Wishesh magazine january 2018 Wishesh magazine january 2018 | Page 30

INDIAN DIASPORA CULTURE Vibrant Gujarat Its True Cultural Heritage and Diversity 30 “Aavo Padharo”, words of welcome in Gujarati speaks literally of the people of Gujarat. In their words the guest is the God and the people of Gujarat are gregariously friendly, inviting and will entice you to come again and again. Gujarat stretches out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of the desert and with a coastline of 1035 miles long is Gujarat – the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation. It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals also make the state rich. Gujarat is also among the most technologically advanced, housing the largest petrochemical complex in the country. Gujarat has always been WWW.WISHESH.COM | JANUARY 2018 a major centre for the Jains and some of its most interesting locations are the Jain Temple centers at Palitana and Girnar Hills. Besides the Jain temples, the state’s major attractions include the only habitat of the Asiatic Lions in India (Gir Forests), a desert ride at the Wild Ass Sanctuary and the beautiful Indo-Saracenic Architecture of Ahmedabad. The colourful tribal villages of Kutch make a visit unforgettable. The diverse and vibrant state of Gujarat has a significant contribution in the cultural aspect of India. The sheer simplicity and amiability of Gujaratis have made them a flourishing community. The state of Gujarat boasts a vibrant art, architecture, culture, and heritage; all of which is quite evident in the day-to- day lives of the locals. The diversity exhibited by Gujarat is a result of the various ethnic groups constituting Gujarat’s population; including Indic and Dravidian groups. Gujarat is influenced with enculturation; a culture shared with members of the society and passed on from one generation to the next. Enculturation has unified