Ahmedabad (Gujarat): Gujarat's Kutch is unique in many ways and is known for its hospitality, but it is the winter festival 'Rann Utsav' which attracts tourists from far and wide.
The festival offers an opportunity for tourists to enjoy the beauty of the 'white desert' illuminated in moonlight, the beauty of which is beyond the scope of description. Many believe that the glow of the white desert cannot be described, and has to be seen to be believed.
The Tourism Department of Gujarat organises the 'Rann Utsav' (desert festival) every year in the desert of Kutch, which has now become a major tourist attraction, not only in India but all over the world.
Rann Utsav, the largest festival of Gujarat, is celebrated in Kutch district, which is one of the largest districts of the country. Rann Utsav means a festival in the desert. During monsoon, the desert gets flooded and as the winter sets in, the salty water dries out and the large swathes of land turn white, which offers a spectacular view under moonlight. The Rann Utsav is held at Dhordo village in Kutch.
The Rann Utsav begins in November and ends in the month of February. This year, the festival began on November 12. During these months, the full moon and surrounding days provide the best view of the white desert.
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However, nighttime is not the only attraction, as during the day, tourists can delve deep and enjoy the unique culture and food of Kutch.
Kutch lies at the western-most part of the country and is a geographically and culturally isolated area. Kutch has been able to preserve thousands of years of traditions, and its old and long history is still intact and memories of its glorious past still fresh. The region has a lively folk culture and undisturbed geography. Rann Utsav was started around two decades ago and the Gujarat Tourism Department has over the years made it an ideal destination for travellers from home and abroad.
The main attraction of Rann Utsav, as described earlier is the white desert of Kutch. The topography of the region is such that during the monsoon, rain water gets accumulated here, and has no outlet to flow out. During the monsoon, the whole desert turns into a huge lake, which dries up by Diwali and turns into a layer of salt. After hundreds of years of natural processes, layers of salt have accumulated in the area known as the Banni of Kutch.
Rann Utsav is held near Dhordo town, situated 80 kilometres away from Bhuj, the main city of the district. The Banni area of Kutch was once known as Ghasiya Maidan (land of grass). However, change in the weather led to the waters of the Arabian Sea flooding the area, turning it into a desert. It is a labyrinthine area, where one would get lost without a guide.
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The same desolate and scary area is now shining on the world tourism map, as the area has been developed for tourists and for the Rann Utsav. The Rann Utsav held in Kutch is not just a glimpse of the culture and folk life of Kutch, but also an opportunity to enjoy the incredible beauty of nature.
Why is Rann Utsav unique?
If you are fond of adventure then Rannutsav is the place to visit. Further, if you are interested in astronomy and nature, then this is the place. You cannot get a clearer sky anywhere else.
Stay at the Tent City
There are also special arrangements for travellers to stay overnight. A tent city and Bhoongas (traditional styled small houses) have been erected in Dhordo. You can also get accommodation at Dhordo village. Along with a visit to the white desert, during night and day time, various cultural programs are also organised.
How to reach?
To visit the white desert, the easier way is to reach Bhuj, the main city of Kutch, which is very well connected by train, air, and road from Ahmedabad. The distance from Bhuj to Dhordo is 80 km and various modes of transportation are available. From Bhuj, you can reach Dhordo in an hour and a half, by bus, taxi or private car.
