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| Colourful Tribes And Rural Cultures |
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Gujarat is one of the most culturally diverse states in the subcontinent. Gujarat's cities are the centre for industry and commerce. Yet a large percentage of the population dwells in rural areas, and there are tribal, pastoral and fishing communities whose lives are similar to those of their ancestor's centuries ago. The villages of Gujarat offer a glimpse of India at her vibrant best.
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| North Gujarat |
Perhaps the most colorful community of north Gujarat is the Garasia adivasi. The
Garasia villages of Banaskanta and Sabarkanta district, their major stronghold, comprise
Houses typically made from mud and bamboo rushes, often decorated with line art and
Wall paintings that are retouched during festivals and celebrations. Even today artisans in villages like Poshina surrounded by Garasia and Bhil tribal hamlets. The Garasias enjoy music, dancing and festivities, and can be seen at their colourful best during Holi and the tribal fairs that occur in the months of March and April in and around Poshina. Of special interest to tribal tourists is the Chitra Victhira fair, 15 days after Holi, during which Garasias and Bhils gather in numbers beyond comprehension at the confluence of three rivers, for ancestor mourning, music, dancing, revelry and match-making. Eloping is not uncommon during the Chitra Vichitra fair. |
| South Eastern And Central Gujarat |
Like the Garasia Adivasis of northern Gujarat, the Rathwa of eastern Gujarat love music, dancing, colourful clothes and attractive ornaments, and are skilled archers. The Rathwas usually live in picturesque village houses, made of mud and roofed with intricately thatched straw, leaves, timber or locally made clay tiles. but traditional handicrafts like wood carving, langoti-weaving, basket weaving and arrow crafting continue to thrive in this tribal belt, and the men still carry bows, arrows and guns when they travel. Chhota Udepur, and the area comes alive with music, dancing, acrobatics and a showcase of colourful tribal attires during the fairs of Dasserra and Holi. The Kawant fair offers an interesting insight into the tribes of this region, their attires, ornaments, music and dancing. Other prominent tribes of central and eastern Gujarat are the Nayakas and different member communities of the Bhil confederation. |
| The Dangs |
Compared to the Garasias and Rathwas, the tribes of the 300 odd villages of Dangs district are less colorfully attired and wear simpler ornaments, The array of musical instruments and the rhythmic yet vigorous tribal dances of the Dangi people are awe-inspiring. The main groups of the area are Kunbis, Bhil' tribal groups, Gamits, Varlis, Kukmas, Banjaras, and artisan communities. The usual houses are made from mud and bamboo. Hunting is usually by bow, arrow and catapult, fishing by bamboo traps. The Dangs Darbar in March-April is an assembly of tribal chieftains, who are still entitled to their privy purses. Surat and Valsad districts too have interesting tribes like the Gamit and the Dodhia Bhil. |
| Saurashtra |
The grasslands of Saurashtra and Kutch support a large population of pastoral, fishing and fanning communities whose traditions are no less colourful and interesting. The Bharwad shepherds of Saurashtra are known for their colourful clothing. A unique feature of their culture is that Bharwad men are as fond of colourful attires and attractive ornaments as the women. During the Tarnetar fair in August-Sept, pastoral people of Saurashtra gather for religious rituals, revelry and match-making at Trineteshwar temple.
The Barda and Gir hills of Saurashtra are home to the Maldharis, a pastoral group comprising various cattle owning communities including Rabaris, Bharwads, Charans and Ahirs. The Maldharis live in hedge lined hutments called nesses. The Siddis of Gir live in hamlets, that would not be out of place in the African bush, and follow many of their traditions and beliefs handed down through generations. Among their many Africans inheritances is the natural sense of rhythm reflected in their delightful drumming and dancing performances. Bharuch and Kutch are other districts with a sizable Siddi population. |
| The Coast and the Little Runn of Kutch |
Along the Gujarat coastline and in the Rann of Kutch are villages and settlements of the Kolis who are traditionally fishing people, and have taken to salt gathering in the Little Runn of Kutch. The Padhars are the fishing peoples of the Surendranagar reservoirs, some their most colourful villages being at the Nalsarovar bird sanctuary. Mers and Bhopa Rabaris are colourful people of the Porbandar and Jamnagar district sea coast, and the nearby Barda hills. |
| Kutch |
Kutch district is home to more than 16 communities including the Rabaris, the Ahirs, the Sodha Rajput, the Meghwal, the Maldharis, the Samras, the Rasipotras, the Mutwas and the Jaths, and their various sub-groups. Most of the communities are pastoral or artisan, a few being agricultural. The people of Banni live in traditional round mud huts called Bhungas, often decorated with mud wall paintings set with mirrors, with attractive interiors displaying their array of interesting furnishings, utensils, hand-made quilts, and embroidered fabrics. During the migration, children learn to cook, stich work on embroidery, handicrafts and tend live stock from their elders. Touring the Banni area of Kutch, and the countryside south and east of Bhuj, offers a glimpse of colourful people. |
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