Gujarat
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Hutheesingh Jain Temple : A song in sandstone
We crane our necks and squint. It is noon and the Sun is glaring down upon us, blurring our vision. The harsh stare of the Sun camouflages the details of the towering structure into a curtain of black. We are near the gates of Hutheesingh Jain Temple in Ahmedabad, Gujarat— the most impressive Jain temple in the city. Gujarat is home to a large number of Jains. In Ahmedabad, most of the Jains follow the svetambara school of thought. Wherever the Jains went, they took up the language, dressing and culture of the area. This enabled them to maintain their distinct way of living without getting assimilated with other religions.…
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Sidi Saiyyed Mosque : The bloom of a stone
“Honk honk,” the autos blare. We pull ourselves together and trudge along, drained after attending Ahmedabad’s heritage walk. Our eyes fix on the modest sandstone structure which stands without much ado in the centre of the road— Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. Apparently the humble mosque has lent its art to become an icon of the city of Ahmedabad. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque stands like a true leader who reserves a place of importance in the community but never asserts his power over his subjects, but instead, lives a modest life. It is a living mosque where prayers are still held. The emerald green waters of the ablution pool reflect the imposing crown…
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International Kite Festival: Sky is the limit
The crisp morning sun of Ahmedabad pleasantly caressed me the moment I boarded off the bus. I clumsily clutched on to all my belongings and trailed after my group. The media badge dangling from our necks spoke of our privileged entry on the grounds of the International Kite Festival 2019 in Gujarat, the westernmost state of India. It was being held on an area of 2000 square feet at the sprawling western bank of the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad from 6th to 14th January 2019. It was 6th January. On the enormous stage, arrangements were made for the political dignitaries and the guests of honour who would inaugurate the festival.…
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Kalo Dungar, Ludiya and White Rann — Bewitched by Kutch
Our car was heading towards Kalo Dungar, the highest point in Kutch in the state of Gujarat in India. Parched lands with little to no vegetation spread out on both sides of the highway. Inside the air conditioned car, we sat overwhelmed by all the experiences we have had in one and a half days in Gujarat.(Trying to plan a trip to Kutch? Click to read this guide on White Rann, Nirona and Bhuj) The way from Nirona village to Kalo Dungar conforms to the usual topography of Kutch region — barren lands. But, there are two interesting features in this route which excite travellers. The Tropic of Cancer crosses…
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Bhuj, White Rann and Handicraft Villages – A two days itinerary in Kutch, Gujarat
Gujarat, the westernmost state of India, is popular for its non-spicy vegetarian food, handicrafts and, the White Rann. In the Kutch district, one can find all three splendours of Gujarat. It is the westernmost part of Gujarat and shares an international border with Pakistan. Bhuj is the most important city of the region. Bhuj, along with other parts of Kutch, suffered a devastating earthquake in the year 2001. The local government, in a bid to resurrect Kutch, has since then extensively promoted all that Kutch has on offer to tourists — The Great Rann of Kutch (White Rann), the unique handicrafts of Kutch and the the place’s historical significance. Visiting…
