University (GNLU is the statutory university established by the Government of Gujarat under the Gujarat National University Act 2003 Gandhinagar ( Gujarati: ગાંધીનગર Hindi: गाँधीनगर is the capital of Gujarat State India. Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology, usually abbreviated Gandhinagar ( Gujarati: ગાંધીનગર Hindi: गाँधीनगर is the capital of Gujarat State India. Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University has been promoted by Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC to create a world class Institute in energy education and research with special focus on the oil Gandhinagar ( Gujarati: ગાંધીનગર Hindi: गाँधीनगर is the capital of Gujarat State India. Dharmsinh Desai University ( DDU) is a State Level University for higher learning situated in the city of Nadiad in Gujarat state in Western India. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Nadiad ( Gujarati:નડીયાદ Hindi:नडीयाद is a city and an administrative University Gujarat Ayurved University Jamnagar is the only statutory University exclusively devoted to Ayurvedic Studies and WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Jamnagar {જામનગર in Gujarati} is a city and a Municipal corporation in Jamnagar district University Anand Agricultural University ( AAU) is a university located in the western Indian state of Gujarat between the cities of Saurashtra University was established on 23rd May 1967 with the mission to provide an educational facelift to the economically downtrodden region of Saurashtra. Rajkot (રાજકોટ राजकोट Rājkot) is the 4th largest city in the state of Gujarat, India. The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, named after Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the former ruler of Baroda, is one of the premier universities of India History Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University is a public university located at Patan, Gujrat, India. Patan may refer to places in Afghanistan, India and Nepal: Afghanistan Patan Afghanistan The Gujarat University is the statewide institution affiliating many reputed colleges across the state of Gujarat, India. Ahmedabad (અમદાવાદ Amdāvād, Hindi: अहमदाबाद) is the largest city in The Gujarat Vidyapith is a major University located in Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat in India. Ahmedabad (અમદાવાદ Amdāvād, Hindi: अहमदाबाद) is the largest city in Introduction Bhavnagar University is a small university located in Bhavnagar city in the western province of Gujarat, India. Bhavnagar (ભાવનગર भावनगर) is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. Profile The Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University is a public institution of higher learning in Ahmedabad, Gujrat, India. Ahmedabad (અમદાવાદ Amdāvād, Hindi: अहमदाबाद) is the largest city in Sardar Patel University is a university in Gujarat state of India. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Vallabh Vidhyanagar is a city and a Municipality in Anand district in the Indian About Us Junagadh Agricultural University is an agricultural University at Junagadh in the Indian state of Gujarat See Junagarh for disambiguation Junagadh is a city and a Municipal corporation, the headquarters of Junagadh district Navsari Agricultural University is an agricultural University at Navsari in the Indian state of Gujarat. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Navsari (નવસારી is a city and a municipality in the Indian state of Gujarat. Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, also known as Gujrat Agricultural University is one of the prestigious State Agricultural Universities in India which WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Palanpur is a city and a Municipality in Banaskantha district in the Indian state Profile The South Gujarat University, located in the city of Surat, has been renamed and is now called as Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. Ganpat University is located in Mehsana, Gujarat, India. Managed by Mehsana District Education Foundation Ganpat University is conceived as the educational Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Verma Kachchh University named after the eminent leader Shyamji Krishna Verma of Kachchh, Gujarat, India is a Kachchh (also spelled as Kutch) is a District of Gujarat state in western India. Sardar Patel University is a university in Gujarat state of India. Lalbhai Dalpatbhai College of Engineering (The title of the page wrongly displays "dalpatram" located in Ahmedabad, is an engineering college in India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology, Vasad more commonly referred to as SVIT, is a private technical institute located in the bank of Mahi River V. P. Engineering College (VVP) Dharmsinh Desai Institute of Technology (DDIT)[2] Nirma Institute of Technology Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology Charotar Institute Of Technology (Changa) Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology, Surat M. Nirma University of Science & Technology is a deemed university located in Ahmedabad, India. Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology, usually abbreviated S university, Vadodara Vallabh Vidyanagar are among the premier engineering institutes of west India. National Institute of Technology in Surat Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Birla Vishwakarma Mahavidyalaya from S. Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology Surat (NIT Surat is one of the 20 National Institutes of Technology (NITs established in India in June 1961 The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, named after Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the former ruler of Baroda, is one of the premier universities of India Birla Vishwakarma Mahavidyalaya also known as BVM is an engineering college located in Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat India P University at Vallabh Vidyanagar near Anand.

