Daman and Diu are the two separate isolated land blocks situated at a distance of about 800 kms away from each other on the western coastal border of Gujarat State, abutting the Arabian Sea. Both these pockets formerly each comprising a District of erstwhile Union Territory of Goa has been formed into a separate Union Territory viz. Daman and Diu after delinking from Goa. Earlier they were Portuguese Colonies until 19th December, 1961 when they got liberated alongwith Goa. As in the case of Daman, Diu which is an island covering only 40 sq.km. in area, also becomes a ‘Region’, purely on administrative and political reasons. As per documented records the history of Diu begins with the Mauryas in 322 BC.
The Climate of Diu is normally pleasant throughout the year. The Monsoon season is from: June to September. Temperature range: 15° C to 40° C. Average Rainfall: 55 cm. The Diu islet enjoys a maritime climate which is constantly affected by the sea breezes. The weather remains dry but pleasant throughout the year. In the winters Diu temperature reaches a maximum of 26 ° C while minimum being 20 ° C. During summers the maximum temperatures do not rise above 36 degrees and the minimum does not fall below 20° C. The annual rainfall received by the island is 540 millimeters with the monsoon season lasting from the month of June to September. The weather in Diu during the summer season is not too hot and is simply bearable.
Festival Village is Asia\'s longest beach festival situated at a distance of 1 km from Diu Airport and 3 km from Nagoa Beach. This beach festival in Diu provides free breakfast service to its guests. Festa De Diu - Festival Village in Diu accommodates 60 air-conditioned tents. The wooden floored tents are equipped with amenities like lamps, separate seating area, king-size beds, television, porch and an attached bathroom with hot and cold water facility. This beach festival in Diu has arranged more than 20 musicians, 10 comedians, 15 bands, 6 heritage walks and 30 workshops that will take ones breath away. Guests can also enjoy various activities like hot-air balloon ride, zip lining and bungee jumping set up by the organizers.
The Island of Diu is situated slightly off the coast of Kathiawar (Saurashtra) near the Port of Veraval at the entrance of Gulf of Cambay bounded by the Chassi River on the North and the Arabian Sea on the remaining three sides with a coastal length of 21 kms It lies between the parallels 20°-44’-34” and 20°-42’-00”of latitude in North and between meridians 71°-00’-24” and 70°-52’-26” of longitude East of Greenwich. Diu occupies an area of 40 sq. km. Its maximum width from the extreme north to south measures 4.6 km. and length from east to west is 13.8 km.
Diu is a unique and composite blend of Gujarat's and Portuguese cuisine.This blend then, leaves few food domains that are not covered in the island's menu. On one hand you find traditional Gujrati food, its flavors and elements derived from the state nearby and on the other hand you have an influence of the past with Portugeese cuisine only complimented by the sea around and a dominance of exotic sea food. While these are the defining cultures, one can find a few more international cuisines as well as typical Indian food in the restaurants. The island is also popular because of availability of alcoholt, givent the adjacent dry state of Gujarat.
Diu was a part of Gujarat before the Portuguese conquered it. Traditionally carry on the lifepattern and rhythm as that of Gujarat and Saurashtra Cultural Region. Diu is an extension of Kathiawad Cultural Zone which influences language, dress patterns, food habits, customs and practices and other cultural elements. The ethnic mosaic of Diu comprises of Hindus, viz Kharwa, Koli, Brahman, Bania, Vanza, Salat, Sanghadia, Bhoiraj, Dhobi, Vankar, Bhangi and the tribal namely Siddi, Muslim viz. Momin and Khoja and Christians. Most of the Hindu Communities consider themselves the descendants of Rajputs which referring to the ATAK (Surname) GOTRA (Clan) names. While the Kharwa, Koli, Vanza and Salat claim to be the original inhabitants of Diu, other perceives them as migrants from various places of Gujarat and Saurashtra. The staple diet is fish, rice and bajri.
The documented history of the District of Diu begins with the Maurya rule (c. 322-220 B.C.). Emperor Chandragupta Maurya had extended his supremacy over Saurashtra and had appointed Pushagupta as Governor of the province of Saurashtra with the Head-quarters in village Girnar near Junagadh. Yavanraj Tushappa ruled over Saurashtra as Governer of Emperor Ashoka (c.273-237 B.C.). Emperor Ashoka had sent Yavana Thero named Dhammarakhito as evangelist to the western sea board including Diu. His grandson Samprati (c. 229-220 B.C.) seems to have ruled over Saurashtra from Ujjain. He propagated Jainism and erected many Jain Temples. The Jain traditions from Diu seems to belong to this period.
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Last Update on Date: 05-08-2024
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