With the longest coastline (1600 km), Gujarat is not only
the seventh largest state of India but also one of the most popular tourist
regions of the country. From rich culture, hill stations, archaeological as
well as architectural marvels, and ultra modern infrastructure, this vibrant
state has everything to entice an eager tourist. Gujarat is often quoted as the
“Land of Festivals and Fairs” as around 3500 fairs and festivals are celebrated
here, every year. These festivals not only depict the colors but also portray
this state’s rich culture and heritage with diverse outlooks. Here, we have
listed the five most popular fairs and festivals of Gujarat. Want to experience
the festive feel of vibrant Gujarat? Book online and get best offers on
domestic flight fare while planning a tour.
International Kite
Festival (Uttarayan)
This magnificent festival of Uttarayan is celebrated on
January 14, every year. Also known as Makar Sankranti, it marks the transition
of weather i.e. from winters to summers. In Gujarat, this festival is a grand
affair that is commemorated with huge pomp and show. Though, during Uttarayan
one can find the skies over most cities fill with kites but, the International
Kite Festival in Ahmedabad is one of its kinds. Being a special occasion as the
Hindu calendar, this festival’s kite flying tradition transcends all religious
boundaries. As a matter of fact, not only the Gujaratis but kite enthusiasts
from all over the world come here during this time and display their expertise.
Rann Utsav / Kutch
Mahotsav
As the name suggests, this magnificent festival is
celebrated in the Great Rann of Kutch, which is one of the most ecologically
and ethnically diverse district of the state. Rann or Kutch Mahotsav is a three
day festive extravaganza that hosts a plethora of varied hues, profusion of
design, abundance of culture, cornucopia of music and dance forming an
exquisite mosaic of this state’s vibrant side. It is celebrated on the full
moon night during the month of December and attracts over 8000 tourists from all
across the world, every year.
Modhera Dance
Festival
Celebrated in the environs of the Sun Temple of Modhera, the
Modhera Dance Festival is one of the most incredible festivals of Gujarat. This
delightful dance festival is organized during the third weekend of January
right after the conclusion of Uttarayan. Providing an excellent opportunity to
experience the living heritage of Indian dance and music, this three day
festival is visited by art and dance connoisseurs from all over the world.
Navratri Festival
Literally meaning “nine nights”, Navratri is one of the most
widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India and around the world. However, the
grandeur of Navratri is unique in Gujarat which erupts in the form of a
nine-night dance festival. This nine-night dance festival is perhaps the
longest in the world, during which the devotees gather and perform ‘garba’ and
‘dandiya’ dance collectively in the honour of Goddess Shakti. Celebrated during
the month of September/October, this colorful festival is a prime attraction
for not only foreigner tourists but from India as well.
Chitra Vichitra Fair
It is a colorful tribal fair organized at Gunbhakheri
village near Khedbrahma right after 14 days of the Holi (around the month of
March-April). This fair is organised at the confluence of rivers and has
association with the distinct healing powers of the place. It is said that
Chitravira and Vichitravira over whom the fair is named, were cured of diseases
when they stayed here. Being the largest tribal fair in the region, Chitra
Vichitra fair is visited by thousands of Garasia and Bhil Adivasis (tribal
people) who bring their own drums. However, to witness the unique art and
culture of the tribal music and folk dance, many foreigners also visit this
fair.
Apart from these, the colorful and rich culture can be seen
at various other fairs and festivals, like Bhavnath Fair (at Mahashivratri),
Tarnetar Fair, Bhadrapad Ambaji Fair, Lili Parikrama Fair, Shamlaji Fair,
Vautha Fair, Kavant Fair, Tanariri Festival, Dangs Darbar, etc.
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