The Rann of Kutch is known for its vast expanse of stark white salt pans that stretches for miles along the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat. Kutch is famous not only for its one-of-a-kind landscape but also for its local cultural heritage. The "White Desert Festival," or Rann Utsav, is one of India's most well-known festivals. People from all over the world come to see the colorful blend of culture and tradition that takes place over the course of three winter months. This festival is celebrated from around the month of November until February and sometimes even until Holi. This festival makes a significant contribution to the upliftment of the local artisan community.
Here's a guide to all the things that you must not miss out on during your trip to the Rann Utsav:
Camp Under the Stars
Dhordo, a village situated at a distance of 80 km from Bhuj is popular for its 'rann utsav tent city'. With approximately 400 tents equipped with modern amenities, tourists can enjoy an immersive cultural experience while staying in luxury and comfort. The tent city brings visitors closer to nature and the Utsav community. It is an excellent location for meeting new people, learning about local cultures, and sharing memorable experiences.
Visit Craft Bazaars
During the Rann Utsav, the craft bazaars are the most popular. They serve as a platform for local artists to showcase and sell their work. The craft bazaar is frequently the festival's most popular attraction among international visitors. Handcrafted, colorful, and one-of-a-kind items fill the market stalls, reflecting the diversity of the region's arts and crafts.
Rent Terrain Vehicles
All adventure sports enthusiasts should not pass up the opportunity to ride an ATV through the white dunes and flat salt pans. Tourists can rent these bikes and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The salt pans provide a breathtaking view, making ATVs one of the most popular vehicles in Kutch.
Chomp on a Traditional Thaali
What is a festival experience without sampling authentic cuisine? Gujarat is well known for its authentic flavours and unique cuisines. The local cuisine tastes as good as it looks and is a must-try while at the Rann Fest. Gujarati thalis and Kutchi cuisine are the most popular. Only the finest ingredients are used in the preparation of the food, and desi ghee plays an important role in enhancing the flavour. Tourists can choose from a variety of local food joints, stalls, and restaurants.
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Don't Miss Out Rann Purnima
If you're lucky, you might get to see one of the world's most beautiful natural phenomena! Rann Purnima is celebrated when a full moon reflects over Kutch's vast white salt pans. It is a unique occurrence, and tourists prefer to plan dates to attend the Rann Utsav in order to marvel at this incredible sight.
Experience a Village Stay
Bhuj and the village near the Rann Utsav grounds are an authentic mix of local art, culture, and businesses. Hodko and Nirona are traditional villages with tight-knit communities of artists and craftspeople. The livelihood of these villages is greatly influenced by their participation in this festival, which has created a massive platform for traditional artists in a digital world. You should definitely consider taking a day trip or staying overnight in one of these villages to experience the local hospitality.
Enjoy Live Music
Indigenous artists from all over Gujarat come to participate in this cultural festival. Folk songs and dances are becoming increasingly rare these days, but you can witness the splendour of it all at the Rann Utsav. Kutchi people have their own folk music. The Kutchis use a variety of local instruments such as the Nagara, Murli, Janjhra, Nagfani, Bhorrindo, Flute, Dholak, Damru, and many more to produce a distinct style of music. The music adds to the festival's lively vibe, and it can be enjoyed with a bonfire and a view of the white dunes.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
In India, hot air balloon rides are uncommon. However, in Kutch, you can enjoy an aerial view of the vast stretch of white salt pan from the comfort of a beautiful, floating hot air balloon. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that also allows for breathtaking photography for those who enjoy documenting the details.
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Adventure Sports (And Camel Rides!)
The many activities and adventure sports to do with friends and family are the best parts of the Rann Utsav Festival. From unusual trekking to a slow sunset camel ride to an exciting fast-paced sport. Even if you are a couch potato at home, you will undoubtedly find an outdoor adventure that you enjoy here. Camel rides and desert safaris are two of the most popular tourist activities.
Get Your Own Desert Art
Many indigenous arts and crafts can be found in Kutch. Among them is Rogan, a stunning art form created with a special castor paste. Today, only one family, the Abdul Gafur Khatri family, practices this art. Lippan Kaam is another regional craft done on bhungas, or circular mud huts where the locals live. For those interested in art history and culture, this is a great way to spend an afternoon in Kutch and acquire your own mementos of unique desert artworks.
Colors, culture, and creativity are all celebrated at the Rann Utsav. Make sure you have at least three days to cover everything on your bucket list the next time you plan a trip to Kutch!
On Tuesday evening, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued guidelines for Ganesh Utsav this year.
It has tightened the rules for Ganesh pandals this year due to the ongoing pandemic and COVID-19 third wave that is likely to hit by October.Read also: COVID-19 Vaccination: BMC Releases List of over 300 Centers Administering Only Second Dose TodayAccording to the new guidelines, no mandals should allow physical darshan.
However, BMC has allowed 10 members in sarvajanik mandals who will be permitted to become a part of arrival and immersion of the idol which has to be without procession, provided they are fully vaccinated.The 10 fully vaccinated members who will be allowed should have completed 15 days after the second dose and for household idols; similar guidelines will be applied wherein five members should have completed 15 days after the second dose.
Only then they will be allowed to be a part of arrival and visarjan.Further, restrictions have been imposed for citizens and for members of the Ganeshotsav mandals with regards to entering the water during visarjan.
Along with them, senior citizens and children are not to be allowed in the place of immersion.
In total there are 743 natural immersion sites in the city.According to the media reports, an advisory that was released by the BMC has stated, “The immersion of the idols of the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals in the containment zones should be done in pandals or it should be postponed.
