This October, Get Ready To Experience The Multicultural Rann Utsav

The White Desert in Gujarat is mesmerising, to say the least. It stands for its sublime uniqueness and the monumental Rann Utsav - a festival of spirit, a carnival of music and the flag bearer of the rich and glorious Gujarati traditions. Since its advent in 2008, the Rann Utsav has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors each year from all around the world and its popularity has only grown manifolds. 

An indulgence for all senses, your taste buds enjoy an authentic food experience, your ears celebrate the sounds of folk music, and your eyes are treated to the splendid panoramas of the glimmering desert. This year, Rann Utsav is being held from 26th October 2023 to 20th February 2024. Here is what you must experience at this white desert festival 

Explore The Tent City

Organised in a village called Dhordo, the Rann Utsav sees a temporary city come alive in the barren land. The tent city is set up where travellers can stay in luxurious accommodations and enjoy activities such as sightseeing, music and dance performances, culinary spreads, and handicraft displays. The white salt flats offer a dazzling experience at night, especially the full moon evenings that light up the land with its celestial glow. Packages start from INR 4,600 for a non-AC room. If you do not want to stay in the desert, then you can also check the local hotels.

Visit Handicrafts And Shopping Market 

Hand block prints, handicrafts, embroidered clothes - there is much to get your hands on when in Gujarat. Make sure to explore the market and pick unique jewellery and other silver accessories. The haat (market) is decorated with upturned umbrellas and features artistic installations in the entire tent city. 

Catch The Sunset At Rann of Kutch

Hardly ten minutes away from the commercial tent city is a large sprawl of salt flats that seems to stretch as far as the eye can see. The White Rann extends from Gujarat's Kutch district to Pakistan's Sindh region, spreading over 30,000 sq. km. Find a lone spot and take in the grand departure of the sun below the horizon as tangerine hues fill the sky.

Visit Local Destinations

While on a tour of the festival, make time for day trips to local destinations. Visit the Aina Mahal Museum and Pragmahal Museum in Bhuj and make a trip to the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary that was created in 1973. Kalo Dungar alias black hill is the highest point of the Kutch region, offering a bird's-eye view of the Great Rann of Kutch. Here, Dattatreya Temple, a 400-year-old shrine sacred to Lord Dattatreya can be visited.