gujarat events

TOP 10 EVENTS / FESTIVALS TO EXPLORE IN GUJARAT

3 years ago

Looking for festivals/events in Gujarat? Whether you are a native of the State or if you are from a new town or if you are a tourist who is confused or unaware of the festivals/events, then you are on the right page.

Gujarat has a lot of festivals/events to offer to attend if you actually want to taste the culture of the state. With most of the astounding and historical events/festivals, Gujarat makes it a possible tourism profit as well to ensure the well – being of the state and to also support the local, small industries and establishments.

Here we are listing down the top 10 festivals/events to attend if you are planning to visit Gujarat.

INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL

Festivals in Gujarat
Festivals in Gujarat | Kite festival

As colorful and vibrant kites reach the sky so high, festivities gear up with all eagerness and hype. The enthusiasm of the crowd because of the International Kite Festival in Gujarat unfolds all the corners of the state – from cobbled and narrow lanes to atop of the sky.

International Kite Festival held in Ahmedabad annually since ages are one of the main and remarkably popular festivals of the harvest season celebrated with utmost zeal. Over thousands of kites and charkharis get sold in this season marking a huge profit for all the small firms and establishments as well. The grand part of this festival is that it is not limited to just Gujaratis or Indians but people across the globe fly for such a fascinating experience. Even though the main event happens in Ahmedabad, the whole State of Gujarat celebrates it. You visit any corner of the state during this season and you will find the sky bustling with colorful kites.

During this season, there are several competitions held for the participants of the locality to international participants.

You will also come across stalls that sell Undhiyu which is again a very popular lip-smacking food of Gujaratis. The splendid collection of kites will blow your mind. For instance, sports kites, hand-painted kites, lighted kites, 500 kites in a string, and the list goes on. Kites of different shapes and sizes are available pertaining to your choices.

International Kite Festival happens annually on the 14th of January, that is, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Yet the kite festival usually begins from 6th January which ends on 14th January.

MODHERA DANCE FESTIVAL

Festivals in Gujarat
Festivals in Gujarat | Modhera Festival

The Modhera Dance Festival is also known by the name Uttarardh Mahotsav. Modhera Dance Festival or Uttarardh Mahotsav is held in Modhera Sun Temple.

You can visit here to experience the Indian Classical music and dance forms. Modhera Dance Festival is a three-day dance festival. The divine and beautiful backdrop of the Sun Temple in Modhera takes you back to the ancient mood.

Uttarardh Mahotsav is basically organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat. Sun Temple is an elegant epitome of architecture and elevates the whole dance festival to be among the top events held in Gujarat.

You get a quick insight into the history of the vicinity and also be able to witness the beauty of Classical music and dance forms performed by professionals with vibrant and colorful lights all over the place.

Modhera Dance Festival or Uttarardh Mahotsav usually takes place in the third week of the month of January every year.

RANN UTSAV

Festivals in Gujarat
Festivals in Gujarat | Rann Utsav

Rann Utsav is one of the major festivals of Gujarat. Rhythmic strums of the ravanahatha on the mesmerizing white sand desert are ready in itself for the elaborate fest when the season of Autumn is at peak.

This extraordinary heritage takes a leap forward at the Kutch festival of Gujarat. People across the country come here and join the fascinating grand festival of the State of Gujarat.

Rann Utsav takes place at the Rann of Kutch which usually takes place between the months of November to February each and every year.

You can experience the best cultural performances here. A Safari in Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, local sightseeing, peek into Gujarati handlooms and handicrafts and a stay in the tent city are life experiences that you can gather.  

RATH YATRA

Festivals in Gujarat
Festivals in Gujarat | Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra is among the most awaited fests in Gujarat and other parts of the country. This festival takes place in 4 major locations including Jagannath in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The major highlight of this religious festival is the procession which is led by an ornate chariot. This procession begins from the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad which is usually celebrated between the months of June and July annually. Chariot then makes its way to several corners of the city marking its divine presence through the procession.

