Unmissable Gujarat Festivals: six Notable Celebrations to Witness Firsthand
Ready to dive into the vibrant world of Gujarat's festivals? Here's a lowdown on key Gujarati gatherings that'll leave you spellbound.
Kicking off the Year Right: Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti)
Uttarayan marks the sun'sshift from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere, an event known as Uttarayana in Hindu astrology. It's celebrated on January 14th every year as Ahmedabad's International Kite Festival. Gather rooftops across the city for some fierce, friendly kite battles! The atmosphere is carnival-esque, with street vendors selling kites, manja (glass-coated string), and festive eats around every corner.
What to Do
- Kite battles: Rent or buy a kite and string from nearby stalls to participate in fierce sky battles.
- Sample the fare: Dig into traditional food like undhiyu (a spicy mixed-vegetable curry) and sweet jalebis at fairgrounds.
- Capture the moment: Early morning or late afternoon allows for stunningly colorful kites against blue skies for picture-perfect moments!
How to Get There
Ahmedabad is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. Its main airport, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD), is just 11 km from the city center, with daily flights to major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) is the main railway station, with trains connecting to all major cities in India. By road, Ahmedabad lies at the intersection of several national highways (NH 47, 48, 64, 147), connecting it to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Jaipur.
Navratri Garba Nights
Navratri is celebrated for nine nights across Gujarat and India to pay tribute to the feminine energy or Shakti. The festival is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with Garba dance as the heart of festivities.
What to Do
- Join a Garba circle: Even if you're a beginner, many events welcome outsiders! Watch locals twirl in cholis (traditional tops) and kediya (skirts) then jump into the circle to join the dance!
- Attend a large night fair: Watch vibrant Garba circles spin around stage lights, feast on traditional food, and enjoy cultural shows at places such as the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad or Kamalam Grounds in Vadodara.
- Shop for festival finery: During the days before Navratri, markets overflow with traditional embroidery, cholis, bandhani (tie-dyed) sarees and dupattas, and souvenir-worthy platters of sweets.
How to Get There
Ahmedabad is easily accessible by all modes of transport. Its Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) and Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) connect to various cities, while buses and cars link Ahmedabad to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Jaipur via NH 47, 48, 64, and 147.
By navigating local buses or ride-hailing cabs, you can quickly reach major Garba grounds in Ahmedabad and smaller towns like Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and others.
Rann Utsav: Dhordo (Great Rann of Kutch)
From November to February, the Great Rann of Kutch transforms into a dazzling desert festival, hosting tent villages, cultural shows, and camel safaris. Experience a canvas tent stay, folklore performances, tribal dances, and local artisan markets under the celestial backdrop.
What to Do
- Overnight desert stay: Book a tent or deluxe cottage stay in Dhordo to witness both full-moon and new-moon desert landscapes.
- Camel or Jeep Safari: Experience stunning sunrise or sunset journeys over the salt flats via camel ride or 4x4 trip.
- Cultural shows: Enjoy nightly folk dance and live music performances. Many events highlight tribal ravanahatha music and Kutchi dances.
- Shopping: Browse handicrafts from local artisans like Kutch embroidery, bandhani textiles, leather goods, and eco-jewelry in the Crafts Bazaar.
How to Get There
The nearest major hub is Bhuj (80 km south), which has limited domestic flights (typically via Mumbai or Ahmedabad) and a railway station on the Ahmedabad-Kutch line. From Bhuj town or station, shared taxis and buses run to Dhordo.
Alternatively, most travelers fly into Ahmedabad (AMD) and take a train or road journey to Bhuj, then head north through villages to Dhordo via a well-maintained highway.
Tarnetar Fair: Tarnetar Village (Surendranagar District)
In late August or early September, the village of Tarnetar comes alive with a matchmaking fair and elaborately embroidered umbrella processions. Legend links the fair to Draupadi's swayamvar in the Mahabharata.
What to Do
- Umbrella procession: See daily processions of colorful umbrellas (symbol of eligibility) led by camels and horses as men seek partners in this folk tradition.
- Shop tribal crafts: Explore stalls offering hand-embroidered shawls, tribal silver jewelry, Rajasthani leather goods, and Banni embroidery from Kutch.
- Experience folk culture: Participate in Garba dances, enjoy live folk music, and savor local snacks like mango khaja and fariyapuri.
How to Get There
Tarnetar is accessible by road, trains, and buses. The closest railhead is Surendranagar Junction (65 km away), with trains to Ahmedabad (3.5 hours) and Rajkot (2 hours). From there, local buses or taxis run to Tarnetar village. By road, Tarnetar lies on State Highway 15, roughly 80 km south of Rajkot (on NH 27) and 100 km west of Ahmedabad (via Limbdi-Samadhiyala Road). The nearest airports are Rajkot (RAJ, 70 km) and Ahmedabad (AMD, 140 km).
Kavant Fair: Kavant Village (Chhota Udaipur District)
Annually in Phagan Vad Trij (the fifth day after Holi), the Kavant Fair in Kavant village showcases tribal archery displays, traditional music, dance, and handicrafts. The Rathva community comes together for a joyful performance.
What to Do
- Witness tribal dances: Experience the energy of mid-morning performances featuring folk dances in vibrant tribal attire.
- Observed archery demonstrations: Admire skilled Bhil archers' traditional marksmanship, reflecting the community's martial heritage.
- Participate in rituals: Join locals in rituals at the shrine outside the village, a custom dating back centuries.
- Shop tribal crafts: Explore stalls showcasing bamboo and grass handicrafts, terracotta figures, tribal silver jewelry, and embroidered textiles.
How to Get There
Vadodara Junction (BRC) is the closest major railway station, approximately 114 km away, with direct trains from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Udaipur. Vadodara Airport (BDQ) serves the region. From Vadodara, taxis and state-run buses connect to Chhota Udaipur; from there, shared jeeps or local buses cover the final 20 km to Kavant. By road, follow NH 47 to Chhota Udaipur, then turn onto SH 5 for the scenic forested approach to the village.
Madhavpur Fair: Madhavpur (Porbandar District)
Each spring (around Ram Navami, March/April), the Madhavpur Fair in Madhavpur village celebrates the wedding of Lord Krishna and Rukmini with coastal festivities, Mishmi tribal dances, Garba, and beach activities.
What to Do
- Cultural exchange: Watch open-air performances by Assamese, Manipuri, and Gujarati troupes, experiencing the blend of cultures.
- Beach activities: Enjoy morning walks or dips on Madhavpur's scenic beach during the festival time.
- Explore nearby: Discover Porbandar (15 km away) to see Kirti Mandir, Sudama Temple, and coastal shrines like Bileshwar.
How to Reach
Madhavpur's excellent road accessibility makes it easy to travel via Porbandar (58 km), Somnath (74 km), and Devbhoomi Dwarka (138.9 km). Train travelers can arrive at Porbandar Railway Station, situated 58 km away with transfers taking approximately 53 minutes to Madhavpur. Those flying in will find Rajkot Airport as the nearest air connection, located 189 km from Madhavpur, offering regular flights to major Indian cities.
- The vibrant lifestyle of Gujarat includes travel to the Great Rann of Kutch during the Rann Utsav, where you can enjoy a canvas tent stay, camel safaris, cultural shows, and purchasing local artisan crafts.
- For food enthusiasts, travel to Gujarat during Navratri festivities offers the opportunity to join a Garba circle, attend large night fairs, and sample traditional food like undhiyu and jalebis at fairgrounds.