The Institute for Plasma Research is an autonomous Physics research institute located in the capital city Gandhinagar and is involved in the research of various aspects of plasma science including basic plasma physics, research on magnetically confined hot plasmas and plasma technologies for industrial applications. Institute for Plasma Research (IPR is an autonomous Physics research institute located in India. As a unit of the Department of Space, Government of India, PRL carries out fundamental research in select areas of physics, space, and atmospheric sciences. Ahmedabad Textile and Industries’ Research Association is also located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Pandit Deen Dayal University, which is started by GSPC is offering undergraduate and management courses in petroleum fields. IPTG (Institute of Petroleum Technology, Gandhinagar)

Other institutes

Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute has been established under Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Govt. Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute was opened by Jawahar Lal Nehru. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR is South Africa 's central and premier scientific research and development organisation of India at Bhavnagar. It was inaugurated by Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India on 10 April, 1954, with a view to carry out research on marine salt, and salt from inland lakes and sub-soil brine. It is working on reverse osmosis, electro membrane process, salt and marine chemicals, analytical science, marine biotechnology, and other related fields. Reverse osmosis (RO is a separation process that uses pressure to force a Solution through a membrane that retains the Solute on one side and allows the

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, one of the internationally reputed management research institute is located in Gujarat's commercial capital Ahmadabad and is the top ranked management institutes in the country [3]. The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad also known as IIMA is considered to be the premier institute of management education in India B. K. School of Business Management is ranked 6th in terms of financial fanagement [4]

Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat is one of the best engineering colleges in India. Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology Surat (NIT Surat is one of the 20 National Institutes of Technology (NITs established in India in June 1961 It is one of the 20 NITs created by the central govt. and is a deemed university. It has students from all over India and some foreign students as well

Gujarat Science City

Gujarat Science City [5], is a government initiative to draw more students towards education in science, which hosts India's first IMAX 3D theatre, an energy park, a hall of science, an amphitheatre, and dancing musical fountains among others. Gujarat Science city is situated at Hebatpur Ahmedabad. Gujarat Science city is an initiative of Government of Gujarat. Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning " Knowledge " or "knowing" is the effort to discover, and increase human understanding IMAX (short for Image MAXimum is a Film format created by Canada 's IMAX Corporation that has the capacity to display images of far greater size and An amphitheatre (alternatively amphitheater) is an open-air venue for spectator sports concerts rallies or theatrical performances A musical fountain is a type of Animated Fountain for Entertainment purposes that creates an Aesthetic design and sometimes a three-dimensional

Main article: List of educational institutions of Gujarat

Religion

Numerous important religious sites are located in Gujarat. List of Research organisations and Educational Institutions of Gujarat.

Dwarkanath Temple in Dwarka is one of the important temples dedicated to Krishna. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Dwarka, also spelled Dvarka, Dwaraka, and Dvaraka, is a city and a Municipality Krishna (कृष्ण in Devanagari kṛṣṇa in IAST, ˈkr̩ʂɳə in classical Sanskrit is a deity worshiped across many traditions of Hinduism On the tip of the Arabian Sea it was home to Krishna. The Arabian Sea ( Arabic: بحر العرب transliterated: Baḥr al-'Arab Sanskrit: सिन्धु सागर transliterated: Krishna (कृष्ण in Devanagari kṛṣṇa in IAST, ˈkr̩ʂɳə in classical Sanskrit is a deity worshiped across many traditions of Hinduism The Rann of Kutchch covers a large portion of western Gujarat, and is world-famous for its rare ecosystem, fossils, wildlife and terrain. The Rann of Kutch is a seasonally marshy region located in the Thar Desert biogeographic province in Gujarat state of northwestern India FOSSIL is a standard protocol for allowing serial communication for Telecommunications programs under the DOS Operating system.

Palitana Temples are a complex of Jain temples situated 51 km south west of Bhavnagar. Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma / Shraman Dharma (जैन धर्म is an ancient religion of India. Bhavnagar (ભાવનગર भावनगर) is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. There are 863 temples from base to the peak of the Shatrunjaya hill, where the Palitana temples are located.

Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India is one of the twelve Jyotirlings (golden lingas) or symbols of the God Shiva. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Veraval ( Gujarati:વેરાવળ Hindi:वेरावल is a city and a Municipality It is mentioned in the Rig Veda. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God". The Somnath Temple is known as 'the Shrine Eternal', as the temple has been destroyed six times, but was rebuilt on each occasion.

Modhera Sun Temple is famous for its rare position as specifically and uniquely designed for the worship of the Sun, Lord Surya. In Hinduism, Surya ( Devanagari: सूर्य sūrya, lit "the Supreme Light" Malay: Suria; Thai: While the main temple is beautifully and intricately designed with complex architecture, painting and sculptures, there is a central pond and surrounding it stand 108 small temples for each of the Sun God's 108 names.

Shankheshwar Jain Temples are dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar, Lord Parshvanath. In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect Parshvanath or Parshvanatha ( pārśvá-nātha, occasionally spelled Parshvanath or Parswanath) was the twenty-third Tirthankara It is believed that this idol was revealed by Lord Krishna himself, by the teachings of Arisht Nemi the 22nd Tirthanakra. Krishna (कृष्ण in Devanagari kṛṣṇa in IAST, ˈkr̩ʂɳə in classical Sanskrit is a deity worshiped across many traditions of Hinduism It is near Ahmedabad.

Patan houses 84 magnificent Jain Temples built by Samrat Kumarpal, who was a staunch disciple of Hemchandracharya, a Jain monk. A dehrasar is a Temple for followers of Jainism. Jain idols of Tirthankaras are worshipped there Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma / Shraman Dharma (जैन धर्म is an ancient religion of India.

Girnar is an epitome of communal harmony & amicable relations among Jains & Hindus. Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma / Shraman Dharma (जैन धर्म is an ancient religion of India. A Hindu ( Devanagari: हिन्दू is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, a set of religious, Philosophical This high-rising steep hill houses shrines of both major religions. One dedicated to Neminath or Arisht Nemi, the 22nd tirthankara, where he is believed to attain nirvana, and another dedicated to Guru Dattatreya,a Hindu deity. Neminatha was twenty-second Jain Tirthankar of the present age ( Avsarpini) In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect In sramanic philosophy Nirvana (निर्वाण| Nirvāṇa; निब्बान Nibbāna; Prakrit: णिव्वाण A Hindu ( Devanagari: हिन्दू is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, a set of religious, Philosophical

Ambaji This temple is dedicated to goddess Ambaji. It is situated on the Arasur Hill and can be approached by road from Abu Road in Rajasthan, as well as from all other important places in Gujarat. A folk drama called 'Bhavai' is performed in the courtyards of the temple.

Dakor This temple town dedicated to Lord Krishna is situated about 90 km from Ahmedabad. The temple of Ranchodrai has the idol of Lord Krishna which is believed to have been brought from Dwarka by a devotee.

Becharaji This temple is another important seat of Mother Goddess in Mehsana district. This temple is thronged by Hindu devotees, especially childless women.

Religious Traditions

In Gujarat, there have been several great religious figures. Sant Dadu Dayal (1554-1603), a saint-poet and a major Bhakti figure from Ahmedabad treated equally both Rama and Allah as names of God and became popular in Northern India. Dadu Dayal (1544 - 1603 was a sant from Gujarat, India. "Dadu" means brother and "Dayal" means "the compassionate one" Bhakti ( Devanāgarī: भक्ति) is a word of Sanskrit origin meaning devotion. He wrote, "The illusion of Allah and Rama hath been dispelled by my mind ; since I see Thee in all. "^[17]

Gujarat is also the home of Gandhi who preached the unity between all religions and became a world-wide figure for peaceful struggle against tyranny.

