Fortunate to be a Bhavnagari Being born on the sacred soil of Bhavnagar is a blessing I cherish deeply. This land, rich with culture, art and history, is not just a city, but a sanctuary. The wisdom and foresight of its rulers and planners laid the foundation for a city that was ahead of its time with underground drainage systems and wide roads, some even paved with cement. Gazing down from from the skies, one cant help but marvel at the brilliance of the urban planning, its roads forming a perfect square, where one circle seamlessly connects to the next, a design which would have been unheard of at the time.This thoughtful designs allows for verdant gardens, tranquil pond and meticulously planned parks for those moments of leisure and reflection. The Krishnanagar area, in particular, has 10 to 12 feet wide lanes left between houses for essential utilities like sewage, water and electric lines, ensuring that life flows smoothly undisturbed by the need of repair or maintenance. Such is the genius of this place - a city not just built, but sculpted with care! Bhavngar stands apart, cradling within its heart a man-made forest, one of the only two cities of Gujarat with this fame to its name. Victoria park, sprawling over 400 acres, breathes life into the city as its green lungs. Just as the heart sustains the body, so does victoria park, purifying the air, transforming carbon dioxide into pure life - giving oxygen. At its heart lies the Krishnakunj pond, a haven for birds that migrate here, building nests and finding sustenance in its serene waters. The forest is home to a diversity of life - trees, small and large, grow freely, while rabbits, antelopes, and porcupines find refuge in its depths. Birds settle her as night falls and when the dawn breaks, their song, mingling with the rustle of leaves, creates a symphony of nature that nourishes the soul. Sitting by the pond one can feel their thoughts drift and can immerse themselves in the gentle embrace of nature. The voices of the earth - the birds, the animals, the trees - fill your heart with joy and bring clarity to your mind. This, too, is my Bhavnagar. Though modest in size, Bhavnagar is a city resplendent with greenery. Along its streets, gulmohar and garmala trees stand like sentinels, their blossoms bursting forth in a riot of reds and yellows each morning, as if nature itself has dressed the city for a grand celebration. But it is not just the land or the flora that makes Bhavnagar special - it is the people, simple and generous, always ready to offer a helping hand. Travel beyond the city’s borders, and you might hear others speak of Bhavanagr’s unique tradition of never splitting their tea into two cups. This act, seemingly small, is rich in its meaning - it speaks of love, of equality, of a bond that transcends distinctions. “Those who share their meals, share their hearts”, the saying goes, and it rings true here. Bhavnagari are known for their willingness to assist, whether it’s giving directions or even going an extra mile and accompanying a stranger all the way to their destination. Even in the smallest of gestures - offering water to a visitor, a tradition handed down from the times of kings, one finds the essence of Bhavnagar. The kings were revered for their compassions, and the people naturally followed suit. As the old adage goes, “As the king, so the people”. This spirit of kindness and humanity is what defines Bhavnagar as the land of culture. The city is graced with lakes - Bor talav, Gaurishankar lake and other - each thoughtfully created to sustain Bhavnagar. Rainwater from the Malnath Hills is channelled into bor talav, a feat of engineering and environmental stewardship. A walk along bor talav at dawn or dusk is a spiritual experience, where the rising and setting sun paints the sky and the water in hues that stir the soul. Every bygone era has left its mark in stone and marble in the architectural scene of the city. From the white marble of Takhteshwar to the graceful arches of Ganga Deri to many other notable structures - Ayurvedic college, Darbari Kothar, Sir P.P. Institute of Science, Sir Jaswantsinhji dispensary, Gandhi Smriti, Sardar smriti, crescent tower, Nilambag Palace, Old darbargadh, Bhav Vilas Palace, Nandkunwarba balashram, Alfred high school, High court, Majiraj girls’ high school (where Gandhiji studied), Barton library, Kanbiwad girls’ school, town hall, Raja ni chattardi, Bhavnath temple, Jashonath temple and countless others. The outer wall of Majiraj School, adorned with 24 exquisite black stone carvings of women wearing jewellery from diverse Indian communities, is a silent ode to the city’s artistic heritage. Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji who ruled over 1800 villages, was the first to selflessly hand over his kingdom to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Such a noble soul, always wished for the wel-being of his people, and they, in turn, followed his example. Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji also fostered the arts by inviting renowned artists like Raja Ravi Varma and others to Bhavnagar. He also established the Sanyas Ashram, providing accomodation for scholars and ascetics, with the famous engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya overseeing the project. The southern and western parts of the city are embraced by the mountain range that covers the entire district. Bhavnagar has also given Gujarat notable figures like Nanbhai Bhatt, Gijubhai Badheka and Harbhai Trivedi. Talaja is the birthplace of the famous poet Narsinh Mehta. Kavi Kant wrote one of his most famous poems, “Sagar ane Sashi”, inspired by the sight of the moon rising from the sea, while standing on the terrace of Gopnath Mahadev’s temple. The city's royals, ministers, visionaries, citizens, and esteemed educational and social institutions have woven a tapestry of culture that remains deeply rooted in its people, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of creative expression. Such a legacy, sustained over nearly three centuries, is a rare treasure among princely cities. Bhavnagar has lovingly nurtured the delicate arts—literature, music, drama, painting, architecture, woodcraft, intricate embroidery, dance, and the vibrant rhythms of Raas Garba—preserving and cultivating them. For the last five years, my mornings have begun with a cycle ride through the ever-changing face of Bhavnagar. Every morning, I capture these transformations and share them with the people of Bhavnagar, both those who remain and those who have journeyed far, under the title “Good Morning Bhavnagar.” My hope is that these images keep the spirit of Bhavnagar alive in their hearts, a constant reminder of the city they cherish. Jai Bhavnagar. Amul K. Parmar