Banaskantha is a district in the north eastern region of Gujarat. It is named after the West Banas River, which runs through the valley between Mount Abu and the Aravalli Range, finally flowing towards the Rann of Kutch. Banaskantha shares its boundaries with Rajasthan in the north, Sabarkantha district in the east, Kutch in the west and Patan and Mehsana in the south.
The town is most famous for its marble quarries and copper deposits. It also houses one of Gujarat's prestigious universities called Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University. The headquarters of Banaskantha is Palanpur, the origin of the diamond industry in India.
The Gabbar hills close to the Gujarat-Rajasthan border are an important pilgrimage trail and attract lakhs of pilgrims from the two states. The popular folk dance Garba is said to have originated here. The word Garba is derived from the word garbha deep, meaning a lamp inside a perforated earthen pot. Since this dance was performed at the hill at Ambaji, it was called Garbhar hill and subsequently as Gabbar.
The Ambaji temple located at the foot of the Aravalli Mountains and at the mouth of the Saraswati River is a revered place. The original abode of the goddess Ambaji is considered to be on top of the Gabbar hills. It is believed to be the place where Goddess Sati's heart fell while Lord Shiva was carrying her burning body from the sacrificial fire of Daksha's yagna. The temple is considered a major Shakti Peeth of India and a large number of devotees throng here every year especially on Purnima (full moon) days. A large mela is also held here on Bhadarvi Poornima.
Another important pilgrimage centre is Sri Desa Teerth in Juna Deesa village, a sacrosanct place for the Jains. Dhima is another religious spot which has the Shamlaji Temple that is very crowded on Poornima days.
The Jami Masjid, located at Malan in the Palanpur district is an important historical place. Built during the Sultanate period by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423 A.D, the stately mosque stands on a high pedestal with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes.
The region has lots of religious festivals and celebrations and plenty of local handicrafts produced in the nearby villages.
Tourism Info:
Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited
Udyog Bhavan,
Block No. 16, 4th Floor, Sector-11,
Gandhinagar - 382 011
Tel: 91-79-23222523, 23222645, 23220002 |
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