Dressed up in Kutchi attire
In Summer of 2013, we got an opportunity to visit Kutch. Dimple’s village Nani Khakhar was celebrating the 125th anniversary of the temple. The celebration was 5 days long and filled with programs. Our last trip was in 2003 – before Kairavi was born. So both Kairavi and Suravi had not visited the land of their ancestors before this. I myself have not visited Kutch that often. Maybe 2-3 times before this in my lifetime.
I was a bit skeptical about the whole trip as to whether the kids will enjoy it, the facilities in Kutch, electricity/water problems etc, etc. I was in for a pleasant surprise when the trip turned out to be really good fun for the entire family. Nani Khakhar is called the Paris of Kutch due to its wadis and bungalows. We were fortunate enough to get a nice bungalow for few days from one of Dimple’s relative. The Kids used to wake up every morning to the sound of peacocks. There were peacocks galore. Kids just went crazy seeing them every morning. There were no problems with electricity or water.
Bungalow that we stayed in
Peacocks galore
Rickshaw Ride
We travelled locally within the village in a rickshaw which can take passengers in the back also. Kids loved to sit in the back. We got a chance to visit a local wadi filled with mango trees, fresh sugarcane, coconut trees, etc. Kids loved the tractor ride. And we adults enjoyed eating the fresh sugarcane and drinking the coconut juice with the stem of papaya tree (natural straw).
Tractor ride for kids
Lanes of Kutch
I just loved roaming the village and seeing all the quaint traditional homes with ootlas outside for sitting. Kairavi and Suravi loved swinging on the Banyan Vines. We did not have to worry about food since that was covered (breakfast, lunch, dinner) courtesy the temple celebrations.
Swinging on Banyan Vines
Camel ride at Mandvi
WE made a quick trip to Mandvi. Did some shopping, visited the beach and did camel ride. On the last day of our trip we made a trip to Naredi (my village) and Bhuj (to see some attractions). Throughout the trip it was wonderful to speak in Kutchi with anyone (shopkeeper, rickshaw driver, etc, etc). Truly felt like we are in our own land.
Overall the Kids had a great time in Kutch and so did we. Truly Metha Re Paan Kutch Jaa Maadu.
Full Photo Album can be found here.
Kutch is actually very beautiful. I have just been there once as a tourist. Stayed in Nani Khakhar as our prime residence(courtesy Chaya Salia – Dimple’s gamaii) rented a cab for a week and went around. Vijay Vilas Palace, WindMills, Museums and Palaces in Bhuj, Jesal-Toral monument….beautiful wadis of Nanikhakkar.
Next on agenda is Festival of Rann Of Kutch!