A plethora of varied hues, profusion of design, superfluity of culture, cornucopia of music and dance, all together in the arid lands of Kutch creates a mosaic of exquisiteness which reflects the identity and spirit of the region. Kutch, one of the most ecologically and ethnically diverse district of the state is a celebratory land of art, crafts, music, dance, people and nature. During the full moon night of the winters amid the awe-inspiring and contrasting landscape each year a three day festive extravaganza brimming with hospitality, vigor and traditional flavor of the area is hosted and known as the Kutch or Rann Mahotsav.

Saputara is a beautiful and a densely wooded only hill station town situated in the “Dang” district of southern tip of Gujarat, India.

Saputara has been constructed as a well planned hill station having all necessary serviceableness like hotels, boating parks, swimming pools, club, ropeways, theaters and a museum providing the tourists an delightful vacation in the coziness of the hill station. Saputara is about 170 kilometers from Surat and about 80 kilometers from Nashik. The border of Maharashtra is about 5 km. away from Saputara.

This picturesque hill station is situated on a plateau in the Dang forest area of the Sahyadri Range. Saputara town is situated at an altitude of around 1,000 m with a climate that is pleasant although bit cold, throughout the year. Even the highest temperature in the summer does not exceed 27 degree C. Saputara literally stands for “Abode of Serpent” there is a presence of snake sculpture on the shores of Sarpagana River which flows through the town. This snake sculpture on the shores of Sarpagana River is worshiped by the local tribes on many festivals like Holi. Tribes like Kunbis, Warlis, Bhils and Gamits inhabit Dangs. They are known for their traditional dances, which are performed wearing Bamboo and Wooden masks. The dangs district constitute of an area of 1,752 km. having population of 1.5 lacks with a tribal population density of 94% and located in south-east of Gujarat.

Located at Narmada river, Gujarat, the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam has a height of 455 feet. Of the 30 large dams planned on river Narmada, the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) is the largest multipurpose project involved in the construction. It was first conceived in the 1940s by Jawaharlal Nehru. The project only took form in 1979 as part of a development scheme to increase irrigation and produce hydroelectricity. The 455 ft height is the focal point of both the dam-builders plans and the Narmada Bachao Andolan`s opposition.

Somnath Temple Chawk

यत्र गंगा च यमुना । यत्र प्राची सरस्वती ।
यत्र सोमेश्वरो देव: तत्र माममृतं कृधी । इन्द्रायेन्दो परिस्त्रव ।।

Chandra Devan is considered to have built this temple & hence the name Somanathar to the Lord. Chandran fell in love with Rohini, one of the daughters of Dakshan. But Dakshan wanted to give all his daughters in marraige to one able & loving person, who would treat all his daughters equally. Chandran got married to all, but his love for Rohini was too great & the other daughters complained to their father. Dakshan cursed Chandran to dwindle in power & beauty. When Chandran begged forgiveness, Dakshan said that only prayers to Lord Siva, could free him of the curse. Chandran came to Somanath & prayed to Lord Siva, doing penance for about 4,000 years. Lord Siva appeared & said that he could not fully absolve him of the curse. Instead, he would wane in 15 days, but would grow again. This is the story said for the waxing & waning of the moon, producing new moon & full moon.

The Gujarat government has decided to turn the rare total solar eclipse on July 22 into a tourism event. The celestial event will be visible first in India in the diamond city of Surat off the Bay of Cambay.

“We are expecting at least 5,000 tourists to witness the celestial drama that will unfold in Surat,’’ said Kishor Rao, secretary, tourism, Gujarat. He said the numbers might not be high but were impressive in light of the fact that it was a lean period for domestic tourism in the country. “For the first time, we will able to showcase something interesting to the Gujaratis in their own state,’’ he says.

The total solar eclipse, which happens when the moon overshadows the sun from the earth, will occur from 5.28am to 7.40am (Indian Standard Time). In India, it would be seen for the longest duration, 6.26am to 6.30am, in Surat. According to Narrottam Sahu, chief scientist of the state government, this rare spectacle would next occur on June 13, 2123.

‘This is the Saurashtra, and Ahmedabad where my father lived’

In this video, Sunita Williams Pandya reads her address to the people of India from her International Space Station(ISS). She then introduces and takes us on visit to major parts of the International Space Station. But the most amazing moment comes when she shows Gujarat from the space station.

When ISS passes over Saurashtra region of Gujarat Sunita says in this video; ‘Here is Saurashtra and Ahmedabad where my father lived.’ It is important to note here that when Sunita’s space station was passing over the land of Gujarat, school children had lightened thousands of candles on the land honoring her. At the ending part of this 10 minute video, Sunita also indicates City of Hyderabad from the space station.

She starts talking about india starting from 6:50 minuts of the video

English Version

Part 1

 Part 2

 Part 3

Part 4