AHMEDABAD TOURISM

Ahmedabad, the largest city of Gujarat, was its former capital. The city founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411 AD, lies on the left bank of the Sabarmati river. One of the highly industrialised cities in India, Ahmedabad is also India's Textile City. The city is full of architectural delights. Though the capital of Gujarat was shifted from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar, it is still the second largest industrial city in western India.

Ahmedabad has a chequered history. In 1411, Sultan Ahmed Shah established a city and gave it his name- Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad has experienced a number of high points, . Ahmedabad city declined within a century of its being established. In 1572, Emperor Akbar seized Ahmedabad and assimilated it within the great Mughal Empire. Ahmedabad became an important business center during the Mughal period until until the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, after which the Ahmedabad city again began to decline. The British seized Ahmedabad in 1818 and set up a number of textile mills here. Ahmedabad became the temporary capital of the state of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970. The late 17th century and early 18th century saw the downfall of Ahmedabad as far as its status as one of the leading Indian cities was concerned. It changed a lot of hands especially because of the numerous Mughal, Rajput and English invasions.

There are a few festivals which are celebrated in special Gujrati style. i.e.

Kite Festivals :- The International Kite Festival is always held at Ahmedabad on January 14, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. The people of Gujarat celebrate Uttarayan with a lot of enthusiasm and all business comes to a grinding halt for a couple of days. It is also a celebration to mark the end of winter. 

Navratri :- Navratri or the festival of nine nights is devoted to Goddess Shakti. The festival also has the famous folk dance of Gujarat "Garba". The festival continues for nine nights, everybody takes part into it with same emphasis. Garba is also played with Dandiyas in hand. 

Rath Yatra :- In the month of June / July a massive procession is taken out from the Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad. Amidst the chanting of the sacred and Vedic hymns the chariot is taken out carrying idols Krishna, Balram and Subhadra. It is very similar to Jagannath Puri's Yath Yatra. The procession starts in the morning from the Jagdish Mandir situated in the Jamalpur area of the city. The chariots of Krishna, Balram and Subhadra, adorned with garlands, are taken round the city amidst much pomp and show.

Tarnetar Fair :- The Tarnetar fair is held every year on the 4th, 5th and 6th of the Shukla Paksha (Aug-Sep) at the Trinteshwar (Three-eyed god) temple of Lord Shiva near Surendranagar. In this unique festival the practice of Swayamvar still persists. Ahmedabad peoples assume that if the girl stops to talk to one of the men, it is a sign that she has found the man of her choice.

The climate of Ahmedabad is hot and moist. Winters are cool and pleasant (November-February) but summers (April-June) are extremely dry, hot in Ahmedabad and the temperature can be as high as 46°C at times. The city of Ahmedabad experiences good rainfall during the monsoon season during the months from July to September.

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