One of the biggest salt deserts in the world, the great Rann of Kutch in the Gujarat state of India is known not only for its natural splendour but for what its inhabitants have created – The Rann Utsav. Magnificent is the word that one could use to glorify the natural beauty of Kutch unless there was this sin-worthy canvas of culture, a profusion of art forms, and an overabundance of life. For some, winters can be cruel and monotonous, and for the rest, it is a perfect excuse to go to the desert of Kutch during the most mesmerizing months of the year in India. Hence, in this tempting crisis, we take up the cause to introduce you to this celebration of colours, cultures, and expressions.
The Rann Utsav Start & Vision
Image Courtesy: Rann Utsav Official for Facebook
Rann Mahotsav is a grand winter rendezvous organised by the Tourism Department of Gujarat. It occurs when the air is crisp and the moon is at its fullest. The Kutch Rann Utsav 2024 dates are from Nov 1st, 2024, to February 28th, 2025. One of India’s most thrilling festivals, the Rann Utsav, is observed with great excitement and enthusiasm.
Besides being one of India’s most anticipated tourism events, the Rann Utsav’s goal is to celebrate the traditional culture of Kutch and marvel at the natural formation of the White Desert. The entire concept of this festival was designed by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and our current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
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The Location Of The Festival
Rann of Kutch Festival, or Rann Utsav, is an initiative of Gujarat Tourism. They’re doing a good job marketing the festival, accommodating travellers, and showcasing the essence of Gujarat in all its glory. The expanse of the celebrations is grander than one can think.
It begins in Bhuj, and the entire district attends the gala during the celebrating months. The festival’s finale is at Rann Utsav Tent City, which has more than 400 AC and non-AC tents. It is near a small village called Dhordo, accessible from the Bhuj airport.
The Great Grand Fiesta
With its 7,505 square miles in the Thar Desert, this idyllic geographical marvel is a sensational salt marsh with a sparkling panorama of white sands across the horizon. It stays hibernated underwater until the festival preparations start.
It seems like nature preserves the beauty only to celebrate this great infusion of life and its diverse forms. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited ensures a lifetime of experience and memories to cherish. From hogging to shopping, the Rann Utsav in Gujarat has everything covered under its myriad offerings of folk dances, handicrafts, sightseeing, star gazing and several other adventures.
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Things To Do At The Rann Utsav 2024
And it indeed does not deviate from its promise. One can do a lot at one of the greatest desert festivals in Asia.
1. Go On A Date With The Moon
The white expanse of serene sand under the full bloom of the moon – trust us, it gets more romantic than words. And add to that a cultural fiesta. Rann Utsav of Kutch will impress you to the core. You can spend time watching the moon.
Tips: The full moon is the best time to witness the white desert.
2. Enjoy A Cultural Fiesta
Of all the fascinating things to do at the great Rann of Kutch festival 2024, attending the cultural fiesta and hosting folk artists from all corners of Gujarat is a must. They perform almost everywhere and every moment. You can live those imaginations of a bonfire in the desert while you dance to the tunes of actual folk music, the zeal of which extends beyond all things to do.
Facts: The Palace of Mandvi is another marvellous catch there. Visit Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar and Dholavira while in Kutch during the Rann festival.
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3. Sightseeing And Adventurous Tours
There is an innumerable range of experiences in Rann Utsav. One can solo ride on a DPV (Desert Patrol Vehicle) in the desert. Desert safari is another exhilarating activity to look out for. The festival also has moderate adventure rides for kids. And the fun doesn’t end here. For that extra edge experience, you can also enjoy a hot air balloon, Kutch, priced differently by various operators.
Activities:
- Camel Cart Ride
- Shopping Activity Area – Bandhini Sarees, Handcraft Items & many more traditional items.
- Kids Zone Area
- Food Court
- Gaming Zone
- Spa Centre on a chargeable basis
- Yoga & Meditation Centre
- Adventurous Activity on a Chargeable basis – Parasailing, Dirt Biking
4. Birding Above Kutch
Take a hot air balloon ride, and we dare you to recover from it. The experience of overlooking the vibrant hues of the salt sand from the top is so enchanting that you will develop a compulsion to talk and think about it. This year, we have the most exhilarating winter in Gujarat at Rann Utsav 2024. It’s going to be so much fun!
Other Activities At The Rann Utsav:
- Live Music Concerts
- Cultural Dance Performance
- Special Cultural Dance Shows – Garba, Dandiya Raas
- Conference hall for Business purpose
- Rides on a chargeable basis
- Sightseeing Visit – Kaladungar / Black Hill, White Rann / Dessert, Hodka Village
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5. Beaching In Mandvi
Spend some time while the blues touch the sky at the horizon. Visit the nearby villages of Bhirandiyra, Khavda, and Gandghi-Nugam as they arrange workshops for unique handcrafted textiles and fabrics. Remember the Rann Utsav 2024 dates and plan accordingly so you don’t miss out on such things. You may even celebrate the New Year at Rann of Kutch—how exciting!
Things to buy:
- Rogan Art: Oil-based painting.
- Copper Bells.
- Lacquer.
- Embroidered garments with mirror-work.
- Chunky silver jewellery.
- Gold Jewelry.
- Bandhini sarees or dupattas.