You can visit during this period of the year to experience the cultural notion of the State with sacred prayers and extravagant exciting and traditional parades.

NAVRATRI

Festivals in Gujarat
Festivals in Gujarat | Navratri

Navratri is a worldwide popular festival of the State of Gujarat. Gujarat Navratri Festival directly reminds us of the keywords – Garba, Dandiya, and Falghuni Pathak !!! One of the colorful and vibrant festivals of Gujarat is also celebrated in other parts of the nation. After the Durga Pooja people gather in groups to perform Dandiya and Garba with music playing in volumes in the background.

Navratri usually takes place annually in the month of October.

If you visit Gujarat, you will come across the enthusiastic crowd wearing the ethnic attire ghagra and choli while men in pagri and dhotis for a lively cultural celebration of acoustic music and dance.

TITHAL BEACH FESTIVAL

Festivals in Gujarat
Festivals in Gujarat | Tithal Beach festival

The Beach Festival in Gujarat also attracts a lot of crowds. The most famous is organized on Tithal Beach. The whole beach is occupied with several lights and shows such as live music, dance performances, magic shows, and so on. There are several sports activities as well to engage with. Such as water ball, beach cricket, and volleyball. This festival will ignite joy and happiness in you for sure. Delicious food stalls are also the highlight of the fest.

Tithal Beach Festival is usually organized in the months of October and November.

VAUTHA MELA

Festivals in Gujarat
Festivals in Gujarat | vautha mela

Vautha Mela is an unusual yet exciting animal trade festival held in Gujarat. It may sound strange yet this is not a mere fair conducted here but it’s really of importance. Here, you will witness several painted donkeys and camels wearing ornaments. The location of this Mela is where the seven holy rivers converge, Vautha. This is a five-day festival which is basically held on the full moon night of Kartika month based on the Hindu calendar, that is, November. Each day a new dish is prepared. Khichu is one of the popular dishes.

People leave the houses with their animals and live in tents here till the festival ends. Several shopping items sold in stalls from handicrafts to types of machinery. And Hindu rituals are held on the river banks. Numerous local dishes served that you can ponder on. The river filled with floating diyas making it a beautiful view.

PARAGLIDING FESTIVAL

Festivals in Gujarat
Festivals in Gujarat | Paragliding festival

All the adventure buffs will be extremely excited to know about the Paragliding Festival which is held between the months of December and January. This festival is hosted by Gujarat Tourism and other private organizations for 26 days. There are other several adventure sports too. For instance, zorbing, bike riding, parasailing, and go-karting. Training sessions available here make it suitable for everyone beyond specific age groups. Paragliding Festival is held in Satpura.

BHAVNATH MAHADEV FAIR

Festivals in Gujarat
Festivals in Gujarat | Bhavnath Fair

Bhavnath Mahadev Fair is a celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is a five-day affair where sages ride elephants, blow shells, and lead processions. This marks the commencement of the Bhavnath Mahadev Fair. Prayers, offerings, dance, and music are performed during this event. Before visiting the shrine, people perform parikrama around the Girnar Hill.

Bhavnath Mahadev Fair is held in the Bhavnath temple situated in Junagadh. This fair is usually organized in the months of February or March during Maha Shivaratri.

CHITRA VICHITRA MELA

Festivals in Gujarat
Festivals in Gujarat | Chitra vichtra Mela

Chitra Vichitra Mela is basically a tribal fair. This tribal fair is held on the new moon eve. During Chitra Vichitra Mela, women gather on the banks of the river and mourn for their dead relatives. People wear ethnic attire for this celebration along with a saffron turban. A number of folk songs are sung in groups on this day. The whole place looks colorful and can the sound of drums can be heard throughout the day.

Chitra Vichitra Mela is held in the district of Sabarkantha. This fair takes place in the month of March or April.

Don’t miss out on these splendid significant historical events/festivals that happen in the State of Gujarat.

Chanchal Vinod

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