Ahmedabad is home to a plethora of unique landmarks, historical structures, rich textiles, breath taking geographical splendour and a thriving culture. The 1st UNESCO World Heritage City of India, it is a diverse city where you can have a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Historic Walled City of Ahmedabad was founded in 1411 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah I of the Gujarat Sultanate. The city flourished as Gujarat’s capital for six centuries. For over 600 years, Ahmedabad has been a symbol of peace. It houses the finest examples of the Indo-Islamic Architecture of India. Not the Sultanate-era monuments, the grandeur of Sabarmati, and the historical Dandi March, but the centre of the rich cultural heritage is the humble concept of pols.
An efficient example of community living, they are crucial identifiers of the city’s multicultural character. The city derives its architecture from these neighbourhoods. The beautiful jaali structures, the timber-based architecture, and the cool streets tucked away from the harsh Ahmedabad sun make one feel nothing but shades of calm, harmony and belonging.
The intangible memories and narrative of a place are the only treasures left with you to relive the moments spent in a region. But often, these memories get buried deep inside your consciousness, waiting for a tangible entity to spark it again. The souvenirs of a city are the tangible items that remind you of your experiences.
Carrying a souvenir from a place you visit is an age-old tradition. Often a family or village member would travel to different regions in search of work, for business or a family gathering. They would bring with them stories of their travels, memories of their encounters and a small gift to remember their travels.
Your travel to Ahmedabad is incomplete if you have not experienced the enthusiasm of amdavadis during a cricket match, the display of brotherhood during festivities, the delicious street food and Ahmedabad’s rich cultural heritage.
Just like the petrichor reminds you of the pitter-patter of raindrops, the soul-stirring sound of rain smashing against window panes, the dark clouds looming over the horizon and the incessant craving for deep-fried samosa and garam chai. What will remind you of your joyous experiences and the marvellous architecture of Ahmedabad? What will you hold dear to relive those moments when your heart fills with abundant joy and nostalgic memories?
The streets of Ahmedabad will never forget you, but do you promise to remember Ahmedabad? Carry a piece of Ahmedabad’s culture, tradition and heritage with you. The traditional art, craft and textile will be a memory of the unspoken language of this civilization. The khadi stoles will remind you of your visit to Sabarmati Ashram and the sense of peace and tranquillity you experienced. The fragrance of candles will take you back to your visit to the Flower Market, Sarkhej Roza, Jama Masjid and many more.
Just like Ellisbridge linked the east and west banks of Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad Souvenirs will bridge a gap between you and your memories of the city. The traditional artwork souvenirs of the city will encourage the artisans to preserve and practice the craft passed down through generations.
Souvenirs are not only for tourists, but the locals also value their importance. Childhood stories of mythological sagas, Amar Chitra Katha, and tales of kings and their forgotten civilizations have been replaced by modern stories. These small artsy items spark conversations in this fast-paced era of contemporary narratives.
Ahmedabad’s rich cultural heritage is depicted in its art and crafts, local cuisine, folk traditions and festivities. The heritage-inspired souvenirs and handicrafts of Ahmedabad are amongst the most sought-after items for tourists and locals due to their distinctiveness.
