Shreyas Folk Museum: A Cultural Tapestry of Gujarat

The Shreyas Folk Museum, also known as the Lokayatan Museum, was established in 1977 by the Shreyas Foundation to preserve and promote the traditional art and crafts of Gujarat. The museum's concept was envisioned by Leelavati Lalbhai, a philanthropist dedicated to preserving Gujarat's heritage. The museum is divided into four sections. The Lokayatan Folk Museum displays artifacts reflecting the art and craft of various Gujarati communities, including Kathi, Rabari, Brahmin and Rajput. Exhibits include colorful embroidery, beadwork, woodcarving, metalwork, and leatherwork, alongside traditional jewelry, footwear and old carts. Notable displays feature a traditional old kitchen, tie-dyed quilts, dowry boxes, and ornaments crafted by the Rabri people. The Kalpana Mangaldas Balayatan Museum, established in 1982, showcases toys, crafts, and performing arts objects from 54 states and countries. A highlight is the 3.19-meter-high elephant skeleton. The Kathani section, developed in 2004, features photographs of performances from fairs and festivals across India. The Sangeet Vadyakhand section, established in 1984, displays musical instruments from India and the world, including string, wind, and bow instruments used in classical and folk music. Visitors can explore Gujarat's diverse communities' art forms, ranging from the Kathi and Rabari to Brahmin and Rajput. The museum pays tribute to the spirit of Gujarati women who have enriched the state's heritage through their crafts and imagination.