About Us

Nani Pethan Village:

Information from 1979-1988 Nani Pethan Water Works Committee (UK) Souvenir book.

Pethan village is separated in two parts, Moti Pethan to the East and Nani Pethan to the West. The distance between both these villages is approximately 1km / 0.6 miles. Both these villages are known as one village Pethan according to official records and, they run as one village according to the local government council. There is only one post office and one head person (sarpanch) allocated between these two villages. There is only one school between these two villages, however in Moti Pethan there is a facility for children to attend school up to year 3. The geographic map denotes these as separate villages.

Nani Pethan is a small village located in India’s Gujarat state district of Valsad, and sub district of Navsari. Nani Pethan is located approximately 8km / 5miles West of Navsari Town and, is on route to Dandi village. Nani Pethan has a population of approximately 1200residents from diverse backgrounds. They are Patels, Mistrys, Tailors, Harpatis, Mochis (Cobbler/shoemaker), Harijans (untouchable/socially discriminated), Muslims, and Ahirs (Shepherds).

There has been a lot of improvement to the village following the first discussion during 1936/37. It took about one week and the whole village worked hard together in widening the road. The side paths used by cattle were narrow & deep, during the monsoon season it was difficult for the cattle to get past, so the Village Lake was dug, and the side path was filled. The pathways to Khetar (farmland) were very narrow also.

Official measurements were undertaken, and the routes were widened by government. It is with deep regret that I have to say looking at it now the routes are back to what they were in 1936/37. There was a lot of excitement at the time during these improvements. There was also some opposition and unrest due to individuals losing some of their land for the improvements, some individuals had police beatings during these times too.

Nani Pethan aided in the uncooperative movement and made many sacrifices. During the 1942 “Quit India resolution” there was a lot of excitement for the freedom and after the shooting in Matvaad, few young individuals spent time in jail.

Nani Pethan is blessed with sweet water and the village benefits from a Lake beautifully surrounded by a Pipra Tree (Ficus religiosa / Sacred Fig), Ambli Tree (Tamarind tree), Bavariyo tree (Thorns acacia nilotica babul tree) and a Wad Tree (Banyan Tree). There are also 4/5 small mandirs (temples). Honest hard-working people who reside in Nani Pethan. Many years ago, few residents went abroad to South Africa and East Africa, during the Second World War many of our brothers from Nani Pethan went to East Africa via the ships and earned a living working hard and now live there. Due to apartheid in south Africa; Independence of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzanika (Republic of Tanzania) and de-nationalisation of Africans; our brothers were forced to flee these countries as Idi Amin (President of Uganda) gave Indians 3 months to leave Uganda. Many of the Indians were citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies hence later immigrated to England, whilst others became stateless after being stripped of their Ugandan citizenship. Most of the Ugandan Indians refugees who were accounted for went to Britain.

Nani Pethan originally had approximately 7/8 streets spread over 2km/ 1.25miles, harbouring a Talav (Lake) with beautiful surroundings.

Suthar Vaad:

This Faliya (street) has approximately 40 houses; the residents are mainly of Mistry origin. Many years ago, one household crafted wood and pottery to hold water as a way of living. Other residents were carpenters (hence surname Suthar) and farming as a way of life. According to village elders, they originate from Parsoli Village from Rajasthan State, Chittorgarh District. Some males from this street went to South Africa or East Africa due to their skills and to this day, they still live there. The entrance to this street is lined with old Ambli & Waad trees (Tamarind & Banyan). It has a sweet water well. There is a small Randal Mataji Temple in the middle of the street and the street looks beautiful on the edge of the Lake.

