Gujarat Heritage Art Greets Passengers At SVPI Airport
Newzdaddy Business Updates
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport, in a continued effort to offer passengers a deep cultural experience and showcase the rich traditions of Gujarat, has unveiled a series of captivating art installations at Terminal 2. These artistic additions showcase the essence of Gujarat’s freedom movement, cultural identity, and festival spirit, offering travellers an immersive glimpse into the soul of the state.
Conversations of Freedom: With Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at its heart, this beautiful installation, located in the Departures check-in hall, captures the spirit of India’s freedom struggle. Surrounding them are symbolic depictions of Gujarat’s iconic landscapes and the enduring legacy of its people. The artwork remains a tribute to Gujarat’s pivotal role in the journey for independence. The mural spans 350 meters of metallic sheets, offset by jaali-like illustrations of the state’s geographical and monumental elements, overlaid with three-dimensional sculptures in brass and copper.
Gujarat played a key role in India’s independence movement. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi from Porbandar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel from Nadiad shaped the direction of the struggle. Their work inspired millions and continues to be remembered globally. This mural reminds travellers of Gujarat’s identity as a land of leaders and visionaries. The use of copper and brass connects the past with the present, as these metals are widely used in temples and crafts across Gujarat. Large murals in busy airports also serve another purpose: they give travellers a sense of calm, orientation, and cultural identity during what can often be stressful journeys.
Utsav Wall – Navratri and Uttarayan Celebrations: Located in the Baggage Claim Hall in Arrivals, this vibrant mural captures the spirit of Gujarat’s renowned festivals, including Navratri and Uttarayan. The Utsav Wall is a three-dimensional metallic installation composed of modular sheet blocks layered with patterned brass strips. With rhythmic depictions of majestic Garba dancers and soaring kites in the skies, the Utsav Wall welcomes passengers with a warm celebration of tradition, joy, and cultural pride for which Gujarat is celebrated.
Navratri is more than just a festival; it is the longest dance festival in the world, attracting tourists to Gujarat every year. People dress in colourful outfits and dance Garba through the night for nine days. Including this in the airport’s art is a way of showing visitors what they can expect if they step outside. Uttarayan, the kite festival, is equally iconic. Every January, the sky in Ahmedabad and other cities fills with colourful kites, turning rooftops into lively arenas. Visitors who arrive at this time are greeted with one of Gujarat’s most joyful sights. By featuring these traditions in art, the Utsav Wall becomes a cultural teacher, giving every traveller a first taste of Gujarat’s living traditions.
Pragati-ni-Patang: Inspired by Gujarat’s beloved tradition of kite flying, this dynamic sculpture brings to life the energy, colour, and joy associated with Uttarayan. The sculpture, located in the Domestic Arrival area of SVPI Airport Terminal 2, features life-size sculptures of children cast in bronze. Through the joyful expressions of children and the vibrant motion of kites in the sky, the piece represents hope, progress, and the limitless aspirations of future generations. The kites are made of formed acrylic sheets with concealed metal and stainless steel supports and are illuminated internally with bright lights.
Bronze sculptures have long been a mark of timeless art, often seen in India’s temples and heritage monuments. Here, using bronze to show children makes the message universal—innocence, joy, and hope. The glowing kites add a magical touch, especially at night, creating a sense of celebration that passengers cannot miss. Gujarat’s story has always been one of progress, from being a centre of trade in history to its present role in business, education, and technology. The sculpture stands as a symbol of those aspirations, tying cultural practices with modern dreams.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, remains committed towards promoting and showcasing Gujarat’s rich heritage and culture, aiming to provide a memorable and enriching experience for all passengers.
SVPI Airport has a history of blending travel with culture. Previous expansions also included textile patterns, heritage wall art, and traditional design features. The airport is managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited, part of Adani Group, which has made strong investments in improving passenger comfort and cultural value. It has also received Level-4 accreditation for customer experience from Airports Council International (ACI), a global recognition for airports that go beyond basic facilities and truly enhance the passenger journey. By adding art that celebrates Gujarat’s freedom, festivals, and hopes, SVPI Airport gives travellers a memory that goes beyond flights—it gives them the story of Gujarat itself.
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