The Hodka village is believed to have been set up by the Halepotra clan. Halepotra literally means the (son or the descendant of Halaji), who is believed to have immigrated from Sindh.
Along with the Halepotra, who are Muslims, the Hindu Meghwals have also settled in Hodka. The Halepotras belonging to the bigger group called Maldharis, or cattle breeders believe their ancestors originated from Saudi Arabia and reached Kutch via Iran, Baghdad and Sindh in search of pastures for their cattle. The Meghwals- also known as MarwadaMeghwals- believe their ancestors came from Marwar, Rajasthan. They are traditionally leather craftsmen and settled in Banni which was rich in livestock. Today there are 8 nokhs (sub castes) of the Meghwal community residing in Hodka.
Hodka Art and Craft : Traditional art work Hodka village is quite famous for its art and craft work. Every hamlet in the village have their own distinguish designs and patterns. The area is famous for its leather craft. As part of the tradition every girl in the village is taught to embroider at an age when the other children usually prefer going to the school. Slowly they learn the running stitch, making purses, skirts, cholis, quilt, covers for cattle horn, door hangings, embroidered items embellished with mirrors, shells, beads and tassels and so on.
Houses of Hodka Village : The structure and pattern of houses in the Hodka village never fail to impress the visitors. Hodka village consists of typically mud houses. The people of Hodka village use dung and natural dyes in the earth tones to decorate their houses. All the houses are nicely decorated and finely painted. They usually construct their houses using mud which helps in keeping the interior cool.
Tourists Activities :
Visit around the Village : You can make a visit around the village accompanied by the local bhomiyas or guides, who give you the proper insight of the village. You get to learn about the lifestyle of the villagers in Hodka. Witness the making of finest embroidery work and leather craft. Converse with the families of the different artisans and discuss about their livelihood. See how the ancient people used to dig out water from the well or virda known locally.
BY ROAD: FOR THOSE TRAVELING FROM AHMEDABAD, THE BUS MAY BE MORE CONVENIENT THAN THE TRAIN, THOUGH SLIGHTLY MORE EXPENSIVE. SEVERAL PRIVATE COMPANIES RUN SLEEPER BUSES (WITH A FULL HORIZONTAL BUNK), LEAVING THE CITY FOR BHUJ BETWEEN 8PM AND 11PM, ARRIVING IN BHUJ BETWEEN 6AM AND 8AM THE NEXT MORNING. THESE BUS COMPANIES ALL HAVE THEIR OFFICES AROUND PALDI IN AHMEDABAD; SAHJANAND TRAVELS AND PATEL TRAVELS ARE TWO RECOMMENDED ONES. THERE ARE ALSO PRIVATE SITTING (NON-SLEEPER) BUSES, AND ST (STATE TRANSPORT) BUSES THAT MAKE THE TRIP FOR LESS MONEY BUT CONSIDERABLY LESS COMFORTABLE SEATS. ONCE IN BHUJ, ST BUSES GO TO LARGER DESTINATIONS AROUND THE DISTRICT, PRIVATE JEEPS CAN ALSO BE RENTED (A GOOD OPTION FOR LARGER PARTIES), AND SOME SMALLER PLACES CAN ONLY BE REACHED BY CHHAKDAS.
BY RAIL: TWO DAILY EXPRESS TRAINS, THE BHUJ EXPRESS AND THE KUTCH EXPRESS, GO FROM BHUJ TO AHMEDABAD (8HRS) AND ON TO MUMBAI (16HRS.) HOWEVER, BOTH TRAINS PASS THROUGH AHMEDABAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, AS THE SCHEDULES ARE DESIGNED TO DEPART AND ARRIVE AND REASONABLE HOURS FROM BHUJ AND MUMBAI, NOT AHMEDABAD.
BY AIR : ONE OR MORE FLIGHTS DAILY CONNECT BHUJ TO MUMBAI.
