Gandhi nu Gam, Bhuj has been rebuilt after the earthquake. It used to be one of the most beautiful villages in India. But is Gandhi nu Gam worth a visit now?

Our First Take on Gandhi Nu Gam?

Many moons back we had seen a postal stamp with a face of a woman typically from Gujarat. Her head scarf and blouse were richly embroidered. She was wearing a heavy silver ring-like hansuli necklace around her neck and a big smile on her face. It was Rs 6 denomination stamp issued in the year 1997 that commemorated those communities that still practised their traditional lifestyles.

Little did we imagine that we would meet Kheta Ben, that pretty face on the stamp, during our trip to erstwhile Ludiya, presently known as Gandhi nu Gam in Kutch, Gujarat.

Kheta Ben is no more a belle. The passage of years is evident from the wrinkles on her face. And that is no surprise. She and her community had to go through way more than their share.

History of Gandhi Nu Gam

26th January 2001, instead of celebrating Republic Day, India was mourning the huge loss of lives and property in the Kutch region of Gujarat. It was one of the worst earthquakes in Indian history and the Bhuj region was, simply put, destroyed. Ludiya was one such village in Bhuj that suffered heavy devastation.

But, like the proverbial Sphinx that rises from the ashes, Bhuj was reconstructed bit by bit under a hybrid model of private-public cooperation. After resettlement, Ludiya village got a new name – Gandhi nu Gam. It is home to the chiefly pastoral Meghwal community that hails from neighbouring Rajasthan.

How Did We Reach Gandhi Nu Gam

We were invited to the first-ever All India Influencers Conclave in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. As delegates of the All India Influencers Conclave, we visited the Rann Utsav and visited the breathtaking White Rann of India. Our home here was Lallooji & Sons Tent City, a seasonal set-up at Dhordo Village.

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Gandhi nu Gam was less than 30 km from Dhordo and it took us about 45 minutes on road to reach Gandhi nu Gam. We enjoyed the road that passed through picturesque grasslands and we could see the silhouette of hills and mountains in the backdrop. It was all shades of dull green and brown.

But when we reached Gandhi nu Gam, our eyes popped out!

What is Special at Gandhi Nu Gam

Suddenly there was so much brightness around us! Starting from the painted houses to the attire of the people, there was a riot of colours everywhere. It was as if we were in an Indian dreamland. We experienced first-hand how the Meghwal community had kept their art and craft traditions alive.

The Meghwals traditionally practice cattle herding, weaving, and embroidery. The people here still follow their traditional lifestyle. There is a lot we saw here and it could get somewhat overwhelming. If you are in Gandhi nu Gam, these are what you should not miss.

Painted Bhunga Houses – Art in Life

Traditional houses in this part of India are called Bhunga. The walls are thick to protect the inhabitants from the harsh summer heat or bone-chilling cold in the winter. The bhungas are cylindrical in structure not because of aesthetic reasons. Having no corners that can break easily, these houses have roundish walls to cope better during earthquakes. They are brightly painted from the outside, perhaps to provide a contrast to the otherwise dull desert colours of nature here.

We did some shopping at a store and the storeowner was so gracious, he invited us into his house. It was like a centerspread from any posh design magazine. The inside walls had clay leppan designs with little mirror inlays. The purpose of the mirrors was not only to enhance the designs on the wall, but to amplify the light, traditionally from oil lamps, but now with electricity.

Shining pots were kept on shelves inside the room. Bright patchwork quilts were piled in another corner. Wooded chests with heavy carvings and again mirror work were lined up against the wall. The rooms were so pleasing that these could give any city interior decorator a run for their skill.

The houses in Gandhi nu Gam reinstate the Indian philosophy of Art In Life.

The Traditional Gujarati Attire

Men and women still wear traditional attire at Gandhi nu Gram. The men wore white full-sleeve kurtas and dhotis. They wear heavy leather shoes locally called jutis. When we visited, some of them wore colourful turbans.

The women wore printed and embroidered long blouses with long skirts. Their heads were covered with colourful long scarves. They wore fascinating elaborate ornaments of silver, gold, and beads. Their arms and elbows were covered with oversized white bangles.

In India, clothes are dictated by weather and functionality. Since Kutch was a place of extreme weather, people needed to protect themselves from the heat of summer as well as the draught of winter. Thus, the people of Gandhi nu Gram wore thick clothing around the year to cover most of their heads and body.

What to Shop at Gandhi Nu Gam

Embroidery

Embroidery is a common vocation of Meghwal women. Their unique embroidery features an array of bright-coloured threads punctuated with small mirrors and other reflecting objects. The embroidery would be used on clothes and wall panels for use at home and also for trade. In fact, we found Kheta Ben running a store of embroidered items at the far end of the village.

We could find embroidered pieces at shops at the doorsteps of many houses as well. They also sold patchwork quilts that not only felt cosy but the geometric patterns made these very contemporary. We also found some Pakistani Ajrakh fabrics here. That is no surprise because the Meghwal community spreads to Pakistan as well.

Beadwork

Beads were used to create colourful necklaces and earrings. In addition, we found bead hair clips, coasters, and patches that could be used creatively on dresses and elsewhere. Bead laces were also used as selvedge on bags. We again found a shop from Kutch selling these items in Delhi during Trade Fair 2022. It was the perfect way of employing a traditional craft for contemporary use.

Furniture

We came across many carpenters at Gandhi mu Gram. But they were more woodcarvers than carpenters. The furniture they make are simple lines but the little niches and colourful mirrors and other reflective material inlay make them pieces of art. The chests are particularly enchanting. It is a dream to house something like this someday.

How to Reach Gandhi Nu Gam

If you are visiting Rann Utsav, you should be able to find a short tour from your accommodation that brings you to Gandhi nu Gam and it should not take you more than an hour each way.

The nearest town is Bhuj about 70 km. The nearest railway station to Gandhi nu Gam is also Bhuj. Bhuj has an airport as well but with few flights. If you wish to take a flight, you would get more options if you fly to Ahmedabad about 300 km from here. From Ahmedabad, you can travel here by road.

Also Read: How To Spend A Day In Ahmedabad

Where to stay

We could not find any lodging arrangements at Gandhi nu Gam. If you are visiting the Rann Utsav, the convenient way would be to stay at a tent city and visit Gandhi nu Gam from there. There are some lodging facilities and homestays at Dhordo as well. Alternatively, you will find ample lodging options catering to various budgets at Bhuj.

We love Indian art and Gandhi nu Gam was an opener in many ways. For one, the revival of this village, literally from the rubble, is stupendous. Moreover, the beauty that surrounds one the moment they step here is unadulterated joy. For all like us, city people, Gandhi nu Gam is a different perspective on life.

P.S. This post is in collaboration with Gujarat Tourism, the Ministry of Tourism – Government of India, and Incredible India. Our wholehearted thanks for the riveting experiences.

Also, thank you Govinda Bhai for your patience while guiding us. Govinda Bambhania runs a tour company here and we loved how he made everything interesting. He is reachable at 9998929429.