Kutch Mahotsava |
| Like so many other regions of Gujarat, Kutch has its own distinctive character. It is, in fact, a peninsula, lying between the Sir river, the Sir Creek and the Great Rann of Kutch on the east. The country is somewhat bare and wild, with some cultivated fields near the villages. It has a remarkably heterogenous population, who belong to 18 different tribes, each with its own language and culture. Yet Kutch, with its colourful people, historic towns, and remarkable handicrafts, has much of interest to offer visitors. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, Ltd, (TCGL), organised an unusual tour of Kutch, in response to the request of many who wished to visit an area quite different from urban India. This tour was called a mahotsava, or great festival, because of the great variety of sights and scenes that are offered to visitors. The mahotsava consists of a six-day tour of Kutch, in which, in which all requirements of the visitors are taken care of. |
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Bhuj |
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This lies at the heart of Kutch and is linked by many roads
to the rest of the peninsula. Also in Bhuj are the Aina Mahal or Glass
Palace which was built in the 18th century, the Kutch Museum - which is
Gujarat's oldest, and the Bharatiya sanskruti Darshan complex, which holds
some remarkable frescoes depicting the RAM-LILA. The rural bazaars of Bhuj
sell its exquisite handicrafts. Mata no Madh is an old temple believed to be 1200 years old. It is dedicated to the Mother Goddess. The temple has many unusual features and its treatment of dimensions and of space are unique. |
| Lakhpat, once of flourishing port, and now deserted, reminds one that in ancient times, ships sailed to West Asia from Gujarat's west coast. Time stands still at Lakhpat, recalling to mind an era long past, through the many sites in the city, including the Sikh Gurudwara, and the 200-year tomb or dargah of Ghaus mohammed Kaba. |
| Narayan Sarovar menas the Lake of Narayan, a name for
Vishnu. There are actually five sacred lakes here. A temple complex is
located on one of these. Narayan sarovar is one of the most sacred
pilgrimage sites for otherdox Hindus. The architecture is ancient and
awe-inspiring.
Koteshware, another place on the mahotsava route, is also a site which pilgrims invariably visit. Bhadreshwar is considered an important religious site by the Jain community but it also has shrines, mosques and temples, as well as a unique and ancient step-well. Anjar, near Gandhidam, is famous for the samadhi of Jesal Toral, the Ajaypal Temple, and the shrine of Pinjora Pir. The bungalow of James Macmurdo contains remarkable examples of the art of Kutch. |
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Mandvi in southern Kutch, is a renowned holiday centre with
a beach overlooking the Arabian Sea. The Vijay Vilas Palace evokes the
royal splendour of the past. Mandvi's Hawa mahal is also imposing, and
reminicent of similar palaces in Rajasthan. Banni and Khavda are
villages set like jewels in an expanse of desert. In these villages live
some of the most talented craftsmen of Kutch who practise their
traditional skills, to produce artistic masterpieces. Dhola Veera was once an important part of the Harappa Civilisation, proving that the Harappa culture extended to Gujarat. Excavations are still in progress. Dhrang is another location famous for its rural fair and for the handicrafts, traditional objects, hand-printed and embroidered fabric made and sold there. It is also famous for jewellery available there. |
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Excursions |
| The Kutch Mahotsava is usually organised druing
February and March each year. Other places of interest nearby are Rajkot, in Saurashtra (16 kms from Bhuj ), Janmagar (189 kms from Bhuj ) Jujagadh (260 kms from Bhuj ). Bhuj has an airport with flights to different destinations. Buses can carry visitors to Ahmedabad or anywhere else, en route. |
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Calendar of Events |
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| Year | 2002 |
| Month | Mar |
| Date | 10th to 12th |
