If you ever wanted to step into a white desert under the moonlit sky, with music and colours swirling around you, then Rann Utsav is your dream! Every winter, this one-of-a-kind festival lights up Gujarat’s White Rann Desert from November to February, drawing in travellers from all over. It’s an experience of culture, adventure, and the kind of beauty you’ll never forget.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to this magical desert festival.
What’s Rann Utsav all about?
1. Where: The Rann festival is held on the Great Rann of Kutch, near Dhordo Village. Imagine endless miles of wide-open salt flats!
2. When: Utsav falls between November and February, with pleasant, cool desert weather. This season perfectly suits exploration and enjoyment without the hot summers.
3. Why it’s special: The festival of Rann turns the otherwise quiet desert into a cultural buzzing hub. Traditional dance, music, arts, and food are everywhere—it is a celebration of Gujarat at its best!
Culture, art, and food
1. Crafts and artisans: If you are an art enthusiast, Rann Utsav is a paradise. Some shops sell embroidered clothing, jewels, pottery, and lots more. Every craft has its story, as artisans prepare it all locally.
2. Dancing and music: You can get an opportunity to have live dance programs of folk dances like Garba and Dandiya. You will get opportunities to listen to local musicians’ folk music. You can have fun in the lively footsteps of wearing traditional dresses and dancing while performing local music.
3. Food to savour: Try local food! Enjoy dishes such as Dhokla, Thepla, and Bajra rotlo or millet bread. Don’t forget the Gughra and Gulab Pak, a specialty dessert of Kutch.
Where to stay
1. Tent city: The festival of Rann offers a “Tent City” with different options, from luxury tents to simpler stays. It’s like a pop-up village in the desert with private bathrooms, comfy beds, and all the essentials.
2. Bhunga stays: Want something traditional? Stay in a Bhunga, a local-style mud hut with artistic decorations. These cozy huts, often found in Dhordo and nearby villages, give you an authentic experience.
3. Nearby villages: For those on a budget, villages like Hodka offer guesthouses and small hotels. You’ll meet locals and see more of the area’s daily life.
What to do at Rann Utsav
1. Moonlit desert views: The White Rann looks surreal under a full moon. The salt flats shine softly in the moonlit light, a sight you won’t forget.
2. Camel rides and desert safaris: Feel the desert on a camelback or take a jeep safari. You may even glimpse the wildlife found in the area, such as flamingos or desert foxes!
3. Adventure activities: There is always scope for your adrenaline rush if you crave adventure. Enjoy the thrill of ATV rides, experience paramotoring, ride the zip line, or enjoy parasailing while finding relief between cultural events.
4. Kala Dungar (Black Hill): Head to Kala Dungar, essentially the highest place in the Kutch district, and treat yourself to a tremendous view of White Rann. This can be done during sunrise or when the sun is set in the sky. A quick visit to the neighbouring Dattatreya Temple is worthwhile.
Don’t miss these nearby gems
1. Bhuj: An hour and a half from Dhordo, Bhuj is full of history. Visit places like the Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, and the Kutch Museum, the oldest museum in Gujarat.
2. Mandvi Beach: Need a break from the desert? Mandvi Beach is only a few hours away, with camel rides, street snacks, and a calm vibe.
3. Lakhpat Fort: Visit the old Lakhpat Fort, a ghost town. It’s mysterious and peaceful. You can visit here for a day trip.
4. Vijay Vilas Palace: This palace has been featured in some Bollywood movies. It has beautiful gardens that give you a great ocean view.
Shopping at Rann Utsav
1. Handicrafts and souvenirs: The Rann festival features stalls selling unique handicrafts, from embroidered cloths to silver jewellery.
2. Ajarkh and Bandhani prints: These fabrics are specially block-printed and tied-dyed with Gujarati traditions. Look for artisans who make these right in front of your eyes!
3. Rogan art: This type of art is uniquely found in Gujarat. It is mainly prepared with castor oil paints and is a true memorabilia.
When to visit for the best experience
1. Full moon nights: Plan your trip around a full moon night if possible. The White Rann shines bright, giving the desert a dreamlike, glowing effect.
2. Cool weather: Winter days are perfect for exploring, with temperatures around 12-25°C. Nights can get chilly, so don’t forget warm clothes.
Tips for visitors
1. Plan ahead of time: The festival is in great demand. Plan your Rann Utsav dates and book all the accommodations and transport well in advance.
2. Dress comfortably: You walk quite a lot. Therefore, it’s best to get a comfortable pair of shoes, as well as wear layered clothes to keep yourself warm at night
3. Carry cash: Cards work everywhere, but some small village vendors may only take cash.
How to get there
1. By air: You can reach Bhuj by air, an airport almost 85 kilometres away. Delhi and Mumbai airports easily connect to Bhuj.
2. By train: You can even travel to Bhuj by rail. Bhuj has an access link to the major cities, and after reaching Bhuj, bus and taxi options towards Dhordo are easily accessible.
3. By road: You can reach Rajkot (300 km) or Ahmedabad (400 km) from other cities. You can even take private taxis and buses.
Booking tickets and packages
1. Standard packages: For visitors staying in the Tent City, Gujarat Tourism provides several packages that include lodging, meals, and guided excursions. Packages for one, two, or three nights are available.
2. Custom tours: Many private tour companies provide Rann Utsav packages that cover everything from guided tours of nearby villages to artisan classes if you have particular preferences.
Ready for the Rann Utsav?
Rann Utsav is where you can experience a completely different side of India. As you plan your trip, Tata Capital can help make your getaway affordable with flexible travel loans in India. With easy financing, you can focus on enjoying the magic of the White Rann without stressing over costs.
Visit the Tata Capital website and download the app to get started.
04 December 2024
6 mins read
Previous Post
