India is a land of festivals and the way these get celebrated here doesn’t need any preliminary description in the true sense. Everything starting with emotions, excitement and fun to joy, zest and gusto evolve as inseparable part of these festivals. Some of these festivals got international acclamation and celebrated in various parts of the world. Besides, the rich regional traditions, culture and history also get displayed through these festivities. This is one reason why travellers from various parts of the world come down here to witness, experience and participate in the spirit of these celebrations.
Rann Utsav, Kutch
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| Rann Utsav, Kutch |
The Rann Utsav ceremony occurs every year in the white desert of Kutch in the state of Gujarat. Kutch is known to have the characteristic natural appeal due to its unique presence at the confluence of ocean and deserts. Witnessing the morning sunrise, the evening sunset, experiencing the moonlight night or sitting near the bonfire in the cold night pleases the heart and the soul. This city of white sand remains vibrant in the festive mood for quite a few months of the year. Beginning from dances, songs, cultural programs to adventure tourism one could be a part of all here.
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| Camel Safari |
The endless sands, the beautiful tents, the busy marketplaces, the exhibition centre, food courts, water ballooning, camel safari, cultural performances, etc., have been luring the travellers and trippers to come here since ages. Besides, the beach town Mandvi, Dholavira, Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary and the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary are important tourist spots here. The festival provides a unique opportunity to the local artists and craftsmen to display their creativity, handiwork and craft.
The festive occasion attracts not only the natives from the nearby regions including Mewar, Sindh and Afghanistan, but also the travellers from abroad. They wait anxiously for this time of the year to experience, witness and participate in the festival with high zeal and enthusiasm. The wonderful display of handicrafts, embroidery works and miniature wooden crafts are the other important attractions of the festival.
This year, the Rann of Kutch Utsav Festival would be celebrated from the 18th of November, 2015 to the 23rd of February, 2016. It is organised by the Gujarat Tourism Department.
To get there
To reach Kutch by flight, you need to book a flight for Bhuj. Next, board a taxi to reach Kutch. If you are travelling from Kolkata (West Bengal) then board Bhuj Express from the Sealdah Station. The weekly train departs from the Sealdah Station at 10:30 pm and reaches Bhuj at 4:40 pm on the third day. Besides, you may reach Bhuj via Ahmedabad as well.
To stay
Both the private and government hotels available for comfortable staying in Bhuj. Besides, the organisers of the festival provide tent cottages for comfortable staying as well. For more information and booking visit www.rannutsav.com