If you’re in Gujarat, every day is a celebration. Often termed as the land of festivities, people in Gujarat surely know how to live their lives to the fullest. The beauty of the state’s rich culture and traditions is showcased most flawlessly through the many festivals of Gujarat celebrated here all year round. The State comes alive with men clad in the most vibrant turbans and women in their sequin lehengas grooving in joy to the most catchy beats.
Here are the top festivals of Gujarat that will make you fall in love with the beautiful Indian state!
Navratri – The Famous Festival of Gujarat
The first thing that pops up in one’s mind when they talk about festivals of Gujarat is Navratri. The most celebrated festival in Gujarat is commemorated gleefully in other parts of India as well. Three things sum up Navratri; Dandiya, Garba and lots of fun. Navratri is a festival of nine nights and on the tenth day, Goddess Durga, who is worshipped throughout the nine days, is immersed in holy water after performing a pooja. Loud music, exciting competitions, flea markets and exhibitions, delicacies that are a treat for your tongue and large crowds dressed in the most beautiful, most lively clothes is what you will witness during Navratri in Gujarat.
Where is it celebrated: Throughout Gujarat
When is it celebrated: October 3, 2024 – October 12, 2024
Rann Utsav
What is it: Rann Utsav is celebrated at The Great Rann Of Kutch, a salt marsh located in the Thar Desert which spreads over an area of about 7,500 square kilometres. Enthralling music, authentic handcrafted items, Bandini sarees and traditional ornaments are somethings that you will experience on the dazzling white sand. The festival reflects the Gujarati folk culture in its purest form. Experiment with the delicious cuisine of Gujarat while staying in tents in the desert for a heavenly experience.
Where is it celebrated: Rann Of Kutch
When is it celebrated: October 26, 2023 – February 20, 2024
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Uttarayan
Uttarayan is a Hindu festival in celebration of the winter solstice and the transition to springtime, as well as the harvest.
The name Uttarayan often refers to the period between the winter solstice and the summer solstice, but sometimes the name is used to refer to a celebration lasting a few days.
n some places, Uttarayan is celebrated with kite flying, and the name Uttarayan is sometimes used as the name of a kite festival, notably in the Indian state of Gujarat. Uttarayan is sometimes called Makar Sankranti. Similar festivals that take place at the same time are known as Pongal and Lohri, though these may be considered entirely separate observances (even though they also celebrate the harvest and the transition to springtime).
Where is it celebrated: Throughout Gujarat
When is it celebrated: January 15th, 2024
Shamlaji Melo
Devotees in large numbers arrive at the Shamlaji fair on foot or camel carts, singing devotional songs. People dancing and carrying banners bearing sacred symbols is a common sight which sets a cheerful mood. They worship the deity and bathe in the holy waters of the Meshwo river. The fair, along with being the heart of the festivities, happens to be a market for trading silverware, cloth, and ornaments.
Where is it celebrated: Shamlaji temple (situated near the Gujarat-Rajasthan border)
When is it celebrated: November, 2024
Vautha Mela
Vathua Mela is an animal trading festival. As strange as it sounds, the festival is like Diwali to the locals. Animals, mainly donkeys and camels are painted and dressed in fancy clothes elaborately to attract buyers. The place is full of life with vendors and their animals that are all decked up and the heart of the festivities. You will also find local food stalls and handicraft stalls to shop from. Wait for the sun to go down as to witness diyas being lit up in the river.
Where is it celebrated: Vautha
When is it celebrated: During Kartika Purnima
Modhera Dance Festival
Modhera Dance Festival in Gujarat is all about the celebration of art, music, dance, and culture to flaunt the Golden age of the Solanki era. The unique traditional dance forms of Gujarat showcased in this event take you back to the past and are thoroughly entertaining. What’s more is that as part of visiting this festival, you could also explore the gorgeous Sun Temple.
Where is it: Sun Temple in Modhera
When is it: Every year during the third week end of January
Bhadra Purnima
Bhadra Purnima Fair is a festival in Gujarat that is held on the full moon of Bhadrapad at the temple of the goddess Ambaji in the city of Ambaji. On this day, people, especially agriculturists visit the temple for a favourable. View of the diety and to attend readings of the Sapatashati, the seven hundred verses in praise of the goddess. In the evening the Bhavai and Garba dances are performed, setting a serene mood.
Where is it celebrated: Ambaji
When is it celebrated: September 18th, 2024
Bhavnath Mahadev Fair
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Bhavnath Mahadev Fair is a Gujarati festival held for five days during Mahashivratri in February. The events which are associated with the fair are very colourful. Elephants decorated majestically are a common sight. During this fair, the visitors are served free meals by the organisers. There are special stalls that sell idols, sarees from Ayodhya and Mathura, utensils of brass and copper, sweets and fruits. The event is summed up with dance and music performances. It is one of the most happening festivals in Gujarat.
Where is it celebrated: Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, located at the foot of Girnar hill in Junagadh.
When is it celebrated: March 8th, 2024
Rath Yatra
Rathayatra, Hindu festival of India, observed by taking an image of a deity in a procession (yatra) through the streets in a chariot (ratha). This affords darshan (auspicious viewing) of the deity to worshippers. Who because of caste or sectarian restrictions, are not admitted to the sanctuary. It also dramatizes the Hindu conviction that however much the power of a deity’s image may be associated with a particular familiar place, that power has a wider orbit as well.
The most-famous Rathayatra festival is that of the god Krishna, worshipped as Jagannatha. Which takes place at Puri in Odisha and at Shrirampur in West Bengal. Many similar festivals for other deities are observed in India and Nepal. Important images may be carried on elaborately carved wooden chariots, which are often extremely large and heavy, requiring hundreds of worshippers to pull them. While village deities may travel on far simpler, lighter palanquins.
Where is it celebrated: Although the yatra is held in various cities and towns in Gujarat, the most celebrated amongst all is the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra.
When is it celebrated: July 7th, 2024
Janmashtami
anmashtami celebrates Lord Krishna’s birth in an exhilarating manner. You must have seen a group of people forming a human pyramid, and then one amongst. Them climbs to the top to break the Dahi handi and the crowd cheers. This famous religious festival in Gujarat is known for its Dahi handi ceremony. Devotional singing, dances and feeding Lord Krishna his favourite food, butter.
Where is it celebrated: Dwarka
When is it celebrated: August 26th, 2024
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Gujarat is a vibrant state known for its rich cultural festivities. From the energetic Navratri celebrations. With Dandiya and Garba to the mesmerizing Rann Utsav in the Great Rann of Kutch. The state offers a diverse array of festivals. Other highlights include Uttarayan, marked by kite flying. The unique Vautha Mela for animal trading, and the spiritual Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad. The state also hosts the Modhera Dance Festival, Bhadra Purnima Fair. Bhavnath Mahadev Fair, and Janmashtami in Dwarka, each contributing to the colorful tapestry of Gujarat’s cultural heritage. These celebrations showcase the warmth, traditions, and exuberance of the people. Making every day a joyful occasion in this enchanting Indian state.
