Junagadh is the pride of Gujarat and home to the Asiatic lion commanding a vast track of undulating forest land which also gives rise to mount Girnar, a place of religious pilgrimage for a variety of communities. Junagadh city,the district capital is a quaint town with winding roads and alleys with fascinating architecture reflecting years of Babi rule. The Asiatic lion shares its habitat ,The Gir Forest, with the Maldhari and Siddis communities. While the Maldharis are known for their distinct style of embroidery, the Siddhis live off the forest, fashioning local wood into a series of string and percussion instruments which date back to their origins in eastern Africa.
Bead embroidered and braided work is also hallmark of this district leading to a profusion of toys, decorative hangings, torans and showpiece artifacts. The wood and metalsmiths of this region once engaged in sculpting and adorning the doors and windows of princely Havelis have now transcended their art into intricately engineered brass and iron fittings on wooden bullock carts. These are now used for ceremonial and marriage processions.