The city Ahmedabad located on the banks of River Sabarmati in Gujarat state lies in the west of India. The natives are Gujjju’s or Gujarati’s who worship Lord Krishna. ‘Jai Shree Krishna’ is how they greet one another when they meet. Traditionally people call is Amdavad.
Built by the King Ahmed Shah in 1411 A.D. the city derives its name from him. It is a very simple, clean and developing city. With its ambitious Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the state been the hub of industry and hence its subsequent growth. It is the home of a booming textile industry which gives it the name of, ‘Manchester of the East’.
On a personal visit to Ahmedabad, I was partly able to discover it. Following are the places I strolled and explored:
Bhadra Fort – It was the first creations by Sultan Ahmed Shah when he began constructing the city. Its walls have four gates, existing even today. The fort houses the government office of ASI. There is nothing much to be seen here. Bhadra Kali Temple – Next to the fort is the famous temple of the Hindu Goddess, ‘Bhadrakali’. People come and pray here because of its auspicious and religious significance. Shri Shasthi Devi Temple – Another Hindu Goddess, Shasthi Devi, a deity who gives children is highly worshipped here. I bowed to her for a special wish. Shri Swami Narayan Temple, Shahibaug – The true Gujarati temple is of Swami Narayan in Shahibaug, another branch of its temples in Ahmedabad. Women folk are not allowed to stand near the idols of the Gods. Sarder Patel National Stadium – Dedicated to freedom fighter, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, it is a small museum about his life history. His contributions to the Indian Freedom Struggle Movement are well portrayed. Law Garden Handicrafts Market – SHOPPING, the most interesting part of traveling to a new city. Gujarat with is colourful traditional clothing and cotton variety is world famous. I could not help buying something from every market. Being a metro resident, it’s impossible to find such artistic and bright colourful, stuff. Teen Darwaza Market – The most economical and crowded market which has everything to offer to its visitor. I went crazy here and visited it twice to buy some clothing and handloom stuff for home decoration. The bandhini print of clothing in apparels and furnishings is fantastic. No place can meet its beauty. The rates are reasonable and every class of the society can buy stuff from here. The artificial jewellery is amazing and captivating. Ahmedabad Haat – The Trational hub of the city, it has shops of all varieties. Sidi Saiyad’s mosque – It’s famous for the ‘Channi’ architecture. The designs if the walls are rare and cannot be re-made. Britishers stole many of the designs and took it away from here. Rani Roopvati’s mosque – A Hindu married to one of the descendants of Ahmed Shah became a queen when she married him. This is a mausoleum made in her remembrance. It also houses her daughter’s tomb.
Shortage of time and the excessive heat stopped me from further exploring the city. It is a beautiful, calm, and ambitious city with its simple traditions, which are mesmerizing. Its art, craft and textile industry is matchless. Houses are of 1 to 2 storey and flats do not exist at all, as the city is prone to earthquakes. It’s a city worth visiting.
