{"id":34407,"date":"2022-01-05T11:20:49","date_gmt":"2022-01-05T05:50:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/?p=34407"},"modified":"2025-01-24T13:16:04","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T07:46:04","slug":"festivals-in-gujarat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/festivals-in-gujarat\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Famous Festivals In Gujarat To Celebrate In 2026 With Joyous Fervor"},"content":{"rendered":"

When mustached men take to the dhol, and ghagra-clad women dance to garba tunes like no one\u2019s watching, that\u2019s when you know it\u2019s the festive season in Gujarat. Celebration of most famous festivals in Gujarat<\/strong> will make you groove while flaunting the state\u2019s age-old traditions and vivid culture. From dahi handi breaking competitions to decorating the livestock, all festivals of Gujarat have something special about them.<\/em><\/p>\n

Calendar For Famous Festival Of Gujarat 2026<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Month<\/td>\nFestival<\/td>\nDate (2025)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
January<\/td>\nInternational Kite Festival (Uttarayan)<\/td>\n14th January<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
January<\/td>\nModhera Dance Festival<\/td>\n18th – 19th January<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
February<\/td>\nBhavnath Mahadev Fair<\/td>\n24th February -27th February<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November<\/td>\nRann Utsav<\/td>\n28th February<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
March<\/td>\nKavant Fair<\/td>\n\u00a016th March<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
January-February<\/td>\nChitra Vichitra Mela<\/td>\n13th January -26th February<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
April<\/td>\nMadhavrai Fair<\/td>\nFirst week of April<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
June<\/td>\nRath Yatra<\/td>\n27th June<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
August<\/td>\nJanmashtami<\/td>\n16th August<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
September<\/td>\nBhadrapurnima Fair<\/td>\n10th September\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
August<\/td>\nTarnetar Fair<\/td>\n26th – 28th August<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
September<\/td>\nRavechi Fair<\/td>\nSeptember (TBA)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
September<\/td>\nNavratri<\/td>\n22nd September – 1st October<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
October<\/td>\nBeach Festival<\/td>\nTBA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November<\/td>\nVautha Mela<\/td>\nTBA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November<\/td>\nShamlaji Melo<\/td>\nNovember<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December\/January<\/td>\nParagliding Festival<\/td>\nDecember\/January<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

17 Popular Festivals In Gujarat<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re planning a holiday here, you must time it smartly and attend these Gujarat festivals 2026. Because the way Gujaratis celebrate life leaves you pepped and panting at the same time!<\/p>\n

1. International Kite Festival (Uttarayan)<\/h3>\n
\"Colorful<\/div>\n

As colorful kites soar to the sky, festivities on ground are an all time high. The enthusiasm of the International Kite Festival in Gujarat<\/a> envelops all nooks of the state – from cobbled and narrow streets to the sky.<\/p>\n

The is one of the main festivals in Gujarat<\/strong> that marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. People stock up their houses with kites and charkharis days before the festival. And not just Gujaratis or Indians, people fly from far-off regions like Canada and USA to have their share of fun in one of the most colorful festivals in Gujarat.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> The main event is celebrated in Ahmedabad, but as it is the harvest festival of Gujarat<\/strong> it is celebrated in across the state.<\/p>\n

What to expect:<\/strong> Kite flying competition between locals and even international participants, numerous colorful kites in different shapes and sizes (lighted kites, sports kites, hand-painted kites, 500 kites in a string), delicious Gujarati food items like Undhiyu<\/p>\n

When is International Kite Festival Celebrated:<\/strong> The event takes place on 14th January every year (Makar Sankranti)<\/p>\n

Kite Festival in Gujarat 2026 dates:<\/strong> 14th January<\/p>\n

Must Read:<\/strong> 14 Festivals In January In India That Reflect The Country\u2019s Rich Culture (2022)!<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Modhera Dance Festival<\/h3>\n
\"<\/div>\n

Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n

Also known as Uttarardh Mahotsavis, this three-day festival is a great excuse to experience the essence of classical Indian dance and music. With the exquisite backdrop of Sun Temple<\/strong> in Modhera transports you to the times of Solanki empire.<\/p>\n

Modhera Dance Festival is organized by Tourism Corporation of Gujarat. The temple is an epitome of brilliant architecture and elevates the whole grandeur of one of the most famous Gujarat festivals 2026.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Modhera Sun Temple<\/p>\n

What to expect:<\/strong> Classical dance and music performances by professionals, a peep into the history of the vicinity and a lovely setting with colorful lights<\/p>\n

When is Modhera Dance Festival Celebrated:<\/strong> January third week every year<\/p>\n

