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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

EXPLORING ANCIENT RUINS OF LOTHAL

Learning or knowing about history is always interesting and for history buffs Lothal will seem like a paradise. This is a 4500 years old city which was discovered in the year 1954. This place has a great historical significance and is a must visit.

VISITING SABARMATI ASHRAM

Sabarmati is considered to be a residence of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba (his wife). This is one of the significant historical places of Gujarat. Sabarmati Ashram is known by several names like Mahatma Gandhi Ashram, Satyagraha Ashram and Gandhi Ashram. It is known as Satyagraha Ashram because the famous Dandi March began from this place. Indian Government has designated this place as the National Monument of India.

CABLE CAR RIDE AT ROPEWAY IN SAPUTARA

To witness a panoramic view of the city, the ropeway cable is the best choice. It’s about 30 ft high and is also suitable for the elderly and physically challenged people. This cable car ride begins from Sunset Point and ends at Governor’s Hill. This activity is really fun to engage with.

WATER SPORTS AT BEYT ISLAND

Dwarka Beyt Island is the main port situated 30 km away from the main town. Beyt Island has several temples enclosed in it. The white sand beach and the coral reef present there is really beautiful to see. There are several adventurous water sports which you can choose. This place is best for picnics, excursions and camps.

SHOPPING FOR BANDHEJ SAREES IN LAW GARDEN MARKET

Law Garden is one of the famous gardens located in Ahmedabad. All the shopaholics would find solace here as you can buy antique jewelleries, bandhej sarees and chaniyas (long colourful skirts) at affordable prices. Bandhej Sarees are famous things to buy if travelling to Gujarat.

SHOPPING FOR HANDICRAFTS AT CRAFTSMAN VILLAGE IN GANDHINAGAR

A number of tourists and visitors come to this village to buy sarees or dresses which are decorated and hand printed. It is decorated with wooden printing blocks in vibrant colours making it beautiful to wear. There are several other antiques and crafts the natives here make which is worth a buy which can also help these craftsmen economically.

EXPLORING THE LOCAL CULTURE AT ARTIST VILLAGE IN SAPUTARA

A beautiful village located a few kilometers away from Lake Satpura, near the Nasik road, displays outstanding artifacts made of bamboo and clothes and a few other things. This village is inhabited by the tribal community. The main tribes here are Kunbi, Warli and Bhil. Apart from buying artifacts here, you can also choose to learn from the workshops here.

TREKKING AT BHUJIA HILL

Bhujia hill with beautiful natural formation makes it an amazing spot for trekking. This is also a place of historical importance. It is also a religious site. Bhujia hill has a Bhujia fort as well which is really beautiful and gives anyone an aesthetic appeal. It is said to be the victory place of the legend Bhujanga against the Bheria Kumar. Trekking is a popular activity here to engage with.

CHECKOUT FOSSIL RELICS IN KUTCH FOSSIL PARK IN BHUJ

Enthusiasts of science or Palaeontologists or Researchers will find this place really enthralling. Fossil Park was established by Mohan Singh Sodha. This park has a magnificent collection of fossils displayed. The fossils are displayed in an organized manner. All should visit this place for once.

EXPLORE NAIDA CAVES IN DIU

Naida Caves could be a heavenly opportunity for Archaeologists, the history buffs, photographers and tourists. Visiting a cave which has a network of tunnels with several square hewn steps is an intriguing experience. The Naida Caves are situated in the Diu Fort. This is one of the popular tourist attractions.

ATTENDING INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL IN GUJARAT

On the eve of Uttarayan Gujarat dons several types of kites for the festival of kites. This festival is a remarkable attraction of Gujarat which marks the transition of winter into summer based on the Indian Calendar. The Festival of Kites also marks the beginning of the harvest season. People from across the globe swarm to this place for visiting and attending this Festival of Kites. This is one of the significant festivals of Gujarat which is usually celebrated grandly in Ahmedabad.

TOUR TO VIBRANT MARINE NATIONAL PARK

The first marine conservatory to be built in India was the Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch. The astounding range of flora and fauna is remarkable. The park is basically distributed into 42 scattered islands in an archipelago. Marine National Park is home to several endangered aquatic animals as well.

GARBA AT GUJARAT

The dance form of Garba originated in the state of Gujarat, India. Traditional dance Garba is performed around the lit lamps or a statue or picture of the Goddess Shakti. There are several dance workshops organized for the people of India and foreign countries to learn this dance form. During Navratri, Garba is performed across India wearing the traditional attire of Gujaratis.

Rani ki Vav: Patan is listed under the UNESCO world heritage site recently in the form of most beautiful and intricately carved step wells in the country. This stepwell is a wonderful example of the talent of craftsmanship and is known as a great example of underground architecture. It is located on the banks of Saraswati River. Rani ki Vav was built as a memorial to the king Bhimdev for his queen Rani Udaymati. The walls of this stepwell are adorned with detailed sculptures of Lord Ganesha and other Hindu deities.

Sahastraling Talaav/Tank: It is an artificially constructed tank on the banks of river Saraswati. This water tank, built by the great ruler of Gujarat, Siddharaj Jaisingh, is now dry. Talav is said to have been cursed by a woman named Jasmine Oden who refused to marry Siddharaj Jaisingh.

Jain Temples: There are more than hundred Jain temples in Patan city. The city has the third-largest number of Jain temples in Gujarat after Ahemdabad and Palitana. One of the most important of these temple is the Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Daresar, which symbolizes grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship. The entire temple is made of stone and its ancient white marble floor further enhances its beauty.

Another prominent feature for which Patan city is famous is Patola sarees. Patola sarees are hand-woven sarees which usually takes 4 to 6 months to make, depending on the complexity of the design. Vegetable colors are used in coloring the fabric.

How to reach Patan

The nearest airport to reach Patan is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport located in Ahmedabad, which is about 120 km from this historic city. Patan railway station is located in the city center and is connected by trains to various major routes of the country. Patan is well connected to other major cities of India through regular buses.

Best time to visit Patan

The best time to visit Patan is during the winter months from September to February. This is the best time as the temperature is adequate for roaming in and around the city.