There are four groups of people who came to inhabit this land at different points of time and now form the majority here. Jats came from a place in Iran called Half (to be known latter as Jat) and they were herders by occupation. Around five hundred years ago they came to Kutch and Sind in search of new grazing pastures and settled there. Those who joined agriculture called themselves Garasia Jats and those who continued their ancestral occupation were known as Dhanetah Jats, and those who chose to study the Koran became Fakirani Jats.
The Harijan is the name given by Mahatma Gandhi to the Meghwals, who originally came from Marwar in Rajasthan. They are the masters of weaving cotton and wool as also embroidery and appliqué work. The Ahirs came with Lord Krishna from Gokul in Uttar Pradesh.
Most of the communities of Ahirs began with selling ghee and milk and are now spread all over the state.
Crafts in Gujarat are a way of life, a process that transforms even the most mundane object of daily use into a thing of beauty. The skill of the Gujarati craftsperson-be it a weaver or a metalworker, a woman who embroiders for herself or a potter who creates pieces of art out of clay-is bound to leave one spellbound.
Wood carving is another important craft in Gujarat, evident in the many elaborately carved temples, havelis (mansions) and palaces as well as objects of daily and ritual use. Utensils are another area where the craftspersons of Gujarat have excelled.
Gujarat is also famous for its terracotta work, especially votive terra-cotta figurines which one can find by the hundreds at small shrines built in forests, along roads, outside villages, on lonely hill-tops and under large trees, especially in south Gujarat.
Jewelry is yet another fascinating craft in Gujarat. Each tribe or clan has different types of ornaments and each of them has retained the uniqueness of these ornaments.
Performing Arts and Culture form an important means of expression of the Indian ethos. Different states practice different dance forms, classical music and have their own share of folklore. Programs are organized to showcase these performing arts and artists, who have kept these age old art forms alive, through their practice of it. The Performing arts in Gujarat are some of the most colorful and the performers in question are great exponents of their specialized arts. The different regions of Gujarat come alive, especially during Navratri, which is considered to be one of their prominent festivals. Many forms of dances are performed during this time, which are steeped in the fragrance of legends and romance – Raas is one of them.
Raas is a very energetic dance, where color and gaiety play important parts. It is performed with a lot of gusto and the body language, eye contact, expressions and rhythm plays a major part here. Two circles formed by men and women revolve in clockwise and anti clockwise movements, while clanging their dandias with their respectve partners. They have to move according to the rhythm of the music and as well as clang their dandias.
Raas is one of the most popular dances of Gujarat which brings together family and friends during the festival of Navratri. It also brings together the young boys and girls, who plan for this special event throughout the year. No wonder that so many romances materialize during Navratri!
Though Raas in Gujarat, India is a traditional dance form, youngsters show no dearth of interest towards it. Navratri sees them in their traditional outfits, all geared up to reach the venue. The folk dances of Gujarat, Garba, Raas , and Dandiya have been successful in breaking the confinements of locality and the festival of Navratri brings together the whole of India. Special dancing competitions and lavish feasts are organized during the holy festival of Navratri. Couple passes are available in all major outlets and huge investments made on these functions.
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