Gujarat is a wonderful mosaic of cultures, heritages and beliefs, peacefully thriving with each other. Rann Utsav is the perfect destination to experience the rich Gujarati culture in all its glory. India hosts numerous fairs and festivals throughout the year and Rann Utsav in Gujarat should be on everyone’s bucket list. The Utsav is known for its colourful and vibrant atmosphere where the air is filled with the sounds of local music. Every year from November to February the expansive white salt plains of the Rann of Kutch turns into a stage for Rann Utsav. Staying in tents, indulging in cultural activities and watching the sun go down behind the stunning white landscape seems like a dream. The Story of Rann Utsav It was in 2001 that Gujarat had experienced the devastating earthquake in Bhuj. It impacted people’s lives in irreparable ways. Many people lost their lives and several were injured. The earthquake impacted not only life but livelihood as well, especially in the regions of Kutch and Bhuj. The government took on the rebuilding projects but soon realised that the people needed a way to earn their livelihood as well. Tourism was the only way of reviving the economy and generating revenue for the locals. Not just that, the festival was also a way of preserving the rich heritage, culture and traditions of these parts. After 3 years of planning, research and contemplation, it was in 2004 that the first Rann Utsav took place and the rest is history. Evolution of Rann Utsav The Gujarat government had started off the Rann Utsav as a 3 day initiative. It was to take place during the 3 full moon nights when the white desert of Kutch looks spectacular. After its immense popularity the duration later on increased to 4 months which kicks off in November and ends in February. The festival takes place in the fringes of the Great Rann of Kutch in a local village called Dhordo. During the early years of the Utsav, the celebrations mainly only consisted of fest with the locals. The locals of Dhordo and Kutch were responsible for setting up food stalls and souvenir shops. Over the years the magnitude of the festival has grown tenfold. The government now has certified partners for setting up the tent city and the amazing White Rann resort. Now the festival also offers various fun activities, in-house craft bazaars, adventure experiences, cultural events, traditional dance and musical performances, jeep and camel rides in Kutch and so much more. How to Reach Rann Utsav In order to reach Rann Utsav one must make their way to Bhuj first. Cabs and car rentals are available for hire to reach Bhuj. There are local bus services also available connecting Bhuj to Kutch. How To Reach Bhuj By Flight - The Rudra Mata airport is a small airport in Bhuj. Due to the low flight frequency, the flight tickets are very high. For example there are just 1 or 2 flights from Mumbai to Bhuj and it costs 3 times more than the flight ticket from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. How To Reach Bhuj by Bus / Car - Going to Bhuj by car or bus is preferred more. The road trip from Ahmedabad to Bhuj is 7 to 8 hours. Government and private bus services are also available connecting the two places. Depending on the bus, the ticket can range from INR 400 to 800. Cars on rent are also available on a per hour basis. How To Reach Bhuj By Train - Getting to Bhuj by train is another one of the most convenient and pocket friendly ways to reach Bhuj. Bhuj railway station receives numerous trains from nearby major as well as minor destinations like Ahmedabad, Vadodara etc. There are local transportations easily available at the Bhuj railway station. The Rann Utsav location is 80 kms away from the station. Best Time to Visit Rann of Kutch Winter is the best time to visit Kutch. The months from October to February are ideal summers in these parts are extremely harsh and make sightseeing a hassle. A trip to Rann Utsav is worth it when it is possible to head out and check out some of the most famous sightseeing attractions. Things to Do in Rann Utsav Rann Utsav is a place where there is no dearth of activities to fill the whole day. Here are some things to do in Rann Utsav:
Food Availability in Rann Utsav The Rann Utsav has a large hall where local traditional food is served. It offers a wide range of lip smacking Gujarati food options. There are 2 huge tented dining halls for this purpose. The tent city is so well organised when it comes to food that after the closing of the dining halls, there are stalls also available to take care of late night hunger pangs, just in case. Everyone’s food needs are well taken care of in Rann Utsav. The entire menu is pure vegetarian with some Jain options also available. Typically the meals here consist of soups, Rice, Chapatis, 4 to 5 varieties of curries, buttermilk and some desserts as well. Where to Stay For Rann Utsav Tourists normally prefer visiting Rann Utsav via a tour package where stay is included in either the Rann Utsav tent city or the White Rann Resort. Although the tariff at both these places is a bit on the higher side, but it comes with a range of cultural activities such as day trips, cultural events and adventure experiences.
If travelling without the convenience of a package, then there are several options available. There are various hotels and resorts available in the nearby village of Bherandiala and Dhordo. For budget travellers it is recommended to book a stay in the nearby homestay and then go and check out the festival. Tent city booking can also be done if there are no budget restraints. General Information for Rann Utsav
Rann Utsav FAQs Q. What Can I Expect From Rann Utsav? Ans. At Rann Utsav expect to have a deep cultural experience. Get a glimpse of the traditional Kutchi lifestyle through dance, music, handicrafts, art and foods. Q. Do I Need To Book A Rann Utsav Package? Ans. Although booking a package for Rann Utsav is not necessary, it is highly advised especially if travelling with family. The package will give access to as many cultural experiences as possible. Q. How Far Is The Tent City From The Rann Of Kutch? Ans. Rann of Kutch is approx. 85 km away from the tent city of Kutch. Q. What Is The Price Of A Tent In The Tent City Of Rann Utsav? Ans. A premium tent for 1 night costs INR 7,600/-; a deluxe AC costs INR 6,200/-; a non AC tent costs INR 4,600/-. Q. What Can I Buy At The Rann Utsav? Ans. People can buy stuff like textiles, clothing, Jewellery, paintings, handicrafts items, decorative items etc.
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