Smt Sushilaben D. Parikh Palanpur Museum and Art Gallery managed by Vidyamandir Trust organised the Palanpur Heritage Week between January 20 and 28, 2015 with the aim of spreading awareness of the glorious past of the town amid the younger generation and help them connect with their roots. The celebration was planned to coincide with the Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav of Shri Pallaviya Parshwanath Jinalaya, one of the oldest heritage monuments in Palanpur which was built by Raja Prahladandev.

As part of the celebrations the area of the Vidyamandir campus around the museum was decorated to depict various important aspects of the town’s historical and cultural heritage. Among the highlights of the display were the miniature of the seven gates of Palanpur (Delhi gate, Gathaman gate, Malan gate, Meera gate, Veerbai gate, Salempura gate and Sadarpur gate) that defined the boundaries of the walled city; miniatures of Kirtistambh and SarkariTajiya; a full size flex banner explaining the importance of Nagarkot (Wall), Vhor Vaas, Meethi Vaav, Khoda Limda, etc; and old pots which were used in old times like Surahi, Jug, Paandaan, Gulabdani and also dressing glass, Katar, Ghati (Clock of Sand). 

A special section of the exhibition gave information about the old writers and poets of Palanpur like Murshadbawa, Baba Deen Darvesh, Kavi Anandi, Madnavati.

During the week, the Trust also conducted a heritage photography competition with entries in two different categories – Students and Open around the theme “Banaskantha Na Pravasan Sthalo” for students and “Banaskantha Nu Lok Jivan” for open category. There were a total of 25 entries from students and 45 in the open category. All participants received certificates of commendation and the top three in each category won awards.

Elsewhere on the campus there were displays by the students of Vidyamandir on different aspects such as science, art, environment, counselling, hobbies etc. The differently abled children of Mamtamandirtoo participated.
 

Among the exhibits that were appreciated by all were a 300 ft canvas on ‘Heritage Places of Palanpur’ painted by Vidyamandir students and a Gandhi mural around the theme “Chalo Gandhi Jiviye”. Book lovers appreciated the book fair and many other people participated enthusiastically on the Palanpur Heritage Walkz on four different routes covering all the important heritage sites in Palanpur.

During the week, two major events that were open to all were also held at the museum – the Mushayaraon January 24 and Sufi Sangeet Sandhya on January 25. Well known ghazalkar Musafir Palanpuri, Bhagirath Brahmbhatt and Bhavesh Bhatt participated in the Mushayara, and famous Sufi Singer Hriday Desai, Sarangivadak Allah RakhaKalavant and his colleagues were the artistes at the Sufi Sangeet Sandhya.

For the many Palanpuris who participated in the Heritage Week with it was an amazing experience to see old Palanpur recreated before their eyes.The initiative by the Vidyamandir Trust was appreciated by all.