Hinduism

Gujarat is a part of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

Many Hindu religious traditions developed in Gujarat. A Hindu ( Devanagari: हिन्दू is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, a set of religious, Philosophical Gujarat is the birth-place of Lord Shiva's avatar Lakulisa (Staff-God). Avatar or Avatara (अवतार IAST Avatāra) is often inaccurately translated into English as incarnation Lakulisa - the founder of the Pasupata Shaivite school He was (the Pasupata school does not exist any more believed by the Pasupata school to be an Avatar He established the Pasupata Shaivite tradition (one of the six major schools of Shaivism) in 2 A. Pashupata Shaivism - one of the main Shaivite schools The Pashupatas (Sanskrit Pāśupatas) are the oldest named Shaivite group Shaivism, also spelled "Saivism" names the oldest of the four sects of Hinduism. D. or 3 A. D. According to some traditions he was born in Kayarohana or Kayavatara in Saurashtra while other traditions hold that it was Karavana, in the modern-day town of Dabhoi Taluka near Baroda,^[18] another that it was Ulkapuri (modern Avakhal)^[19] and another that it was in Braoch or Bharuch. ^[20] From Gujarat it spread north to Kashmir,^[21] South to Tamil Nadu,^[22] East to Nepal^[23] (where the Pashupatinath Temple stills exists popularly. Pashupatinath temple (पशुपितनाथ मन्िदर) is a Hindu temple located on the shore of the Bagmati river on the eastern part of Kathmandu )

Gujarat is home to Hindu saints of all castes! Sant Dhudhalinath and Sant Girnari Velnathji were Adivasis, Sant Bhojo Nachabkha and Madhavagar were Shudras, Mahatma Gandhi and Lala Bhagat were Vaish, Sant Kilha was a Kshatriya^[24] and Lakulisa and Chakradhara were Brahmins. Ādivāsīs (in Devanagari script: आदिवासी literally "original inhabitants" comprise a substantial indigenous minority of the population

Bhakti movement

The Bhakti movement was very popular in Gujarat where devotees of both Islam and Hinduism focused worship of God, trying to rid any separations based on faith in God. The Bhakti movement was a Hindu religious movement in which the main spiritual practice was loving devotion to God, or Bhakti. For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent.

Swami Chakradhara was another major figure of the Bhakti movement, born in Gujarat in 1194 A. D. ^[25] and he is believed to be the avatar of Vishnu. Chakradhara Maharaja established the Manhubhava Vaishnavite sect which spread to Maharashtra as well. The sect still exists today in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Sant Kilha was another Vaishnavite saint of Gujarat born to a Subedar (army man) father. ^[26] He was the disciple of Krishnasdas (of Jaipur) and became his successor at the seat of Galta - Kilha's branch became known as the "Tapasa branch. "^[27] Besides Ram Bhakti (devotion to Lord Rama), he was also inclined towards yog-saghana and this is why he was made acharya of the Galta Gaddi. Rama ( IAST: rāma Devanāgarī: राम Khmer: Phreah Ream Thai: Phra Ram Lao: Phra Lam Tagalog: ^[28] He is said to be the founder of the Khati sect. ^[29] Jalarama, a devotee of Lord Rama is another popular figure. Jalarama's birthday is still celebrated by Gujarati (in Gujarat and abroad) as Jalaram Jayanti.

Islam

Gujarat was one of the first places the Muslims came to India. A Muslim (مسلم pronounced Muslim, not Muzlim) is an adherent of the Religion King Arjun of Gujarat permitted the Muslim trader from Ormuz to build a mosque in Gujarat and even paid for the expenses of a certain Shiite festival. ^[30]

The Sufi saints are very popular in Gujarat. Sufism ( تصوّف - taṣawwuf, Persian: صوفی‌گری sufigari, Turkish: tasavvuf, Urdu: تصوف Shaykh Makhu was a Sufi saint of the Shattari lineage. ^[31] "Since Gujarat is situated on the western border of India, there was a direct interaction with people of Arabia and Persia. Many Gujarati Saints and Sufis became famous. Among them names of Sheikh Ganjul lim (1381), Syed Burhanuddin (1411) and Sheikj Wajihuddin Gujarati are well known. ^[32]

Zoroastrianism

This religion founded by Zarathustra Spitma (better known as "Zoroaster") resembles Hinduism in many ways (although differing as a strict monotheism too. Zoroaster ( Latinized from Greek variants) or Zarathushtra (from Avestan Zaraθuštra) also referred to as Zartosht (زرتشت )

They Zoroastrians also known as "Parsi" and "Irani" entered Gujarat from the Persian Empire, by attack of the Arabs. The Iranis are an ethno-religious community of the Indian subcontinent; descendants of Zoroastrians who emigrated from Greater Iran (in the main from They originally settled along coastal Gujarat in villages like Sanjan in Valsad district, along Gujarat-Maharashtra border. Sanjan is the second station in Gujarat (the first station is Umbergaon just inside the Gujarat- Maharashtra border when travelling on the Western Railway line The Qissa-i Sanjan is a poem discussing the Zoroastrians landing in Sanjan by generosity of Rana Jada, and being allowed to practice their customs. The Story of Sanjan (also Qissa-i Sanjan or Kisse-i Sanjan) is an account of the early years of Zoroastrian settlers on the Indian subcontinent

They have many businesses in India and are economically very powerful.

