To celebrate Gujarat Foundation Day on May 1, Gujarat Tourism and an NGO committed to preserve city’s heritage are launching a special heritage walk for kids.
The first opening batch of the walk will begin from Jethabhai ni Haveli in Dhobini pol, Khadia on May 1 during 9 to 12. The introductory session would open with recital of Garvi Gujarat and will be inaugurated by Tourism Corporation chairman Kamlesh Patel. City’s mayor Asit Vora is the chief guest at the event.
The concept of walk, which is developed by Raheel Patel of Vaarso Foundation, has been considered “a significant development” by World Unesco, Cultural Unit in New Delhi. The three types of routes have been developed targeting various age groups and the common starting point for these three educational walks Jethabhai Sheth ni Haveli, about 350 year old structure in Dhobi ni pol.
Patel says, “We introduce this special walk for kids to sensitize the next generation’s interest towards heritage conservation. The walk would start with a live performance of various songs written on pols of Ahmedabad. There will be several demonstrations of bioscope, puppet shows, life size puppets, kacchi godhi, street toy seller and bahurupi.”
Three special routes covering one to one and half km distance in surroundings of Dhobi ni pol are designed for various age groups, route-A is for age- 6 to 12, route-B for age- 13 to 17, route-C for 18 and above. These walks will start after showcasing the 2D film. “With sponsorship of Foundation of Public Interest, we have designed a 2D animation educational film showcasing the city’s history right from its inception. The clip begins with the storyline of “jab kutte pe sassa aya” and contains the rich and the fading culture of the pol’s, its unique architecture and lifestyle. The 14-minute film with the mascot Chel – popular character from Chel-Chabo – series of short stories of Gujarati literature is in form of bhavai and a dialogues and portrays the city’s history.” The visitors would see vintage wooden toys and craft collection, museum of miniature kites, old havelis, and pols.
