Halvad

Halvad is a town in Surendranagar district of Gujarat. It is located at 23° N latitude and 71°12' E longitude.

History
Halvad was a former capital of Dhrangadhra State and was ruled by Jhala Rajputs. It is an ancient fortified town at the southern edge of the little Rann of Kutch. The yellow earth of this semi arid area and buildings of local yellow sandstone makes the whole townscape glow with a vibrant golden yellow at sunset and sunrise.

Halvad is famous for gourmet Brahmins and heroic warriors, who fought against past invaders to protect their hometown. Today, one can see several cenotaphs and hero-stones built of sandstone, at the gates of Halvad. They evoke the memories of women who committed sati to protect their honor and men who died fighting against enemies. Newly weds come here to perform the ritual of untying of nuptial knots and pay homage to their ancestors. Even today, once a year, Brahmins at Halvad organize an unusual competition of Laddu-eating.

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