Last Updated At: 17-May-2024
Famously deemed as the land of celebrations, Gujarat is a vibrant state. Colourful attire, stunning handicrafts, amazing architecture, rich wildlife, and loads of festivals prove that Gujaratis know how to live their lives to the fullest. Though every day is a festival for them, some festivals of Gujarat showcase the beauty of the state's rich culture and traditions flawlessly through the all-year-round celebrations. The streets come alive with men clad in colourful turbans and women in bedazzled lehengas grooving in joy to the hippest beats.
Foot-tapping music, cheerful ambience, mouth-watering food, and infectious laughter mark the Gujarat festivals. If you wish to know more about a place, attend its fairs and festivals, as it is the best way to know about locals' cultural richness, eventful history, and lifestyle. Here’s a list of the famous festivals of Gujarat that you shouldn’t miss when you are there.
Though Navratri is celebrated gleefully in other states of India, the Gujarati version of this festival is the most happening in the country. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Navratri is the main festival of Gujarat. There are three major highlights of this festival; Dandiya, Garba, and loads of fun. It is a festival of nine nights and ten days. Goddess Durga is worshipped throughout the nine days and is immersed in holy water after a pooja ritual on the tenth day. Visitors can witness loud music, flea markets, exciting competitions, and exhibitions during Navratri.
Celebrated at the Rann of Kutch, a salty stretch located in the Thar Desert which covers over 7,500 square kilometres of land, Kutch Rann Utsav boasts enthralling music, authentic handicrafts, traditional ornaments, and Bandini sarees that visitors can experience on the dazzling white sand. The Rann Utsav is the epitome of the Gujarati folk culture. Stay in the tents and treat yourself to the lip-smacking local delicacies. It is the most famous festival in Gujarat, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Often known as the kite festival, Uttrayan was first celebrated in Gujarat; and then in the country. During Uttarayan in Gujarat, the sky fills up with colourful kites of all shapes and sizes. People indulge themselves in the fun-packed competition wherein the goal is to cut other people’s kites while keeping their kites in the sky for the longest time possible. Uttarayan is a sign for the farmers that harvest season is about to come. Get your kites ready! Kai Po Che!
Many devotees arrive on foot or camels to attend Shalaji Melo in Gujarat while singing devotional songs. Shamlaji Melo is one of the most celebrated festivals of Gujarat people dancing and carrying banners depicting symbols is a common sight that sets a cheerful mood. People worship the deity and bathe in the holy water of the Meshwo River. The Shamlaji Melo is a marketplace of cloth, ornaments, and silverware.
Read More : Tourist Places In Gujarat
It is an animal trading festival that may sound strange, but the festival is no less than a Diwali celebration for locals. Donkeys and camels are dressed in fancy clothes and presented to attract buyers. This is one of the most off-beat festivals of Gujarat as the fair becomes full of life with animals decked. Visitors can enjoy scrumptious food and shop for handicraft goods from the stalls. When you are there, wait till the sun goes down and Diyas light up the place.
During Rath Yatra, devotees pull three chariots with the idols of Lord Krishna, his brother Lord Balrama and their sister, Subhadra, all over the city. Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad is a festival of utmost importance for the Gujaratis. Thousands of devotees come out of their homes and take to the streets on this Gujarat’s famous festival to worship their gods.
Gujarat as it is all about music, dance, art, and culture and flaunts the golden age of the Solanki era. The unique Gujarati folk dance and music performances exhibited in Modhera Dance Festival will take you back to the past. What’s amazing about this festival is that you can explore the gorgeous Sun Temple while attending this Gujarat main festival.
Bhadra Purnima festival is a fair organised during the full moon of Bhadrapad at the temple of the goddess Ambaji. This is one of the most significant festivals of Gujarat for agriculturists as they visit the temple for a favourable view of the deity and to attend chantings of the Sapatashati, the seven hundred verses to worship the goddess. In the evening, people perform Garba and Bhavai and set a serene mood.
Read More : Famous Temples Of Gujarat
Bhavnath Mahadev Fair, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a festival that is celebrated for five days during Mahashivratri in February. The events associated with the festival are so vibrant and colourful that it draws people from all over the country. During Bhavnath Fair, majestically decorated elephants are a common sight. The best thing about this fair is that visitors get free food from the organizers. Stalls are available to sell idols, sarees, utensils made of brass and copper, sweets, and fruits. To sum up, many dance and music performances are also organised.
Janmashtami is a festival celebrated in all parts of India, but the Gujarati version of Janmashtami shouldn’t be missed. This one of the most extravagant and famous festivals of Gujarat is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. You may have seen a human pyramid trying to break the Dahi handis in the movies or news channels. Yes, that’s the Gujarati version of Janmashtami; exhilarating, isn’t it? To summarise the festival, devotees sing and dance and feed Lord Krishna his favourite food, butter.
Also Read - Janmashtami Celebrations In Different States Of India
Gujarat is the place for you if you enjoy being a part of traditional and cultural celebrations. Festivals of Gujarat are filled with devotion, dance, music, and fun that will keep you entertained. Plan your trip to Gujarat with Adotrip because, with us, nothing is far!
Q1. Which is the famous festival in Gujarat?
A1. The most famous festival in Gujarat is Rann Utsav, celebrated once a year. During this time, the Rann of the Kutch region comes alive with amazing music, dance performances, exciting activities, fun, and joy.
Q2. Which festival is celebrated in Gujarat?
A2. Gujarat celebrates a lot of festivals. Some are-
Q3. Which is the famous mela and fair of Gujarat?
A3. Bhavnath Mahadev Fair is one of the most famous melas or fairs in Gujarat.
--- Published By Adotrip
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