The Rann Utsav: Kutch's Most Unique Festival

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Located at the far Western edge of Gujarat, Kutch is not part of the usual tourist trail. Whilst many traipse through Rajasthan for a view of the desert, fewer venture to the other side of the Thar Desert to explore this spectacular region. This makes it the perfect place to really feel how our ancestors must have felt when there was nothing before them but oceans of elusive sand. On a recent visit to the region, I was able to experience the Rann Utsav, a spectacle that left me awe-struck.

Run to Rann

The Rann of Kutch isn’t just a desert, but a cultural celebration, something that the Gujarat Government has successfully showcased for a few years now in its annual festival of Rann Utsav. Visitors stay in tented camps and resorts that border the great White Rann. There are over 400 tents of varying capacity and facilities, so you are sure to find something that suits your budget and needs. The most convenient thing to do, of course, is to book one of the Rann Utsav packages on MakeMyTrip which include accommodation, transfers, meals and sightseeing. The stay so close to the White Salt Desert alone is an experience of a lifetime. Imagine looking out at night on the startling white landscape that stretches into the horizon as far as the eye can see. So close to Pakistan, you can almost touch it!

The Magic of Gujarat

The Rann festival of Kutch celebrates the colour of the region, providing an arena for the arts and crafts of Gujarat to be displayed and purchased. I spent hours just walking through the stalls looking at the detailed embroidery on bed linen and brightly coloured leather work that had been intricately carved into decorations. For the more inquisitive souls, you can also visit some of the local villages and NGOs to see local artisans practice traditional Indian arts including rabari embroidery, rogan art and the distinctive mirror work that Kutch is known for. My favourite would have to be seeing how the colourful kitchen items are made using the lac-turned wood method in the tiny village of Nirona.  With a steady hand, a plain piece of wood is quickly transformed into a vibrant work of art before our eyes. You will return from your Rann Utsav trip with bags full of shopping!

The Fringe Benefits

Kutch is a vast region, and visiting it during the Rann Utsav can certainly make it easier to traverse. With organized tours to some of the local sightseeing spots including religious sites in Kutch such as Narayan Sarovar or the ancient Kera Shiv Temple, you can explore a lot more of the region and meet fellow travellers as well. You could also head a bit further into Gujarat and see the Sun Temple of Modhera, which is just as stunning as the more famous Sun Temple of Konark.

Call of the Wild

For nature lovers, there is plenty of interesting wildlife to see around the Rann Utsav location including flamingoes, Indian wild asses and foxes. The wildlife sanctuaries of the Rann of Kutch are most famous for the many species of birds that visit the marshlands.  Even if you don’t make it to a wildlife sanctuary, you will no doubt hear the melodic chirping of birds at dusk.

Just Sit Back and Relax

In the evening, sit back and enjoy some traditional music of Gujarat and folk dancing with the Greater Rann of Kutch as your backdrop. Shows that demonstrate the diversity of the region are set up within the Rann Utsav complex and also on the White Rann for an experience that can’t be matched anywhere in the world.

Getting There

Take a flight or train to Ahmedabad or Bhuj for a mesmerizing vacation at the Rann of Kutch. From both these cities, you can easily get a cab to the Rann Utsav location. If you have booked one of the Rann Utsav packages of MakeMyTrip, then your transfers to and from the White Rann Resort will also be taken care of!

Plan your visit to the Rann of Kutch now with these exclusive Rann Utsav packages.