PM Modi Extends Ashadhi Bij Greetings to Kutchi Community Worldwide
On the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Bij, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to people across the nation, with a heartfelt message especially dedicated to the Kutchi community in India and abroad.
Taking to his official handle on social media platform X, the Prime Minister posted on Friday:
“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.”
Ashadhi Bij, observed on the second day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha, holds profound cultural and religious significance for the people of Kutch in Gujarat. The festival marks the arrival of the monsoon and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle, symbolizing hope, renewal, and prosperity. Communities come together to offer prayers for timely rainfall, abundant harvests, and general well-being.
The Kutchi community, known for its entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and deep-rooted traditions, has played a pivotal role in shaping Gujarat’s economic and cultural identity. Kutch is home to a vibrant mix of ethnic groups, including Kutchi Patels, Lohanas, Memons, Jains, Sindhis, and Rabaris, each contributing to the region’s rich heritage.
Historically, the Kutchis were central to India’s maritime trade, forging strong commercial ties with ports across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Today, they continue to dominate various industries such as salt production, ceramics in Morbi, Bandhani and Ajrakh textiles, dairy farming, and tourism.
Globally, the Kutchi diaspora spans over 40 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, the UK, the US, Canada, Oman, and the UAE. In East Africa, they were among the early settlers during the 19th-century trade expansions, playing a foundational role in developing local economies. In the UK, cities like London and Leicester host large Kutchi-speaking populations, who remain actively engaged in cultural, social, and spiritual practices through community centres and temples.
The diaspora’s strong connection to its roots is reflected in its support for philanthropic initiatives across healthcare, education, and infrastructure in their ancestral homeland. Organisations such as the Kutchi Leva Patel Samaj (KLPS), Kutchhi Visha Oswal Jain Mahajan, and Kutchi Memons Welfare Trust continue to champion social causes, benefiting both local communities and international welfare efforts. The Prime Minister’s message on Ashadhi Bij not only celebrates the start of the monsoon but also honors the enduring spirit and contributions of a global community that remains deeply tied to its heritage.
