Dadar & Nagar Haveli - Homeland of Simple, Cheerful & Colorful Tribes

Dadra and Nagar haveli is one of the union territories of India. It lies near the west coast and consists of two separate parts. Dadra is surrounded by the state of Gujarat, and Nagar Haveli lies on the borders of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Dadra consists of 3 villages, and Nagar Haveli has the town of Silvassa and 68 villages. Covering an area of 491 sq.kms, covered with tall trees and winding rivers, it is the homeland of simple, shy yet cheerful & colourful tribals who have enriched it with their rich folkore and vibrant lifestyle. Most of the inhabitants are Adivasis. The Adivasis are divided into a number of tribal groups, including the Varlis, Dublas, Dhodias, and Koknans. Agriculture is the main occupation of the Adivasis, and they produce rice, pulses, and fruits. There is no large-scale industry. It is administered by the central Indian government. Forests cover some 40 percent of the area, the rest being devoted to the cultivation of rice and other cereals and to the grazing of livestock. Industrial development is limited.

History
Many hands have ruled this quiet magical land of 72 villages. And the memory of these rulers still lingers on, for a century and a half, the fiery Portuguese were the masters of the land. When the land was liberated from their rule, it was taken over by the locals until it merged with the Indian Union. As a land it is not very large, only 491 sq. Kms. is covered with forests and woods, a heaven for the simple, colourful tribal folks. But as a place, it will stay on the margins of your mind.

Geography
The union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli (DNH) is located in the western corner of India and is surrounded by the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra from both ends. It is a small union territory, confined to an area of only 491 sq. kms.The quite magical land has tall awesome trees, rivers, the green grass mingling with fields of darker green, and the distant hills the entire region is truly a visitor's paradise and it will stay etched on the one's mind forever The Daman Ganga River flows through the territory and makes its soil fertile. Both the towns of Dadra and Silvassa lie on the north bank of this river. The Western Ghats range rises to the east, and the foothills of the range occupy the eastern portion of the district.

The UT of DNH enjoys a pleasant climate from November to March. Even in summers, the temperature is not very high. Due to its proximity to the sea, the nights are pleasant and cool. DNH, referred to as “Cherrapunji” of the West India, receives an annual rainfall of 200-250 cm.

By Air
Bombay is the nearest airport.

By Rail
The nearest Railway station is Vapi on Western Railway.All major Mail/Express trains are available at Vapi including August Kranti Rajdhani, Satabdi, Ahinsa, Karnavati etc.

By Road
The UT of Dadra & Nagar Haveli is almost touching Mumbai – Baroda – Delhi National Highway No8 (Western Express Highway). Silvassa is about 14 Kms from Bhilad & 18 Kms from Vapi. Mumbai 180 Kms, Surat 140 Kms, Nasik 140 Kms and Daman 30 Kms.

Vanganga Lake and Island Garden, Dadra
Only 5 kms. From the capital town Silvassa, is one of most beautiful lake garden where songs of more than 25 Hindi feature films have been picturised, proves its point. The rustic wooden bridges, sea of flowers, jogging paths, thatched huts, paddle boats - its a left mix for romantic mood for the honey-mooners.

Vanvihar Tourist Complex, Chauda, Khanvel
Drive 20 Kms. away from Silvassa on a road lined with tall trees in midst of forest, it is Khanvel, The beautiful verdant land surrounded by lush green hills beckons you with its rolling meadows, terraced gardens, cottages in alternative style and river Sakartod flowing past it. There's a tourist complex for you to stay with Mother Nature. Also you shall enjoy the Deer Park, cactus house and green house.

Water Sports and Tentage Complex
Another 20 km drive from Khanvel is Dudhni where the large waterfront of river Damanganga provides breathtaking view of the water spread over Madhuban Dam. The luxurious tents pitched left near the bank provide a countryside experience. You can also enjoy cooking your own meals near the camp.

Hirwa Van, Piparia – Silvassa
On Silvassa - Dadra Road is a Garden Beautiful with the roaring waterfalls, misty cascades, rustic stone walls, twin arches, tiny kiosks and springy lawns interspersed with islands of flowers is truly a visitor’s delight.

Madhuban (10 Kms)
The Madhuban Dam Project is built across the river Damanganga.

Vanganga Garden (10 Kms)
An artificial lake has been created here, with a Japanese garden in the centre. Paddleboats are available in the lake and different species of fish have been introduced to popularise angling.

Tadkeshwara Temple, Brindaban (18 Kms)
An old Shiva temple situated on the banks of the river Sakartod.

