Ahmedabad, June 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended warm greetings to people, especially to the Kutchi community all around the world, on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Bij.
Taking to his official ‘X’ handle, PM Modi wrote, "Best wishes, especially to the Kutchi community all around the world, on the special occasion of Ashadhi Bij. May the year ahead bring peace, prosperity and wonderful health for everyone."
It is worth noting that Ashadhi Bij is celebrated on the second day of the bright half of the Ashadha month and is an important festival in Kutch.
It marks the arrival of the monsoon and the start of a new farming season. ‘Kutchis’ celebrate this day with great cultural pride and religious devotion, praying for good rains, prosperity, and overall well-being.
The Kutchi community, from the dry but culturally vibrant Kutch district in Gujarat, is known for its strength, business skills, and strong traditions. Kutch is home to many different ethnic groups, including Kutchi Patels, Lohanas, Memons, Jains, Sindhis, and Rabaris, among others.
The Kutchi community has a long history of business and sea trade, once linking India to ports in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Today, Kutchis play a key role in Gujarat's economy, leading industries like salt production, ceramics (especially in Morbi), textiles (like Bandhani and Ajrakh), dairy, and tourism.
The unique handicrafts, embroidery, and mirror work from Kutch are famous worldwide. These are often displayed at international exhibitions and used by top fashion brands.
The Kutchi community is spread across more than 40 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, the UK, the US, Canada, Oman, and the UAE.
In East Africa, Kutchis were among the first settlers during the 19th-century trade boom and played an important role in building the local economies.