Modhera Dance Festival 2026 dates:<\/strong> 18th – 19th January<\/p>\n

3. Bhavnath Mahadev Fair<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Bhavnath Mahadev Fair is a five-day affair dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is believed he himself visit the place during this time. The sages riding on elephants blow shells and lead processions, marking the commencement of this fair. Dance, music, prayers and offerings are performed during this enlivening festival. People before coming to the shrine do parikrama around the Girnar Hill.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Bhavnath temple, Junagadh<\/p>\n

What to expect:<\/strong> Processions, prayers, dance, music, martial arts, stalls selling idols, sweets and rosaries<\/p>\n

When is Bhavnath Mahadev Fair celebrated:<\/strong> The fair is organized in February or March, during Maha Shivratri<\/p>\n

Bhavnath Mahadev Fair 2026 dates: <\/strong>24th February to 27th February<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:\u00a0<\/strong>51 Incomparable Places To Visit In Gujarat For A Memorable Trip In 2022<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Rann Utsav<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n

This is among the main festivals in Gujarat<\/strong>. <\/span>Rhythmic strums of ravanahatha, Gujarati men with legendary mustaches and pagris, and the sparkling white sand – the desert of Rann dons a festive avatar right when autumn is at its peak.<\/p>\n

Gujarat\u2019s fascinating heritage takes the forefront at the Kutch festival of Gujarat. It is that much-awaited time of the year when people, regardless of where they live, come over for an extravagant experience of the main festival of Gujarat.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> The Rann of Kutch<\/p>\n

What to expect:<\/strong> Cultural performances, best of Gujarati handicraft & handloom, a stay in the tent city, local sightseeing tours, safari in Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary and bird watching<\/p>\n

When is Rann Utsav celebrated:<\/strong> The festival takes place between November and February annually<\/p>\n

Rann Utsav 2026 dates:<\/strong>\u00a0 28th February 2026<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Rann Utsav 2022: All You Need To Know About The Desert Fest<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Kavant Fair<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n

Kavan Fair is one of the harvest festivals of Gujarat<\/strong> mainly celebrated in the tribal regions. It showcases various traditional art forms of Gujarat including music and dance.A striking highlight of this whole celebration is that the performers colour their bodies in different vibrant shades and designs. The colours are made of rice and ash.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Gujarat\u2019s Tribal regions
What to expect:<\/strong> Human pyramid games
When is Kavant Fair celebrated:<\/strong> After the Holi eve
Kavant Fair 2026 dates:<\/strong> 16th March<\/p>\n

6. Chitra Vichitra Mela<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n

Chitra Vichitra Mela is a tribal fair which is held on the new moon eve. During the celebrations of this festival, local woman gather by the river and spend the whole night mourning for their dead relatives. People where traditional attires on this day along with saffron coloured turban. Folk songs are sung in groups, throughout the celebrations.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Sabarkantha District
What to expect:<\/strong> Colourful fair, drum beats
When is Chitra Vichitra Mela celebrated:<\/strong> Eve of new moon
Chitra Vichitra Mela 2026 dates:<\/strong> 13th January to 26th February<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> 10 Global Festivals You\u2019d Never Want To Attend In 2022<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Madhavrai Fair<\/h3>\n
\"Madhavrai<\/div>\n

Image Source: Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Madhavrai Fair takes place in a small village Madhavpur. Located on the shore of Porbandar, it is a significant place in Gujarat. The Madhavrai Fair is conducted to celebrate the wedding of Lord Krishna and Devi Rukmini. It takes place in the Chaitra month of Hindu Calendar which falls in the months of March or April. Due to its significance among the locals, it is one of the most revered festivals of Gujarat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Madhavpur Village
What to expect:<\/strong> A grand cultural fair
When is Madhavrai Fair celebrated:<\/strong> March\/April, every year
Madhavrai Fair 2026 dates:<\/strong> First week of April<\/p>\n

8. Rath Yatra<\/h3>\n
\"Rath<\/div>\n

Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n

Rath Yatra is one of the most awaited festivals in Gujarat and other parts of India, and it takes place majorly in four places including Jagannath in Ahmedabad (Gujarat). This sacred annual celebration\u2019s main highlight is the procession that is led by an ornate chariot.<\/p>\n

The procession begins prior the Pahind Vidhi (cleaning the route for chariot), performed by the CM of Gujarat. The chariot and procession then make their way through different corners of the city.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad<\/p>\n

What to expect:<\/strong> A traditional and cultural extravaganza in which exciting parade and prayers take place<\/p>\n

When is Rath Yatra Celebrated:<\/strong> The festival is celebrated in the month of June or July every year<\/p>\n