Similarities with Hinduism is seen in Zoroastrianism in beliefs that the cow is very sacred. The term sacred cow has passed into the English language to mean an object or practice which is considered immune from criticism especially unreasonably so In the 9th chapter of the of the Vendidad of the Avesta, the purificatory power of cow urine is dilated upon. ^[33] It is declared to be a panacea for all bodily and moral evils. It is drunk as well as applied externally as is done by Hindus also. ^[34] Urine of the bull, called "nirang" is brought to the house of an orthodox Parsi every morning and is (like cow milk) applied to the face, hands and feet. ^[35]

There were several Zoroastrian organizations formed to educate the Parsis on their heritage. Rahnumai Maznayasnam Sabha, established in 1851 by English-educated Parsis like Naoroji Furdunji, and funds supplied by K. N. Kama. Much attention focused on the improved of women in society; the purdah was rid, age of marriage raised, and education promoted. This article is about the practice of preventing men from seeing women ^[36] Gradually the Parsis emerged as the most Westernised community in India. ^[37]

Fairs, festivals and holidays

Around 3500 festivals are celebrated in Gujarat. - the state is known as the land of fairs and festivals. Some of these fairs and festivals are :

Bhavnath Mahadev Mela (February)

The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, situated at the foot of Mount Girnar in the city of Junagadh is the site of the Bhavnath Mahadev fair held for five days in February, during the festival of Mahashivratri. The Mahapuja of Lord Shiva takes place at midnight in this temple on the 14th day of the dark half of the month of Magh. When the puja (prayer ceremony) starts, Naga Bavas (naked sages) living nearby, move towards the fair seated on elephants, holding flags and blowing conch shells. It is firmly believed that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine on this occasion. Visitors are served free meals by the organizers. Special stalls sell idols, rosaries or holy beads brought by vendors from Ayodhya and Mathura, utensils of brass and copper, sweets and fruits. The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is surrounded by many equally ancient and holy places.

Dangs Darbar (March)

Dangs Darbar is the name of the annual fair held every year in Ahwa, the most important town in the Dangs a few days before Holi. The Dangs is one of the most delightful districts of Gujarat and is located high in the Saputara hills, the original home of the adivasis, the tribal population of Gujarat. The name 'Darbar' dates back to the time of the British, when a darbar of Rajas and Naiks of neighbouring area used to assemble there. Today it is called Jamabandi Darbar and the District Collector officiates at it. Thousands of tribal people flock to Ahwa from all over the district, dressed in bright colours sounding the Shehnai and beating their drums. Folk dances, dramas and songs enliven the air during the festival.

Chitra - Vichitra Mela (March)

This fair, one of the largest, purely Adivasi (tribal) fairs attended by around 60,000 to 70,000 tribal people. It takes place every year in the village of Gunbhakhari in Sabarkantha district, very near the borders of Rajasthan. It is held a fortnight after Holi, the festival of colours. The site of the fair is attractive as the temple overlooks the rivers Sabarmati, Akul and Vyakul. The name of the fair is derived from Chitravirya and Vichitraviraya, the sons of King Shantanu, who are believed to have lived here and been cured of diseases which afflicted them. The fair attracts large numbers of Bhils (tribals) who come from all the surrounding districts using every imaginable form of transport. The Garasis and Bhil tribals dress in their customary colourful costumes. The costume of the men generally consists of a blue shirt, dhoti and a red or saffron turban. Women don ghaghras (embroidered skirts) which have a circumference of as much as 20 yards, and are covered from head to foot with ornate and heavy silver jewellery. They use liquid kumkum (vermilion) to colour their cheeks and lips a brilliant red, while their eyes are outlined with kajal (kohl). Every group that comes to the fair carries its own drum making the atmosphere come alive with the incessant beat of numerous drums. The women sing folk songs, and everyone dances. The dancing and drumming continue for hours until everyone is exhausted. Over a hundred stalls hold food and drink, and sweets of various kinds. Silver ornaments can be bought and household articles as well. Here, as in other fairs, there is a giant wheel, and a merry-go-round which never cease to spin.