Vanvihar Tourist Complex, Khanvel (20 Kms)
A beautiful verdant land with a Tribal Cultural Museum, a Cactii garden and a Deer Park.

The union territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli has its own distinct tribal culture which includes various rituals, festivals and folk dances. Majority of the population are Hindus although religious observations differ. More than 80% people live in villages and participate in various celebrations of fairs and festivals from time to time. The rituals play a predominant role in the life of tribal communities of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, particularly the Varlis. For these tribals, the Sun and the Moon are the two eyes of God. The stone images of these deities are found in the midst of tree groves which are considered sacred.A bhagat performs rituals singing prayers of deities while playing Ghangal, a musical instrument made from gourd, bamboo and iron strings. Almost every village has a temple of traditional God and a local deity.

All popular Hindu, Christian and Muslim festivals are celebrated here with equal fervour. But the tribal festivals have their own distinct features, as this mark the change of season and provide glimpses on social and cultural panorama.The major festivals celebrated in the UT include Diwali, Akha Tij, Divaso and Raksha Bandhan etc. Other annual fairs and festivals include Tarpa Festival & Craft Mela, Kite Festival and Monsoon Magic festival etc.Dance and music are essential parts of DNH tribal folk culture. All occasions viz. marriages and festivals in tribal life seem incomplete without folk dances. The major dances are Tarpa, Dhol, Bhavada and Gherria. These dances are performed simultaneously with musical instruments and some folk lyrics which recount the glories and feats of the history of DNH. The tribals make their own musical instruments using local products of gourd, bamboo, wood and leather etc.

The local tribal cuisine of capital city Silvassa and all over Dadra and Nagar Haveli uses an interesting variety of pulses and vegetables, including wild mushrooms and bamboo shoots. Rotis are made from various flours like rice, nagli (raagi) and jowar, and are a must try on your stay at any hotel in and around Silvassa. Crabs, freshly caught on a dark night after a hunt in the wild by the light of makeshift wooden torches, are a delicacy not only in Silvassa, but throughout India. River fish like rohu, katla and mirgals carp are popular. Chutneys made from the fruit and leaves of wild shrubs and aromatic herbs (like karanda berries, ajoola leaves, ambada leaves and raw mangoes) are mouth watering and greatly relished – one of the most savored cuisines of India. You will get a good taste of the Silvassa or Dadra and Nagar Haveli tribal cuisine in hotels in Silvassa and also the rest of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Ubadiyu, a mix of vegetables and beans cooked with special herbs in an earthen pot, is the local version of Gujarati undhiyu, is a must-try dish. It is only one of the specialties in Silvassa as well as other parts of the Union Territory, and is eaten usually in the winter. Have it with turmeric-flavoured buttermilk, that’s how the local people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli enjoy it. Khaman, steamed chickpea cake, and gamthi chicken are other must-eats.

The tribal’s residing in capital city Silvassa as well as the Dadra & Nagar Haveli are known for their creativity and colourful culture. Dance and music are a big part of their lives, and are a must see at tribal festivals and fairs that you can best experience in Silvassa. Their music instruments are made of locally available material like clay, gourd, bamboo, dried fruits and vegetables, wood and leather, and are prepared by the tribal’s themselves. You can see a collection of these instruments at the Tribal Museum in Silvassa.

Normally all feast of Hindus, Muslims and Christians are celebrated in this territory. However, tribal celebration differs. Varli and Kokna tribals celebrate Diwali in the name of Barash. Akhatrij is celebrated by Kokna tribes where ladies are the main participants. Divaso is celebrated by Dhodia and Varli tribes. Rakhi-Bandhan is celebrated by Dhodia. Other festivals are Bhawada amongst Varli and Koli tribes, Kali Puja by all tribes after harvesting of crops and Gram Devi before harvesting.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is sure to entangle you with its calm sylvan surrounding, large waterfronts and gurgling waterfalls, but is not a typical shopping destination. Still shopping in Dadra and Nagar Haveli can be a pleasant experience for the discerning shopper. Like all places in India, this tiny land also boasts of its handicrafts, which can turn out to be a great shopping in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. While shopping in Dadra and Nagar Haveli watch out for-
•        Leather slippers
•        Woven of bamboo mats and baskets
•        Articles made of greenish gold torpe grass

Dadar & Nagar Haveli - Homeland of Simple, Cheerful & Colorful Tribes

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'Vanganga Lake || AA Recreation'

'Island Garden & Hirwa Van || AA Recreation'

'Vanvihar Tourist Complex || AA Recreation'

'Madhuban || AA Recreation'

Dadar & Nagar Haveli - Quick Facts