The beauty that the deserts are, over that, if it is white the experience only magnifies in its magnificence. Kutch or Kachchh lies in Gujarat bordering the massive Arabian Sea. It is also known as Gulf of Kutch or Rann of Kutch. It is a boundless desert of white salty sand glowing to its glory especially during the full moon. To glorify the beauty of this white expanse they celebrate the desert festival of Rann Utsav. Rann Utsav 2018-19 will commence from 1st November 2018 and will go on till 20th February 2019.
Imagine a place where the sea meets a desert. Kutch has kaleidoscopic features ranging from a brimming lavishness of nature’s elegance, a plethora of colors, celebrations, culture, and tradition. Additionally, there is folk music, dance, cuisine, traditional ornaments, handicraft, folk textiles, fine embroidery, Bandhani sarees, and mirror work. Every year scores of people travel to Kutch to see the glittering landscape at Rann Utsav. A full moon night gives the enchanting view of the moonlight flashing on desert sand making it appear milky white in color. It is worthy of a lifetime memorable experience.
Rann Utsav takes place in the Dhordo village of Kutch, 85 km from Bhuj.
The vision behind Rann Utsav:
Rann Utsav was first organized in 2006 under the visionary of then Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Narendra Modi. He visualized this Festival to create a new identity in global tourism and henceforth is celebrated with great pomp & show.
Festivities:
The Thar Desert boasts of this spectacular salt marsh with a gleaming panorama of white sands across the horizon. This unspoiled topographical marvel stays torpid under water until the festival preparations start. Seems as if nature stores its charm only for the winter rendezvous of Rann Utsav. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited guarantees a lifetime of experience and myriad memories to cherish.
What to look out for?
MOONLIT CULTURAL FIESTA
Enjoy a cultural extravaganza underneath the moon with folk music festivals every day and night at Rann Utsav 2018-19. They host folk artists from all corners of Gujarat who are omnipresent in the festival grounds with their performances. You can relish those fantasies of a bonfire in the desert while you sway to the tunes of folk music. Hear some soulful Kutchi traditional folk music below.
KUTCHI FOLK MUSIC
Kutch district has a rich culture of folk music and dance called KUTCHI FOLK. People are very fond of music and dance at Kutch. Kutchi folk music survived since ancient period here. It started with the ancient people who were used to invent new sounds for showing their sentiments and feelings. Consequently, the music further emerged as Kutchi folk music. Kutchi tribal music is also one genre which is very famous in the district. Artists from all over the world come to perform at Rann Utsav. Amateurs get to perform their gigs as well. Therefore, music truly becomes the soul-language here.
The music here is linked with aspects of the life of Kutchi people. So are their musical instruments, their instruments are very indigenous and rural. Many are not even known of; namely, Sharnai, Nagara, Ghaghar, Daklu, etc. Bhorrindo is one such antique folk music instrument of Kutch. It is a simple egg-like structure with holes arranged in an isosceles triangular form, one larger than another. Another notable instrument is Jodia pawa. They are a pair of flutes of the equal size. Jodia and Pawa are put together in the mouth and played.
KUTCHI FOLK DANCE
Kutch is also equally renowned for its tribal folk dance. Dance culture in Kutch has one of the earliest forms of dance that survive. Consequently, Kutch claims to have an unusual style of having a legendary origin of its folk dances.
CAMPING EXPERIENCE
Kutch festival ground boasts of over 400 tents. Hover your eyes on the luxurious set-up here. Find more information on accommodation here and package tariff here.
How to reach Rann Utsav 2018-19?
Nearest Airport: Domestic – Bhuj (80 km), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport – Ahmedabad (399 km)
You can choose to travel in the carriages arranged from Bhuj Railway station and airport to reach the Rann Utsav 2018-19 or drive directly to the destination. Directions installed for the event make it a smooth ride. Buses and trains ply from Ahmedabad to Kutch. It generally travels the travel time of 6-7 hours. Likewise, well-paved roads make the journey comfortable while you gaze at the natives with their colorful traditional attires and mud huts called “Bhunga” in every village. Additionally, the white salty marsh on both the side of the road makes a picturesque view.
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