Dhrang Fair (April)

Around 40 km from Bhuj, it is known for the samadhi of the famous saint Menkan Dada who served the community with great love and dedication and won their devotion. He was supposed to be the incarnation of Lakshmanji. A large fair is held on Magh Vad when a large number of Dada's followers from different parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan come to the Samadhi and participate in religious rituals.

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 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 dedicated to the three-eyed Lord Shiva, 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).

Vautha Mela (November)

This fair is held every year at Vautha, where two rivers, the Sabarmati and the Vatrak meet. Like most fair sites in India, this also has both mythological and current religious associations. The Vautha Mela site is 3 square miles in area. Legends hold that Kartik Swami or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, visited the site. This is why the fair is held during Kartika Purnima, the full moon night of the month of Kartik, corresponding to November. The site, also known as Saptasangam, is at the confluence of seven rivers. The most important Shiva temple here is the temple of Siddhanath.

What is most significant about this fair is that it is the only major animal trading fair in Gujarat and is on par with the famous camel fair at Pushkar, Rajasthan. However the only animals traded here are donkeys. About 4,000 donkeys are brought every year for sale, usually by Vanjara (gypsy) traders. The pilgrims who visit Vautha during the fair are from several communities and include farmers, labourers and people belonging to several castes.

Shamlaji Melo (November)

The Shamlaji Melo, also called the Kartik Purnima fair is held in the month of November every year and lasts for about two weeks. It is attended by almost two hundred thousand people from adjoining districts and even from Rajasthan. Devotees belonging to various castes and communities including the Garasias and Bhils throng this festival. These pilgrims come in groups, singing devotional songs and carry religious banners to have a darshan (worship)of the deity at the Shamlaji Temple. The Shamlaji Temple is a renowned Vaishnav Shrine and the deity housed here is known by various names included Gadadhar (bearer of the mace) and Shaksi Gopal. The fair is also popular with the tribal people of the area, particularly the Bhils, who revere Shamlaji, the deity they refer to as 'Kalio Bavji', the dark divinity. The temple is of great archaeological significance as it was built in the 11th century. Apart from a darshan of the deity in the temple, the pilgrims consider a bath in the river Meshwo essential.

Festivals

Other than those festivals observed throughout India, there are festivities specific to Gujarat.

Makar Sankranti and Kite Flying Festival (January)

The Kite Flying Festival takes place in mid January and marks the time when the Sun’s direct rays reach the Tropic of Capricorn, after the winter solstice. A kite is a flying tethered object that depends upon the tension of a tethering system For the novel by Henry Miller, see Tropic of Capricorn (novel. The winter solstice occurs at the instant when the Sun 's position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance on the other side of the equatorial plane from the It is celebrated with lots of folk music and dance as well as kite flying. Folk music can have a number of different meanings including Traditional music: The original meaning of the term "folk music" was synonymous People of Ahmedabad gather on terraces to fly kites of various colours to celebrate Makar Sanskranti or Uttrayana, the welcome to the sun after the cold winter months. Ahmedabad (અમદાવાદ Amdāvād, Hindi: अहमदाबाद) is the largest city in Glass strengthened threads of the Indian fighter kites are matched against each other in the air - the kite fighter who cuts the other thread is the victor. At night, kites with Chinese lanterns are flown and held aloft. Food such as Undiya, sugar cane juice and local sweets is typically served to celebrate the day.

Dance Festival - Modhera (January)

Resting on a knoll in the village of Modhera are the ruins of the 11th century Sun Temple. This article is about ruins in Architecture; for other meanings see Ruins (disambiguation. The outer walls of the temple are covered with sculptures in which the figures of Surya, the sun god are prominent. In Hinduism, Surya ( Devanagari: सूर्य sūrya, lit "the Supreme Light" Malay: Suria; Thai: The Sun Temple is the site of an annual festival of Indian classical dances organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat. The idea is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in.

