10 Festivals and Fairs of Gujarat, India Worth Visiting
Rann Utsav
Set on the immaculate white salt marshes of the Great Rann of Kutch, Rann Utsav is a really wonderland for folk music and dance lovers. The festival features folk dance (Tippani, Garba and Hallisaka), drama, musical performances, handicraft bazaars, local art, wildlife safari tours, authentic Kutchi cuisine also adventure activities like camel rides, hot air balloon rides, rifle shooting, paramotoring and ATV rides. There are hundreds of AC and non-AC tents set up on the fringe of the bordering village of Dhordo if you’re thinking to stay overnight.
When: November to February, each year
Where: Rann of Kutchh in the Kutchh district in Gujarat
Navratri
Held over 9 nights, Navratri is the world’s longest dance festival that honours feminine divinity. During the ten -day Hindu celebration, nine forms of the Hindu goddess Durga Devi are worshipped. People fast and perform famous folk dances – Garba and Dandiya – while dressed in elaborate ethnic Gujarati outfits. On the 10th day, another Hindu festival, Dussehra, is celebrated to revel the victory of good over evil.
When: October
Where: All over in the Gujarat
International Kite Festival (Uttarayan)
The International Kite Festival draws droves of tourists, skilled kite flyers and designers from around the world to show off their skills and unique creations. You’ll get thousands of kites of all sorts of colors, shapes and sizes adorning the blue winter sky. In the evening, kites with brighten paper lanterns (tukkals) are flown and held aloft. Conforming to the Hindu calendar, this festival even marks the end of winter and the beginning of warmer months.
When: January 14th (on the day of Makar Sankranti)
Where: Ahmedabad
Shamlaji Fair
Held on the eve of Kartik Purnima – a festival devoted to the worship of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu – the annual Shamlaji Fair is celebrated on the banks of the immaculate river Meshwo, near the Shamlaji Temple. The 3 -week-long fair sees thousands of devotees gathering together from all around the country to bathe in holy waters and seek their god’s blessings. While some devotees create their way to the Shamlaji shrine by camel carts, bus or car, others prefer to come on foot, singing hymns of Lord Vishnu and carrying religious banners. The fair is even used as an chance to trade silver ornaments, cloth and metal ware.
When: November
Where: Shamlaji Temple, Samalaji, Aravalli district
Bhavnath Mahadev Mela
Bhavnath Mahadev Mela centres on the Hindu lord Shiva. On the good day of Maha Shivratri, the fair begins with a procession of sages riding on elephants and blowing conch shells, heading towards the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple to seek the blessings of their deity . It is believed that Lord Shiva himself visits the temple while this fair. Held over 5 days, it includes music, dance, prayers, arts and crafts stalls and free meals. As part of the age-old ritual, pilgrims perform parikrama, or circumambulation, around the Girnar mountain before visiting the temple.
When: in February or March
Where: Bhavnath Temple, Junagadh in Gujarat
Modhera Dance Festival
Set within the grounds of the majestic Sun Temple in the Gujarat, the Modhera Dance Festival is an annual celebration of classical Indian dance and music. Even recognized as Uttarardh Mahotsavis, this 3 -day celebration welcomes popular performers from across the country, with dance forms like Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi and Kathak on display, among others.
When: Third week of the January
Where: Sun Temple, Modhera
Bhadrapad Fair
Devoted to Goddess Ambaji, the Bhadrapad Fair is held at the Ambaji Temple, where a representation of the god is a triangular object called Vishwa Yantra. While the day, dedicated disciples of the goddess gather at the temple to seek her blessings, perform puja (worship) and read the Saptshati (700 prayer verses). By evening, the fair will organize folk dances (Bhavai and Garba), musical performances, cultural programs, merry-go-rounds, recreational activities and stalls selling trinkets and yummy local food.
When: Full moon day of the Bhadrapad (around August or September)
Where: Ambaji Shrine, Banaskantha
Janmashtami
The Janmashtami Festival is celebrated throughout the nation to mark Lord Krishna’s birth. Festivities in Gujarat, however, hold a special place as it is house to Krishna’s ancient kingdom, Dwarka. People celebrate this day by singing, dancing and chanting hymns, while an idol of Lord Krishna is placed in a cot with a thread tied to turn it into a swing. As part of the festival, dahi handi (a pot filled with yogurt)breaking competitions are held around the state. Participants form a pyramid in an attempt to break the pot and spill the yogurt, which is then given to everyone as prasad.
When: August
Where: Throughout the state, with the special event taking place in Dwarka.
Paragliding Festival
The annual Paragliding Festival in the Saputara, Gujarat lasts 26 days and attracts adventure seekers from across India. Training sessions are held for beginners by a expert pilots. If you’re looking for an added adrenaline rush, you can even take part in other sports like zorbing, go-karting, parasailing and bike riding.
When: Between December and January
Where: Saputara
Vautha Fair
