Swapna Hegde/ Times News Network

Mangalore, Jun 4: They came, they saw and they settled. Traders by origin, the Gujarati community came to the coastal town of Mangalore in the early 18th century in search of greener pastures to carry out their business activities.

The proximity between their native and the port city of Mangalore was an advantage. They imported cloth from their native land and exported spices, arecanut and rubber. Today, Gujaratis have diversified their business, thus establishing themselves as one of the most prosperous communities in a land far away from their own.

Gujaratis have made Mangalore and Dakshina Kannada their home, blending into its culture and tradition, yet safeguarding their identity. A Gujarati in the streets of Mangalore can speak as fluent Tulu or Konkani as anyone else belonging to the region. But, they still are bound by the rich traditions of the north that they belong to.

Traditionally, Gujarati society comprises various sects including Jains (called Vanias), Patels, Brahmins and Vaishnav but here they live as a close-knit family in bounds of a summon.

The number of Gujarati households has increased constantly over centuries. Presently there are around 2,200 families and the number is rising by five per cent every year. Concentrated in the Alake area, most of them reside in own buildings.

In 1935, Gujarati Mahajan Association was established to create a common ground for interface of their people. The Association started Shri Gujrati School to provide better education and ambience to their brood. The school provides special lessons in Gujarati language apart from the regular syllabus. The Association also runs an open library consisting both English and Gujarati books and a health check-up centre.

Changing times have modified their traditions. They have adapted bits and pieces from the regional culture. Their marriages are no longer restricted to their community. There are numerous examples of inter-caste and inter-region alliances. In fact, there is also a provision by their Association for arranged inter-region matrimony to fulfill the shortage of brides in their community.

Haribhai Kotecha, president of Gujarati Mahajan Association says: “The success of these nuptials is a proof of our adaptability.’’

Gujaratis are famous for their food and festivals. The delicacies like samosa, jalebi, dhokhla and srikhand are their contributions to the Indian cuisine.

Gujaratis are fond of food. They stick to their customary cookery and prefer it to any other taste. Their daily menu consists of bhakri (roti), dal, kadi, raita, shakh (veggies) and rice. On special occasions they cook khandva, thepla and phaphda. There are also festive recipies like undhiyo for uttarayan and semiya for Diwali.

The most colorful festival celebrated by Gujaratis is Navaratri, famous for dandiya and garba dances. Navaratri is also an opportunity for young boys and girls to choose life partners.

Diwali is New Year’s eve for the Gujaratis, they call it ‘Besta Varas’. Lakshmi pooja and tasty sweets are the specialty of the eve.

The peace loving Gujaratis have proved their adaptability by trying to be one among the locals.