Festivals provide an opportunity to experience life to the fullest spiritually and serve as a glimpse into different cultures and religious beliefs. Though India is a diverse country, its western coast festivals are particularly noteworthy for their potential to infuse the nation with energy and vibrancy. Yes, we are talking about festivals of Gujarat — Navratri, Uttarayan, Rann Utsav and Modhera Dance Festival.
Do you know when, how, and why each of these festivals are observed? If don't, we have all the answers to your festival-related queries right here.
Checkout the famous festivals of Gujarat you must know about
Navratri
Gujarati community of India is known for its vivacious energy and enthusiasm for living to the fullest, seemingly without a doubt the community dominated state celebrates Navratri in a way that is unmatched.
According to Indian mythology after a nine-day struggle, Goddess Shakti defeated evil, and this nine-day dance festival honours that victory. Every day before the dance starts, people honour a goddess avatar. The dance forms can be Garba, Dandiya, or a combination of the two.
Huge Navratri celebrations are held in the city, both outdoors or indoors. It is very amazing to watch groups of men and women whirling around in circles while wearing vibrant traditional costumes and finery such as Chaniya Choli, Lehenga, and Ghagra Choli.
Uttarayan — The kite festival
The other vibrantly joyous festival of Gujarat is Uttarayan, as the kites kiss the sky of this west Indian state the competitive spirit gets embedded in each person. This annual event, which takes place on January 14th, celebrates the arrival of summer and the passing of winter. It also signals the start of harvest season.
Many prepare for the festival days in advance by filling their homes with Kites and Charkharis. Many go from distant places like Canada and the USA to enjoy themselves to the fullest during one of Gujarat's most vibrant festivals.
The International Kite Festival was first held in 1989 in Ahmedabad at the Sardar Patel Stadium as an integral part of the state's official festivities.
Modhera Dance Festival
This three-day festival, also called Uttarardh Mahotsavor, takes place at the Sun Temple in Modhera district of Gujarat. The entertainment packed festival aims at taking back the audience to times of Solanki kingdom with the stunning backdrop.
Organised by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) the exceptional occasion presents the traditional dance styles of the area and serves as a forum for the expression of the cultural ethos of various areas through dance, or Nritya.
Rann Utsav
Rann Utsav is one of the most famous festivals of Gujarat which takes place in the splendid white desert of India — The Rann Of Kutch, a jubilant region of art, crafts, music, dance, people, and environment.
The three-day celebration at marshy salt desert is the state's most ethnically uplifting experience amidst the cold breeze of winter full moon nights. Thrilling sports like ATV rides, zorbing, hot-air balloon rides, paramotoring can be explored here along with stalls for real bazaars offering such as handcrafted goods, traditional bandhani sarees, and jewellery.
In addition, during the two months of the festival, guests can enjoy camping in opulent tents designed just for their lodging. Experience the vibrant culture of Gujarat by indulging in the delicious food and watching traditional dances like Tippani, Garba, and Hallisaka.