અમદાવાદ - A H M E D A B A D
Ahmedabad District, located in the heart of Gujarat and home to the city of Ahmedabad, which has a distinct personality defined by a spirit of business. Ahmedabad is a busy metropolis with prestigious universities and a quickly expanding economy, but it is also strongly anchored in culture.
Ahmedabad has transformed from a historic city with stories of Mughal monarchs, British and Maratha control, and India's liberation movement to an urban metropolis, a textile, and a world-class education powerhouse. This 606-year-old Walled City has been designated as a UNESCO World Historic Site, making it India's first world heritage city.
The 'Father of the Nation,' Mahatma Gandhi, began India's liberation movement in Ahmedabad. Sabarmati Ashram, situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, was Mahatma Gandhi's residence for many years, and it was here that he directed and oversaw the course of the Indian Independence struggle. The Ashram has a library and a museum depicting Mahatma Gandhi's life, hardships, and revolutionary actions. The admission is free.
The narrative of Jhulta Minar- Shaking Minarets is both intriguing and fascinating. It is reported that if one Minar is shook, the other begins to vibrate on its own, and no one has been able to decipher the engineering of the minarets to yet. Its architecture is highly enigmatic and intricate. There are two minarets, one at Sarangpur Darwaja and the other opposite Kalupur Railway Station. It's in poor condition, and owing to the unknown manner of construction, it can't be renovated. Even the British were perplexed and intrigued by the mystery of the minarets' vibration. It is one of the most intriguing and famous tourist sites in Ahmedabad.
The Sidi Sayed Mosque is well-known for its superb jali windows, spider web filigree, showing the complex intertwined branches of the 'tree of life,' which is best viewed from the road that runs around the rear of the mosque. The complex latticework on the mosque's central arch is also missing, directing attention to the major magnificent work on the back wall. The mosque continues to be used for religious purposes.Sidi Sayed erected the mosque, known as Sidi Sayed ni Jali, between 1572 and 1573 AD. The Mughals captured Gujarat the same year. Sayed was a saint of African heritage from Abyssinia who served in Ahmed Shah's army.
The Uttarayan festival is a Gujarati phenomenon in which the sky over most Gujarati cities fills with kites from before sunrise to long after midnight. The event commemorates Makar Sankranti, or Uttarayan, the Hindu calendar days when winter begins to give way to summer. On what is normally a bright, sunny day with brisk gusts to hoist the kites aloft, practically all normal business is halted across the state as everyone flocks to the roofs and highways to fly kites and compete with their neighbours.
Navratri, which means "nine nights," is one of the most famous and extensively celebrated Hindu holidays in various areas of India. Gujarat, on the other hand, is the only state that has a nine-night dance festival, possibly the world's longest. Every night, people assemble in open areas throughout the state, in villages and towns alike, to honour Shakti, the feminine goddess. The dance style known as Ras garba (sometimes associated with Dandiya using a small wooden stick) derives from the Gop culture of Saurashtra and Kutch, not the worship of the goddess, but the worship of Krishna. Talks about the relationship between Krishna and Gopi’s and their feelings are often found in ras garba music.
Kankaria Lake was built in 1451 as Hauz e Qutub and recently renovated into a civic leisure zone, is a welcome reprieve from the city's bustling streets. This is Ahmedabad's second biggest lake, providing a pleasant visual respite from the city's skyscrapers and roadways. A tethered hot-air balloon ride (10min ride Rs 100; 10am–10pm), a mini-train, and the Kamla Nehru Zoo (entry/camera Rs 20/5; Mar–Oct 9am–6.15pm and Nov–Feb 9am–5.30pm) are among the attractions. On the west side of One Tree Hill Garden (enter from the outside), there are some beautiful colonial Dutch graves. There are other aspects of a public entertainment place that may keep children engrossed for hours.
Ahmedabad residents are passionate foodies, boasting of mouth-watering snacks and street cuisine that is difficult to resist. Khakhra, namkeen, Thepla, fafda, soft and spongy khaman Dhokla, maska-bun, and fritters with green chilies and chutney are just a few of the dishes available. Each of these delectable dishes will leave you wanting more. Hunger aches at 2 a.m.? Then proceed to Manek Chowk, a paradise of Ahmedabad's traditional food. Ahmedabad's retail sector is growing, and the city is known across the world for its textiles. The Manek Chowk is dotted with street businesses selling colourful Ahmedabad textiles, including Gujarati costumes and handicrafts. Other popular street shopping areas are Law Garden Market, Lal Darwaza, and CG Road, where you may pick up trinkets and souvenirs to take home. Apart from street shopping, Ahmedabad has a variety of malls to select from, such as Iscon Mega Mall and Gulmohar Park Mall, which provide everything to please your inner shopaholic.
Written By: Darshan Shah