The festival of Kutch is an annual extravaganza organized by the Gujarat government in the Dhordo district. The vast white salty beaches of the Rann of Kutch look ethereal and otherworldly in the wintry months when the festival plays out. The profusion of festivities, musical performances and folk dances to which the region reverberates, highlight the multicultural, ancient and earthy spirit of the state itself. The festival continues for nearly five months. Since there is an overabundance of things to do and places to visit, it can be a little overwhelming for any visitor, especially a first-time tourist.
Where are the festivities centered?
The entire district of Dhordo is decked up for the festival and the various performances are scattered all over Dhordo. The celebrations start in Bhuj. The culminating ceremony, however, is staged in the tent city of the Rann Utsav.
Read More: Rann of Kutch tourism
Where should you stay?
Innumerable tents, which are chief among all Rann of Kutch attractions, are erected in Dhordo before the festival kicks off. These glorious colourful tents are extremely cosy and comfortable. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned variants. Guests are advised to stay in these tents to fully soak in the festival vibes. The tents are adequately furnished and provide travellers with all the necessary amenities like constant supply of water, even in the midst of a desert. You can also lodge at nearby homestays. There are numerous food stalls in the tent city that promise delicious Kutchi delicacies. Moreover, food is available round the clock.
When is the best time to visit?
Plan your visit around the full moon. The salt marshes and beaches shimmer in the soft glow of moonlight and can be quite mesmerizing.
Read More: Best Time to Visit Rann of Kutch
Let the cultural fiesta draw you in
There will be folk artists performing some school of music and dance in every corner of the festival. You don’t even have to plan an itinerary of performances you want to attend. You will keep bumping into a small crowd, enraptured by the folk artists as they weave their magic around every bend. There will be live performances around bonfires.
Sightseeing and things to do
There is no end of experiences that await you at the Rann Festival. Go on a solo ride across the desert in a Desert Patrol Vehicle. Rann Utsav tour packages also include camel rides. Walk across the edge of the land where it meets the sea. You can also opt for an aerial view of the festivities by boarding a hot air balloon. One of the most exciting things to do in Rann of Kutch is, visit the nearby villages that organize workshops where you can learn the art of designing small objects with fabric and other textiles.
The Rann Festival is famous for handicrafts and if you want to decorate your living room or your worktable, then just walk into a stall. There are stalls galore and they dot the entire length and breadth of the festival. The array of goods on offer is staggering. Articles made from leather, fabric, wood, silver, beads featuring painstaking details and intricate embroidery will dazzle you.
Read More – Places to Visit in Rann of Kutch
A few tips for travellers
- The Kutch Festival is organized in the winter months (end of October to end of February). Gujarat can be quite chilly, especially during the nights. So, tourists should carry a few woollens with them.
- Some form of identity proofs such as Aadhaar Card, Passport and Driving Licence must be with you at all times.
- Make it a point to behold the glimmering white terrain on a full moon night from the peak of the Kalo Dungar or Black Mountain, the highest point of this region.
- Book a place to stay at least a month and a half in advance.
- Procure the compulsory government pass (a security measure because of the proximity of the border with Pakistan).
If you are an intrepid tourist or someone who is just beginning to experience the joys of travelling, save at least a couple of days for the Rann Festival. It can be a life-affirming experience. Apart from Rann of Kutch packages, we also offer India tour packages, international tour packages and group tours in India and abroad ensuring that you have a memorable and hassle-free trip.
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