Rann Utsav is a three-month long festival that celebrates the culture of Kutch, Gujarat. Attracting tourists from across the globe, this festival turns the picturesque ‘white desert’ (Rann of Kutch) into a riot of colors. If you want to experience the diverse traditions and hospitality of Kutchi people, Rann Utsav is the best time to visit this spectacular region.

Kutch is at its exotic and colorful best during the Rann Utsav. What started as a three day festival in 2005 slowly extended to a span of more than two months due to the overwhelming response. Rann Utsav 2016 has commenced from 1st November and it will continue till 20th February 2017.

Highlight of the Festival

The main highlight of the Rann festival is the stunning landscape of the white desert on a full moon light. You can plan your trip accordingly if you wish to see the desert in sparkling moonlight.

Accommodation

During the festival, meals and accommodations for tourists are arranged in a tent village that is set up at Dhordo village especially for Rann Utsav. You can get to choose from affordable as well as luxury tents that are laced with various amenities. The luxury tents also have air-conditioning and attached bathroom with running water.

Meals

During the full moon night, you can enjoy your dinner in the desert wilderness while listening to concerts of Sufi songs and Sindhi bhajans and watching artists perform Gujarati folk dance.

Things to Do and See in Kutch

• If you don’t get a chance to enjoy the spectacular view of the desert during the full moon light, you can take a camel cart journey and witness the brilliant desert sunset.
• There are rows of food and handicraft stalls that spring up in the Tent City in Dhordo. You can buy exquisite hand embroidered fabrics, leather footwear, paintings, textiles and various other items with beautiful mirror and embroidery work.
• You can head to the Kala Dungar, the highest point in Kutch from where the white desert looks like a huge sea of milk.
• Check out the pristine beauty of the Mandvi Beach and the colorful fairs that are held near the beach.
• Visit the Dattatreya Temple and if you are lucky, you can watch the temple priests offer a Prasad of rice, dal and jaggery to a group of jackals that make their way to a raised platform near the temple.
• Check out the neighboring hamlet of Nirona where artisans work and sell stunning crafts made of wood, metal and shell.

About Kutch

Kutch is one of the most ethnically diverse districts of Gujarat. Surrounded by the Arabian and the salt encrusted desert (Great Rann of Kutch), Kutch is also a ‘cradle of craftsmanship’ and a paradise for birdwatchers.

Tips for a Fun Holiday

There is no better way to explore a destination than by learning its language. If you want to communicate with the locals in their dialect, you can try learning commonly used Gujarati phrases and words with AlterGyan’s Learn Gujarati Quickly language app.