Overview
Rann Utsav is an annual three-month festival celebrated in the Rann of Kutch region in Gujarat. The celebrations kick-off in November with the festival carrying on till February. It is the brainchild of the Gujarat Tourism department and the state government.
Visitors will be treated to a wide range of traditional art forms from all across India, while also experiencing the unique diversity of the Kutch District. There are several exciting programs featured at the festival such as carnival processions, music, folk dances, craftsmanship, pageantry, etc.
You can also join in the fun by dancing with the local folk dancers. And when you are exhausted from all of the day's excitement, you can experience living in tents and sitting by evening bonfires as they watch artisans work.
History Of Rann Utsav
The First Rann Utsav was organized in 2006 by Gujarat Tourism. It was inaugurated by incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was the state chief minister at the time. The primary objective of the festival was to further boost the already flourishing tourism industry.
The festival has since succeeded very well in this goal, by attracting a wider global audience to the region. Consequently, the festival was further developed, and what began as a three-day celebration evolved into a 100-day extravaganza.
The Rann Utsav allows people from all across the country to gather to celebrate the spectacular “White Desert”. You will be charmed by the warm spirit of the people of Kutch. Visitors can enjoy camel rides that will allow them to explore the Rann of Kutch at a leisurely pace.
The Rann Of Kutch
Located in the Thar Desert that spans Rajasthan and Gujarat, The Rann of Kutch is one of the most expansive salt marches in the world. The Gujarat Government undertook the Rann Utsav to give people from all over the world to bask in the exquisite beauty of the landscape. At the same time, one will also get to experience the charm of Kutchi culture
The Rann Utsav Celebrations and Locations
Most of the festivities are held in Bhuj and also in a small village known as Dhordo. There are several spectacular events and other things you can hope to experience at the festival.
Full Moon Night
Be enthralled by the breathtaking sight of The Rann’s white expanse glistening under the moonlight and starlit sky. While planning your Rann Utsav itinerary, don’t forget to ascertain the dates of the full moon since it is a sight not to be missed.
Sightseeing
Besides the surreal landscapes of the marsh desert, you can also explore the wider beauty of Kutch by going on any of the various tours available to travellers. You can observe the work of the ingenious craftsmen firsthand in nearby villages. There are also several other sights to see such as the picturesque Mandvi Beach, Besides, there are also plenty more to explore such as wildlife sanctuaries, temples, and numerous stalls.
Adventure Activities
The festival also features a diverse array of activities such as zipline, paramotoring, ATV rides, camel rides, and desert safaris. Traversing across the expansive white desert on a hot air balloon will allow you to take in the scenic views of the colourful and vibrant festivities in a special way.
Cuisine and Culture
You will find numerous bazaars and stalls where local artisans showcase their crafts and ethnic arts. Many visitors like to indulge in shopping sprees purchasing unique items such as paintings and carvings. Other available items include silver jewellery as well as bandhani and embroidered garments. You can also treat yourself to a feast of mouth-watering Kutchi cuisine at the numerous food stalls.
Dhordo Tent City
The Tent which is located near Dhordo is a temporary human settlement created especially for the festival. To stay at the Tent City, you will have to first make reservations. This can be done on the official website of The Rann Utsav. There are both AC as well as non-AC tents available with amenities such as hot water and room heaters, along with an exhibition center and dining halls.
How To Reach
There are many ways to reach Bhuj from all over the country including by air, bus, and train. Of all of the aforementioned modes of transport, travel by train has several benefits. You will be able to travel in comfort at a very economical cost.
Furthermore, train travel affords you a pace of travel that will get you to your destination in a timely manner while yet being relaxed enough for you to take the marvelous sights of the country. Additionally, you may also get to meet and make friends with others who are also heading towards The Rann Utsav.
Trains To Bhuj
Mumbai To Bhuj
- 19131 | KUTCH EXPRESS - Mumbai (BDTS) to Bhuj (BHUJ)
- 22903 | BHUJ AC S F EXPRESS - (BDTS) to Bhuj (BHUJ)
- 12959 | BDTS BHUJ EXPRESS - Mumbai (BDTS) to Bhuj (BHUJ)
- 19115 | DADAR BHUJ EXPRESS - Mumbai (DDR) to Bhuj (BHUJ)
- 11092 | PUNE BHUJ EXPRESS - Bhiwandi (BIRD) to Bhuj (BHUJ)
Delhi To Bhuj
- 04311 | BE BHUJ FEST SPL - Delhi (DLI) to Bhuj (BHUJ)
- 04321 | BE BHUJ FEST SPL - Delhi (DLI) to Bhuj (BHUJ)
- 14321 | BE BHUJ EXPRESS - Delhi (DLI) to Bhuj (BHUJ)
- 14311 | ALA HAZRAT EXP - Delhi (DLI) to Bhuj (BHUJ)
Kolkata To Bhuj
- 02938 | HWH GIMB SPL - Howrah (HWH) to Gandhidham (GIMB)
- 12938 | GARBHA EXPRESS - Howrah (HWH) to Gandhidham (GIMB)
- 22830 | SHM BHUJ SF EXP - Kolkata (SHM) to Bhuj (BHUJ)
So, are you ready to explore the mesmerizing views of Rann Utsav? Plan your journey with us to book the cheapest train ticket by using code: NY200. Also, if you are planning to go to Rann Utsav from New Delhi or Ahmedabad, then you can enjoy IRCTC Executive Lounge for 1 hour at Zero cost. Wondering how? Read all the related information by following this link: https://blog.trainman.in/blog/complimentary-executive-lounge-access-for-1-hour-with-trainman/
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