- Ajrakh block printing shawls
6. Shopping
If you scrolled far to see if there are any Rann Utsav shopping options, the fair has your bags covered. The options will make you go crazy. Exotic handcrafted Gujarati articles, leather articles, splendid silverware, intricate Kutchi embroidery, and beautifully crafted ornaments – let them feast upon your wallet or allow your eyes a feastful time.
Facts: Several skilled artisans from nearby villages, such as Bhirandiyra, Khavda, and Gandghi-Nugam, conduct workshops on preparing local handicraft items.
Main Markets Of Kutch:
- Roopalee Handicrafts
- Bandhini Bazar
- Khamir crafts store in Bhuj
- Rainbow Textiles in Ganghara
- Shrujan-threads of life
- Aslam’s collection on the outskirts of Bhuj
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7. Indulge In The Food At Rann Utsav
This is a must because the fabulous food options here are just what you need to make your experience more memorable. We have a feeling that the organizers are passionate foodies and know the needs of insatiable appetites and hungry taste buds. Two magnanimous dining halls serve scrumptious authentic Kutchi cuisine. Besides, food corners cater to hunger calls at odd night hours.
Must Try: In the villages, staple foods include bajra and milk. Banjara na rota with curd and buttermilk is very common.
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State-Of-The-Art Facilities
The tent city created near the Dhordo Village perfectly manages a temporary human settlement. The AC and non-AC tents are equipped with all possible amenities that one can think of and ask for. Room heaters, a round-the-clock supply of warm water in the middle of a desert, a shopping complex for all your needs, an exhibition centre, adventure one, and two humongous dining halls—no requirement is left unanswered here.
Places To Stay: Regenta Resort Bhuj, Rann Village Resort, Radisson Hotel Kandla, Shaam- E- Sarhad Village Resort, Gateway to Rann Resort
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Cheapest Way To Reach Rann Utsav
Image Credit: alenka2194 for DepositPhotos
It depends on various aspects, mainly your location and how expensive Rann Utsav will be for you. You can easily find details about the price of the Rann Utsav 2024 and book the package accordingly. If you live in Bangalore or another faraway region, flight tickets will be an added expense, though you can always opt for train travel.
Well, for starters, Bhuj has an airport 86 km away from Dhordo—the tent city. Bhuj is also the nearest railhead. However, if you are travelling from Mumbai, Kutch Express will take you to Gandhi Dham, and again, Dhordo is 135 km from here. Road connectivity is not an issue, and all the major cities of Gujarat are well-commuted by state-run transport buses.
All set? So, just before you pack up, here are a few checks.
- Book your accommodation at least 45 days in advance.
- The temperature is usually extreme between day and night. Pack your bags accordingly.
- Due to the border’s proximity, a Government pass is required to visit Kutch. You can quickly get these passes from the check post at Bhirandirya by producing your ID card.
Tips For Visiting The Rann Of Kutch
Here are some tips for travellers visiting Rann of Kutch for the first time:
- Since the Rann Utsav falls during the winter season, it is recommended you carry some woollens along
- Don’t miss the sunset view from Mandvi Beach once you’re in Rann
- Enjoy the whitewashed landscape from Kalo Dungar (Black Mountain), the highest point in Kutch
- Identity cards are mandatory to carry as they are supposed to be presented at checkposts. Driving licences, Aadhar cards, Passports, Voter IDs, and other documents are accepted as ID cards.
- The Rann Utsav dates are still to be confirmed and will be available on the official website.
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Aren’t you all excited to witness this unique and vibrant event that enhances the beauty of Gujarat even more? If yes, plan your trip to Kutch and absorb the charm, and enjoy the colourful atmosphere while enjoying the Rann Utsav.
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Frequently Asked Questions Asked About the Rann Utsav
Why the Kutch desert sand is white?
The Kutch desert is a seasonal salt marsh and so it is white in color. During the monsoon season, the region experiences heavy rainfall. Then it comes the winter when the water evaporates, leaving behind sheets of salt that cover the land.
Where is Rann of Kutch sanctuary located?
The Rann of Kutch sanctuary is located in the Thar desert. The span of its border can be traced from India to the border of Pakistan and is divided into Great Rann and Little Rann.
What is the best time to visit Rann of Kutch?
October to February – Winters are the best time to visit Kutch. The last few weeks of February is the ideal time as the weather is pleasant and people from all around the world are visiting the place.
Is Rann Utsav worth visiting?
One travels through the desert to see the ‘Great White Rann’- a truly magical sight to see the white salt desert. It is a coming together of travellers and locals from all around the world to enjoy exciting festivities.
What happens in Rann of Kutch festival?
It’s a Rann Utsav, the Carnival of Music, Dance & Culture of Gujarat. Enhance the natural beauty of White Rann when the light of Full Moon spread it on the white land.
How can I go to Rann of Kutch from Ahmedabad?
If you are planning train travel from Ahmedabad to Kutch, you can board one of the few trains between Ahmedabad and Bhuj. You can also fly from the nearby airports or drive yourself directly to the location.
What can I buy from Rann of Kutch?
Rogan Art: Oil-based painting. Copper Bells. Lacquer. Embroidered garments with mirror-work. Chunky silver jewelry. Gold Jewelry. Bandhini sarees or dupattas. Ajrakh block printing shawls.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
