Culture
The city of Surat is also known by the name of Suryapur. It is the second largest city in Gujarat. Because of trade, many people from different races and backgrounds have migrated to this city such as the Parsis, the western Chalukyas etc. People from different religions such as the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians etc. have come to this city in search of fortune. All these people are collectively referred to as the Surtis.
The language spoken by the residents of Surat is known as Surti Gujarati. The Surtis are known to be warm in nature, having a loving and friendly attitude. If you wish to interact with these people, then you can book an intercity taxi Mumbai to Surat. The Surtis celebrate all the major festivals with great pomp and fervor. The festivals celebrated here include Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri and Diwali. Makar Sankranti celebrated on the 14th of January every year holds a special place in the hearts of the people residing in Surat and a very important part of the city’s tradition. On the biggest full moon day of the Hindu calendar, the Surtis celebrate the festival of Chand Padvo which is unique to this city. They offer food and delicacy items to the gods and enjoy the snacks out in the open. The Surtis also take great interest in music and dance which the use to great effect in order to enhance the cheerfulness of their festivals and other occasions.
Most of the major Indian festivals are celebrated here. Navratri is the most important festival though. During this occasion, people of all age group come out to celebrate by performing the ‘dandiya raas’ and ‘garba’ dances. The kite-flying festival of Uttarayan is also celebrated here with great pomp and gaiety. Surat is also known for its delectable cuisine. Dishes like locho (steamed snack made of gram flour and lentils, to be eaten immediately) is the local’s favourite. Other food items such as ghari (a type of sweet), Surati khaman, petis, rasaawala khaman, undhiyu and sarasiya khaja are famous here. Surti cuisine is quite spicy compared to cuisines from other parts of Gujarat. Roadside food is also quite popular in Surat.
Heritage:
Surat is a city located on the western part of India in the state of Gujarat. It is one of the most dynamic city of India with one of the fastest growth rate due to immigration from various part of Gujarat and other states of India.
Surat is one of the cleanest city of India and is also known by several other names like “THE SILK CITY”, “THE DIAMOND CITY”, “THE GREEN CITY”, etc. It has the most vibrant present and an equally varied heritage of the past. It is the city where the British first land in India. The Dutch and the Portuguese also established there business centers in Surat, the remnants of which are still preserved in the modern day Surat. In past this was a glorious port with ships of more than 84 countries anchored in its harbour at any time.
Still today, Surat continues the same tradition as people from all around the country flock in for business and jobs. Surat has practically zero percent unemployment rate and jobs are easier to get here due to very fast development of various industries in and around Surat City.
European Tombs
It is said that the competition between the Dutch and the British followed them even past death. They erected grand mausoleums instead of the normal tombstones in Europe, heavily influenced, ironically, by Hindu and Islamic elements belonging to the very natives to whom they were each trying to prove their superiority as colonizers. Next door to the British and Dutch cemeteries is the churchyard of the Armenians, another important trading community from the 16th century, whose tombstones are heavily inscribed, but forgo the superstructures of the other two communities.The cemeteries have been declared as protected monuments, but they still show signs of deterioration, both from natural weathering and from human visitors. They may be hard to locate, but you can ask the locals to guide you.
Textile Market
South of the Sahara Gate which opens on to Bardoli Road, the textile markets are packed with saris, salwar kameez, dress pieces, and a range of other polyester, silk, printed, and embroidered materials that Surat, once renowned for silk weaving and brocade, and is still famous for even after a history of setbacks in the textile industry.
Mughalsarai
This sarai, or guest house, was constructed in mid 17th century under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for pilgrims en route to Mecca, and briefly served as a jail in 1857. The finely crafted archways and dome now stand over the Surat Municipal Corporation offices.