Rath Yatra 2026 dates:<\/strong> 27th June<\/p>\n

Suggested Read: <\/strong>Shopping In Gujarat: 10 Incredibly Awesome Places That Will Tempt You To Splurge More!<\/a><\/p>\n

9. Janmashtami<\/h3>\n
\"Rath<\/div>\n

Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n

Another one of\u00a0\u00a0most-awaited festivals celebrated in Gujarat,\u00a0Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated with unmatchable zeal and devotion in Dwarka,\u00a0Gujarat.\u00a0People celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight, placing an idol in the cradle and worshipping him. A thread tied with the cradle is gently pulled to make it swing.<\/p>\n

Lord Krishna is offered his favorite makkhan<\/em> (butter) and mishri<\/em> (rock sugar). Dahi handi<\/em> breaking is also an exciting activity that takes place as a part of the celebration.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Dwarka, along with many places in the state<\/p>\n

What to expect:<\/strong> Dahi handi breaking, Krishna birth at midnight, music and dance, Krishna mantra chanting and prayers<\/p>\n

When is Janmashtami celebrated:<\/strong> Janmashtami is celebrated in the month of August<\/p>\n

Janmashtami 2026 dates: <\/strong>16th August
<\/strong><\/p>\n

10. Bhadrapurnima Fair<\/h3>\n
\"Koteshwar<\/div>\n

Image Source<\/a>
One of the biggest festivals of Gujarat, Bhadra Purnima Fair spans for three days and is dedicated to Goddess Ambaji, in Ambaji Temple<\/strong>. As there is no idol in this temple, thus the representation of the deity is done through a triangular object called Vishwa Yantra.<\/p>\n

During the fair, people gather to worship the goddess and read Saptshati (seven hundred prayer verses) together. As the evening knocks the door everyone have a gala time by performing garba and Bhavai (folk dance).<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Ambaji Temple, Banaskantha (Gujarat)<\/p>\n

What to expect:<\/strong> Offering, prayers, stalls selling knick and knacks, folk dance and music performances<\/p>\n

When is Bhadra Purnima Fair celebrated:<\/strong> This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of August or September<\/p>\n

Suggested Read: <\/strong>14 Airports In Gujarat That Make Traveling To This Indian State A Cakewalk<\/a><\/p>\n

11. Tarnetar Fair<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n

Tarnetar Fair is a 3-day long festive fair hosted in the Village of Tarnetar. The celebrations are inspired by the grand swayamvar of Draupadi, one of the most significant female characters from Sanskrit epic, Mahabharata. The fair is like a massive wedding feast for locals, and is attended by more than 1 lakh people from across India.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Tarnetar Village
What to expect:<\/strong> Over 300 stalls
When is Tarnetar Fair celebrated:<\/strong> End of August to early September
Tarnetar Fair 2026 dates:<\/strong> 26th \u2013 28th August<\/p>\n

12. Ravechi Fair<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n

Ravechi Mela is an annual fair held in the white desert of Kutch in Gujarat. During this festival, a large number of Hindu pilgrims gather in this region. This popular traditional festival involves singing of folk songs and performances of traditional dance forms. Showcasing the local lifestyle of Gujarat, various art workshops and exhibitions are held.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Kutch
What to expect:<\/strong> Folk dances and song performances
When is Ravechi Fair celebrated:<\/strong> September
Ravechi Fair 2026 dates: <\/strong>September (TBA)<\/p>\n

Suggested Read: <\/strong>Winter In Gujarat: Visit These 6 Astounding Cities In The Gujju Land<\/a><\/p>\n

13. Navratri<\/strong> <\/span><\/h3>\n
\"People<\/div>\n

Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n

Out of all the festival of gujarat, Navratri<\/strong> is one of the most popular. <\/span>We can\u2019t deny we think of Dandiya, Garba and Falguni Pathak when we think of Gujarat Navratri festival! This is among the most vibrant festivals in Gujarat and other parts of India. During this 10-day celebration<\/strong>, locals perform a Durga pooja, and enjoy with music, Garba, and dandiya.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Navratri is a\u00a0traditional festival of Gujarat. You will come across the celebration in every nook and corner of the state.<\/p>\n

What to expect:<\/strong> A lively celebration that exhibits the colorful culture of Gujarat through acoustic music and dance. This is your chance to dress in ethnic Gujarati costume. Ready to don that typical Ghagro na choli?<\/p>\n

When is Navratri celebrated:<\/strong> This festival falls in the month of October every year<\/p>\n

Navratri 2026 dates:<\/strong> 22nd September \u2013 1st October<\/p>\n

\n

Gujarat Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n