Bollywood Groove

1. The People: 9 out of 10 Diamonds on Earth Pass Through Surat

Surat’s master diamond cutters and polishers are world-renowned. In fact, roughly 90% of the world’s rough diamonds are cut and polished right in this city!

Alongside its bustling industrial artisan communities, the region is also home to rich indigenous cultures like the Gamit tribe, who preserve ancient traditions, language, and eco-friendly lifestyles in harmony with nature.

2. Folk Art: Zari Work Uses Real Gold and Silver Threads

Surat is world-famous for its traditional Zari embroidery. Historically, this royal art form involved flattening actual gold and silver wire into ultra-thin threads to weave into fine silk sarees.

Dating back to the Mughal era, Surat’s Zari craft is so distinct that it holds a protected Geographical Indication (GI) status.

3. Cuisine: “Undhiyu” Is Cooked Upside-Down Underground

Surti food culture is legendary across India (there’s even an old proverb: “Eat in Surat, die in Varanasi”).

One of its defining dishes, Undhiyu, gets its name from the Gujarati word undhu, meaning “upside down.”

Traditionally, a blend of winter vegetables, herbs, and spices is packed into earthenware pots, sealed with mud, and buried upside down under hot coals to slow-roast to perfection.

4. Architecture: Surat Castle Was Built to Stop Pirates

Standing along the Tapi River, Surat Castle (also known as Old Fort) was constructed in the 16th century by King Sultan Mahmud III.

Its primary purpose? To defend the wealthy port city against repeated pirate attacks and Portuguese invasions.

The walls were built with massive iron strips and melted lead to ensure no cannonball could easily breach them!

5. Festival: Navratri in Gujarat Is the World’s Longest Dance Festival

Surat comes alive during Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to honoring the divine feminine energy.

Celebrated with immense joy across Gujarat, it is recognized as one of the longest continuous dance festivals in the world, bringing entire communities together under starry skies for music, color, and celebration.

6. Dance: Some say, Dandiya Sticks Originally Represented Swords

The rhythmic click of wooden sticks during Dandiya Raas is one of the most energetic sounds of Indian folk dance.

While it is now a joyful community dance, according to some people, Dandiya originally originated as a symbolic re-enactment of a battle between the Goddess Durga and the demon king Mahishasura, with the polished wooden sticks (dandiyas) representing swords.