Valsad is at the southernmost tip of Gujarat state and as such shares a culturally interactive relationship with the neighboring state of Maharashtra. Valsad on the west greets the setting sun of Arabian Sea and has welcomed migratory groups of people who came to the shores of this land seeking sanctuary and freedom from persecution in their original homelands.
The influence of Parsi community is very strong in this region and embroidered and woven textiles distinctively Persian are a fine example of the amalgamation of varied cultures in this area. Valsad’s climatic conditions are ideal for fruit plantations and the Alphanso mangoes of Valsad is a much coveted delicacy which is widely exported. A good perennial rainfall has given rise to other crop cultivation including johar, millets, rice and pulses.
The tribal headquarters of Dharampur fall in Valsad district where weekly haats or tribal melas showcase variety of ergonomically viable craft forms developed by Dangis, Bhils, and Warlis who come and exhibit their wares. Some wonderful work has also emerged in cane and bamboo and the unorthodox use of terracotta as relief exhibition panels apart from the traditional utensils of storage and household use. The Warlis also fashion ritualistic wooden masks for their personal use. These masks are handcrafted and are a part of narrative folklore of the region.