Welcome to the enchanting world of Rann Utsav, a vibrant festival in the heart of Kutch. Imagine a carnival where music, dance, and the pristine beauty of White Rann converge to create an unforgettable experience. For every traveller, visiting during the Full Moon Day is a dream come true.
What is Rann Utsav?
Rann Utsav is a celebration of the different shades of life. Imagine luxury under the vast canvas of the starlit sky, where tents become your abode, and the desert landscape transforms into a magical realm. It is a time when the White Rann gleams like a piece of heaven on Earth. This festival invites you to a land of surreal beauty and allows you to capture moments that will stay etched in your memory forever. Families come here not just for a holiday but to experience an adventure filled with fun and frolic.
History of the Rann Utsav
The Rann Utsav, originally a three-day festival, has transformed into a grand celebration lasting 100 days. The concept of Rann Utsav was envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who was the Chief Minister of Gujarat at the time.
Rann Utsav Important Details
The Rann Utsav 2023-2024 Date
Mark your calendars, for the upcoming Rann Utsav awaits you from 10th November 2023 to 25th February 2024.
Where is the Rann Utsav 2023-2024 Celebrated?
Located near the Rann of Kutch, the festival takes place in Dhordo, a village where an entire tent city is created each year.
- Rann Utsav Entry Permit Fee
- Entry is free for children aged 5 years and below.
- INR 50 for children above 5 and below 12 years.
- INR 100 for individuals aged 12 years and above.
- Rann Utsav Vehicle Entry Fee
- INR 25 for two-wheelers.
- INR 50 for four-wheelers.
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Weather During the Rann Festival
The months between November and February provide the ideal weather for exploring the enchanting region of Kutch and immersing yourself in the festivities of the Rann Utsav. With temperatures ranging from 25 to 12 degrees Celsius, the climate is pleasant, which promises a delightful experience for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The cool and comfortable weather adds to the charm of the landscape. It is a time when both nature and the vibrant traditions of Kutch come alive and create a magical atmosphere for visitors to revel in.
How to Reach the Rann Utsav
Reaching Rann Utsav is convenient with multiple transportation options:
- By Road: You can choose to travel by road from Bhuj, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Mumbai: The travel time varies from 2 to 19 hours, depending on your location.
- By Railroad: Take a train to Bhuj. From Bhuj, you can choose from various local transportation options, including taxis, shared jeeps, buses to Hodka, or autos to Dhordo.
- By Air: Bhuj is the nearest airport to Rann of Kutch. Once you reach Bhuj, you can hire a local taxi or shared jeep or drive 126 km to reach the Rann of Kutch.
Events at the Rann Utsav 2023-2024
Full moon days:
- 26th, 27th and 28th November 2023
- 26th, 27th and 28th December 2023
- 24th, 25th and 26th January 2024
- 23th, 24th and 25th February 2024
Other days:
- 10th to 18th November 2023 - Diwali Celebrations
- 14th and 15th January 2024 - Uttarayan
- 26th January 2024 - Republic Day
- 14th February 2024 - Valentine's Day
Accommodation facilities in Rann Utsav
- Non-AC tenets
- Deluxe tenets
- Premium tenets
- Darbari tenets
- Rajwadi tenets
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Activities in the Rann Utsav
During your stay, participate in various activities in the Rann Utsav - hop on a Golf Cart, rev up an ATV, take a leisurely ride on a Camel Cart, or soar high with Paramotoring. Find peace through meditation and yoga amidst this picturesque landscape. This magical sojourn promises experiences that will weave their way into the fabric of your memories. Come, explore, and let the Rann Utsav spirit enchant you.
Stay in a Tent City
The tents set up at the festival offer a blend of modern comfort and traditional charm. Placed amidst the vast and awe-inspiring landscape of the Rann of Kutch, the tents are equipped with modern amenities such as comfortable beds, air conditioning, attached bathrooms, and other conveniences to ensure a cosy stay amid the desert expanse. Also, the tents often feature traditional touches on the exterior.
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Shop at the Craft Bazaar
Local artisans and craftsmen gather at the Craft Bazaar to display their impressive creations. Visitors have the opportunity to explore and purchase authentic Kutchi handicrafts directly from the artisans. The items available at the craft bazaar are not only impressive in their craftsmanship but also unique.
Eateries for Food Lovers
The food served at the canteen is known for its rich and traditional taste. Visitors have the opportunity to try a variety of delectable dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients and cooked with desi ghee. Bajra ki roti, a traditional millet flatbread, is a speciality of the region and a must-try during the festival. Made from pearl millet flour, these rotis are usually enjoyed with ghee, jaggery, and buttermilk.
Experience the Enchantment of Kutch
Nestled within the heart of Gujarat, Kutch is a land of unparalleled ecological and cultural richness. Here, natural beauty dances in vibrant shades, culture and tradition resonate in every corner, and joy and celebration echo through the very air. Kutch is a living kaleidoscope, a canvas painted with the most exquisite colours of life. But it is under the moonlit sky that Kutch reveals its most enchanting secret—a boundless white desert that stretches into infinity, a sight so breathtaking and unique that it feels like a masterpiece of nature. The desert under the moonlight is a surreal experience, a moment frozen in time, unique to this corner of the world.
Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary Bollywood icon and the brand ambassador of Gujarat, once famously said, "Kutch Nahin Dekha Toh Kuch Nahi Dekha," which translates to "If you have not seen Kutch, you have not seen anything." His words ring true, for Kutch is a realm of beauty and wonder that captivates the hearts of all who visit.
Art, Music & Culture
Kutch is a melting pot of rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. The music, influenced by Sufi and folk songs, resonates with the soulful sounds of instruments like Bhorrindo, Manjira, Morchay, Jodia Pava, and Rava. The language spoken in Kutch is Kutchi. The district is renowned for its extremely beautiful handicrafts, including garment embroidery, hand wall paintings, jewellery items, wood carvings, wall paintings, and many more artistic creations.
Also, Kutch is home to various communities and groups, many of which have migrated to the region over centuries from neighbouring areas such as Marwar (Western Rajasthan), Sindh, Afghanistan, and beyond. This diverse mix of cultures and traditions has contributed to the vibrant and multicultural tapestry of Kutch.