The Kutch Mahotsav (Feb-March)

The ‘Kutch Festival’ or the ‘Rann festival’ is celebrated at the time of the Shiv Ratri in February/ March. The centre of the festival is Bhuj in Kutch. It has crafts, fairs and folk dances and music and cultural shows, all organized by the 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.

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 here. 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 in fact testifies the temple's antiquity. Idol worship became popular much later.

Fairs

Tarnetar Fair

The 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, the 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).

Kutch Utsav

The Kutch Mahotsava, is usually organised during the end of February month and beginning of March. The Kutch region in Gujarat abounds with splendid beaches, fascinating wildlife and beautiful palaces and monuments. The TCGL i. e. Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. , organises the Tour of Kutch which is a six day Tour and the tour covers the Kutch Museum, Mata no Madh, Lakhpat, Narayan Sarovar,

Shamlaji Fair

The Shamlaji shrine and the site boast of an ancient and glorious heritage. Thousands of tribal people flock to the Shamlaji fair. Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. offers a package tour including cultural events and catering services.

Chitra Vichitra Fair

Chitra- Vichitra means "Different" and this Fair it is held near the Border of Rajasthan, in Sabarkantha District, in the village named as Gunbhakhari. There is an interesting story behind the name of this fair. Folklore says that the two sons of Shantanu, Chitraveer and Vichitraveer, wished to repent for the sins they had committed. They were advised by a meditating saint to locate the confluence of three rivers where a Shiva shrine was located. During their quest the two came to this ancient spot, which is now known as Chitra Vichitra and immolated themselves. Since then the tribal folk celebrate the fair every year at the place where the Aakar, Vakar and Sabarmati rivers meet.

Vautha No Melo

Situated at the confluence of two rivers near Ahmedabad, the site attracts people of all communities. Animals, particularly donkeys and camels are sold in large numbers during this fair.

National parks and sanctuaries

Main article: List of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Gujarat, India

Gujarat has 4 National parks and 21 sanctuaries which include: Nal Sarovar, Anjal, Balaram-Ambaji, Barda, Jambughoda, Jessore, Kachchh Desert, Khavda, Narayan Sarovar, Paniya, Purna, Rampura, Ratanmahal, and Surpaneshwar. T he Gujarat state of manan who owns india has four National Parks and twenty-one Wildlife Sancturies which are managed by the Forest Department of the Government

Gujarat is the only home of Asiatic Lions. The Asiatic Lion ( Panthera leo persica) is a subspecies of the Lion which survives today only in India where it is also known as the Indian lion Outside Africa, Gujarat is the only natural habitat of lions. Gir Forest National Park in south-west part of the state covers only the part of lion's habitat. The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir and गिर वन) is the sole home Besides lions, the other big cat can be found in the state are Panthers. Panthers are spread across large plains of Saurashtra and mountains of South Gujarat.

Historic sites

Lothal is the site of the ancient ruins of the first Indian port, dating from the time of the Indus Valley Civilization. Lothal ( Gujarātī: લોથલ ˈloːtʰəl Eng Mound of the Dead was one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization (Mature period 2600&ndash1900 BCE abbreviated IVC, was an ancient Civilization that flourished in the Indus River basin

Dholavira, the ancient city, locally known as Kotada Timba, is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological sites in India, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. Dholavira, an ancient metropolitan city, and locally known as Kotada Timba Prachin Mahanagar Dholavira, is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological sites It is located on the Khadir island in the Kutch district of Gujarat - the island is surrounded by water in the monsoon season. The site was occupied from about 2900 BC for about a millennium, declining slowly after about 2100, briefly abandoned and then reoccupied, finally by villagers among its ruins, until about 1450.

Museums

Gujarat has the largest number of museums of any state in India. These are all run by the state's own Department of Museums, located at the Principal State museum, the Museum and Picture Gallery, Vadodara. Other mueseums include the Vadodara Museum and Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum in Vadodara, the Watson Museum in Rajkot, the Gandhi Mueseum in Bhavnagar and the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Kite Museum and Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad. The Watson Museum in Rajkot, India is a Museum of human history and culture Rajkot (રાજકોટ राजकोट Rājkot) is the 4th largest city in the state of Gujarat, India. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi ( Gujarati: મોહનદાસ કરમચંદ ગાંધી moɦən̪d̪äs kəɾəmʧən̪d̪ gän̪d̪ʱi (2 October 1869 – 30 January Bhavnagar (ભાવનગર भावनगर) is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat.