Hanuman Faliya/ Bhatlavaad:

On the approach to this Faliya we have Bhatlavaad / Anavil faliya, there is a small Street named Balasath which has 5/6 houses mainly resided by Patels. This street looks beautiful located on the edge of the Lake surrounded by Ambli trees (Tamarind). Balasath is next to Darjivaad (Tailor Street) which had 3/4 houses mainly occupied by Darjis, but they no longer reside in Nani Pethan. You will see a small Hanuman temple as you approach Bhatlavaad / Anavil Faliya. Every Saturday worshipers offer Oil & Sindur as part of their prayers. The temple cost 21000/Rs to construct. There are 3/4 Patel houses near the temple. As you move forward Bhatlavaad/ Anavil Faliya begins, many years ago there were 3/4 houses here, where Anavil families lived hence the name Bhatlavaad. These houses are still present, but the families have moved on to pastures new. Mistry families, who live here now, bought these houses. There is open space in the street and water well. There are two temples on the edge of the Lake; one is of Chanchar Mata, and the other temple is of Bhavani Mata. These temples look beautiful surrounded by the Pipal & Ambli Trees (Banyan & Tamarind). The water well is known as Patal water. This well is not used any longer due to change of water, before the water changed it used to have sweet water but not anymore. Legend has it that Kayabhai Bijlabhai from Samala Faliya a very strict worshiper, he used to bathe in this water from the well daily and light a Divo (candle). He would sprinkle water around the Pipal Tree left to right in a circular movement carrying out prayers. He would then bathe in seawater and again the same ritual. He lived a simple life of worship. This street is also on the edge of the Lake. The trees and temples make this street look peaceful. There is an area near the edge of the Lake to wash clothes. As you enter Hanuman Street, in the middle of this street there is a small Hanuman temple. Mainly Patels live in this street and farming is their occupation. Even today, many are maintaining family tradition earning a living by farming. The younger generation have varied occupation as a form of living. Muslims live at the end of this street; all of these households have family living abroad, many in England. One or two households have bought their loved ones to live in Nani Pethan from other villages.

Nava Faliya:

To my knowledge this street was formed in farming land due to lack of space, the main population is made up of Mistrys & Patels. The street begins with Makanjibhai Dullabhbhai Chavadas home, as this house is a bungalow type it enhances the streets beauty. This street was heavily populated and there always used to be infighting that is how it seemed, but now there are only few houses occupied most have moved to England and majority are now closed. The street is quite wide and there is one water well there too, adding to this street’s beauty.

Harijan Vas:

Harijan vas is located behind Hanuman Street, there are approximately 12/13 households in this street. Many of these families have moved to Mumbai (Bombay) and remain there. These people are hardworking families and are very useful to our village.

Samla Faliya:

Patels mainly reside in this street; it is a small street but with new houses built recently it has started to look a lot better than before and helped change the image of this street. During the monsoon season, the street used to be a mud fest and a nightmare to access. With the new built houses, the street has been widened and improvements implemented this street is also looking well. Like Hanuman Street residents their main occupation is farming, many live abroad mainly in England. There is a small park area created by the edge of the Lake, people sit at the edge of the Lake where benches have been placed for their benefit, which also makes the street look nice. There is clothes washing area near the Lake now where Banyan and Palm trees (Wad & Taad trees), these trees were cut back and pruned and cleared with new trees planted at the entrance which makes it look like a playing field.

Sadak Faliya

There are 9/10 houses in this street. 3 to 4 belonged to Mochi (Cobblers), I house belonged to a Parsi named Jahangirji Rustamji Bajina he sold Toddy (taadi) a palm wine beverage that is made by fermenting the sugary sap from various palm plants. He lived in a one-room house owned by a Muslim family from Kothamdi village. A lady named Bhaniben Chagganlaal Ghandhi lived in another one-bedroom house; she had a small shop selling daily household essentials for a living. Two houses were occupied by Mistry families, one by Tailor family, one house by Hadpati family and the old Gujarati board school up to year 5.

