The dominating and ruling community of one time, the Mers of Saurashtra have a historic background of 15 to 16 centuries, are now living, a compratively simpler life of farmers. The Mers have suffered a setback in their status through the years. Fortunately for them, the Mers have been able to preserve their sway and superiority of sentiments. The Mers, the bold people in nature are also known as ‘Maher’.
            The Mers are believed to have descended from the Gohil dynasty. They are strong and stout in build. Keep big moustaches and they walk gorgeously. The Mer community is mainly concentrated on the western coast of Saurashtra. Porbandar, Jamnagar, and Junagadh are the main centres of the Mer community.
            The male members of the community usually were breeches and the shirts called kediyu. They put on princely turban and a cloth called ‘Khes’ on the shoulders. At times the Met male ties a ‘Bhet’ on the waist. A thick wooden statt and axe are the traditional weapon of a Mer. They have been wearing khadi for a pretty long time. Old women of the community spin the cotton yarn themselves on the hand-spinning wheel. The male wears cotton fabric made by their women.
            The Mer women are generally beautiful and attractive. Pretty face and healthy physic are the assets of a Mer female. The Mer lady moving with a bare face and loaded with ornaments is never afraid of anybody. Usually fair in complexion, Mer women look more beautiful in dark red or black dress. The piece of thin cloth on her head is always black. She does not wear bangles. On occasions, she puts on gold and silver ornaments. The tatoo is both a tradition and a hobby among the Mer men and women.
            Holi and Shitala-satam are the main festivals of the community. They have maintained the festival-games, which are full of bravery and boldness in nature. Running competitions are held on the occasion of ‘Balev’. The well-known competition of The Mers is one in which betle-nuts are pierced into a coconut only with the pressure of palms.