Gujarati Culture

Main article: Culture of Gujarat

Transportation

Airports

Gujarat is the state having maximum number of airports, currently ten airports. The Culture of Gujarat is that of Gujarat, India. Gujarati Wedding Ceremony HINDU WEDDING Marriage is a highly auspicious occasion in the All are domestic airports except Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad which is offering international flights. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is India 's seventh busiest airport with an average of 150 aircraft movements a day

International Airport

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad)- Many domestic as well as international flights operate from here. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is India 's seventh busiest airport with an average of 150 aircraft movements a day

Domestic Airports

• Bhavnagar Airport - Bhavnagar Airport, 9 km from the city of Bhavnagar. Bhavnagar Airport is located near Bhavnagar in the state of Gujarat, India.
• Bhuj Airport - In the Bhuj city of Gujarat. Bhuj Airport is located at Bhuj in the Kutch District of the state of Gujarat, India. This airport has been recently been named Shyamji Krishna Verma, Bhuj Airport.
• Jamnagar Airport - 10 km from the City of Jamnagar. Jamnagar Airport is an airport in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. It is owned by the Indian Army and permits certain commercial flights from
• Kandla Airport (Gandhidham) - situated at Kandla, near Gandhidham, in Kutch district. Kandla Airport or Gandhidham Airport is located north of Kandla and Gandhidham in the Kutch District of the state of Gujarat
• Keshod Airport (Junagadh) - Keshod Airport is found 3 km from Keshod city in Junagadh District.
• Porbandar Airport - is situated 5 km from the city of Porbandar. Porbandar Airport is an Airport in Porbandar, Gujarat, India.
• Rajkot Airport - 4 km from the city of Rajkot. Rajkot Airport is a public airport located about few miles from Rajkot, Gujarat, India.
• Surat Airport - This domestic airport of Gujarat was recently inaugurated in Surat, on Magdalla Road. Surat Gujarat Airport is a domestic Airport ( IATA: STV ICAO: VASU located in Magdala near Surat in the Western Indian state
• Vadodara Airport - Another domestic airport can be found near Vadodara city in Gujarat. Vadodara Airport or Civil Airport Harni is a public Airport located southeast of Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

Local Transportation

Bus
One of the most popular public transports in Gujarat is the City Bus. The only problem that can surface with the city buses is that the bus numbers and the route information is given in Gujarati. Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) is the primary body responsible for providing these services. It is a public transport corporation providing bus services and public transit within Gujarat and to the other states in India. Apart from this, there are a number of services provided by GSRTC.

• Mofussil Services - It connects major cities, smaller towns and villages within Gujarat.
• Intercity Bus Services - It also connects major cities - Ahmedabad, Vadodara (Baroda) and Rajkot.
• Interstate Bus Services - It connects various cities of Gujarat with the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
• City Services - GSRTC also provides city bus services at Surat, Baroda, Rajkot, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, within the state of Gujarat.
• Parcel Services - This service is used for transporting goods.

Apart from this, the GSRTC provides special bus services for festivals, industrial zones, schools, colleges and pilgrim places.

Auto Rickshaws
Auto rickshaw is an important and frequently used mode of transport in Gujarat. An auto rickshaw or tuk tuk ( auto autorick or rickshaw in popular parlance is a Motor vehicle that is one of the chief

See also

• 2001 Gujarat earthquake
• 2002 Gujarat violence
• 2006 Gujarat earthquake
• Dholavira
• Gujarat in Lok Sabha
• Gujarati people
• List of Maitraka rulers of Gujarat
• List of Muzaffarid rulers of Gujarat
• List of people from Gujarat
• List of Solanki rulers of Gujarat
• List of Vaghela rulers of Gujarat
• Parsi
• Khambhat
• Ahmedabad
• Jamnagar
• Rajkot
• Kutch
• Surat
• Amreli
• Junagadh

References

External links

• wahgujarat.com - "Gujarati Cyber Vishamo" view live "Gujarat Gaurav Divas Mahotsav - 2008" in Amreli
• Government of Gujarat
• Gujarat at the Open Directory Project
• Gujarat travel guide from Wikitravel
• Online Tribute To The Great Gujarati Author
• Gujarat News
• All News / Comments / Video / Speech about Mr. Narendra Modi.