Due to change of time and limited space in Sutharvaad, five families got together and had seven houses built this way the street started to expand. Families from villages near Dandi and Samapur Sea started to have houses built and came to live in our village after 1932. At the same time, Nathoobhai Unkabhai Ghandhi opened a big food shop. Later on, as times changed, the shop came into the hands of Chothubhai Ghellabhai Ghandhi. Today many houses and mansions on either side of the street have been built giving the street a unique beauty. With all residents’ help a new school has been built, the school was funded by families living in East Africa. We cannot forget the efforts of Late Panchabhai Naranbhai Patel from Nava Faliya who was instrumental in the project. Where the old bus stand used to be now a new bus stand and water station has been erected as we enter the village. On the opposite side are benches placed in memory of Late Sukhabhai Dayalji Mistry by Revaben Sukhabahi Mistry makes the street very appealing for passengers and visitors. Opposite the bus stand, a Branch of Bank of Baroda has been made in Shri Nichabhai Dhanjibhai Mistrys house. The village is booming on the road from Navsari to Dandi. Recently Chottubahi Ghellabhai Ghandhi sold his shop, which was bought by another Nani Pethan resident Bhavanbhai Ramjibhai Patel who demolished it and built a new shop opposite Late Makanji Dullabhai Chavda house. He also owns a car and Auto Rickshaw in which I have tour the village. Secondary school classes have begun in the last two years. Shri Chagganlaal Parsotam Ghandhi had a shop for 10/15 years but again due to change in times the shop closed down. The shop is currently owned by Jerambhai Morarbhai Patel, Hirabhai Jogibhai Patel also own a similar shop. The Post Office is also on the street.

Ahir Vaad:

This street has developed over the last 10/15 years, to my knowledge there were no Ahirs (Shepherds) in our village, but times change. They mainly lived in the village named Mokhle and moved to Chaar Rasta (Four ways) on route to Navsari. The agricultural college descended in Chaar Rasta and the area where they lived, they had to give up their land to the college. They bought the land known as “Tailor Farm” in Nani Pethan and now live there. They are hardworking shepherds they farmland and own goats and lambs. The younger generation work in various industries for a living.

The Gaam (village) had 4 old watering wells and there was a lot of upheaval to get sweet water.

1. History of “Kuvo” (Well) in Bhatavaad is detailed above.

2. The “Kuvo” (Well) by Talav (Lake) was used regularly before the canals. The watering hole for cattle was also regularly used. The “Kuvo” (Well) was built for use by Vanjaras (AKA Banjara. Nomadic people from Northwestern belt of India {gypsies}) who came to dig the Talav (Lake) during 1936/37. As we now have constant stream in the canal the “Kuvo” (Well) is not used.

3. “Kuvo” (Well) on Sadak Faliya can be seen opposite Late: Mithabhai Budhibhai Patel & Late: Makanbhai Budhibhai Patel’s house, however it is not in use either. The “Kuvo” (Well) it was built and donated by Navroji Fakirji Chaarnana for use by everyone. The Script reads:

“District Surat. Subdivision Jalalpur. Gaam Pethan. Middle of the government road, for use by all people and cattle. Friday 22^nd May 1896. In memory of Mr Fakirji Ratanji Chaarnana by his son Navroji Fakirji Chaarnana.”

4. Jogibhai Bhulabhai Chavda had this 4^th “Kuvo” (Well) built on Sadak Faliya. To my knowledge there were 3 small houses next to the “Kuvo” (Well), which the school headmaster used during the monsoon season; the others were used similarly. There was a small water house which we used for drinking water during our school days. I still remember water being so cool, especially in the summer. The water house was maintained by a Harpati lady named Jivikaki, her family still live near the water house, Jivikaki was a bit strict though.

The 4^th “Kuvo” (Well) mentioned above, the 2 “Kuvo” (Well) on Sadak Faliya, are well utilised by people travelling along the route. People using this “Kuvo” (Well) either for themselves or their cattle gave blessings to those who built & donated them.

A Muslim named Walichacha came from Bharuch to live in Nani Pethan, selling meat. His family still live here, doing well in the family butchers’ business. His son Gulambhai has made significant donations to Nani Pethan.