Kutch Rann Utsav 2023 kicks off

Kutch: The Rann Utsav, which began as a three-day festival back in 2005, has now evolved into a three-month extravaganza held in the White Rann of Kutch. This year’s festivities kicked off on November 10th and are set to continue until February 25th in the snow-white salt desert stretching to the horizon.

Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Amitabh Bachchan to visit the Kutch Rann Utsav, although the megastar hasn’t confirmed plans yet. Nonetheless, the White Rann of Kutch has emerged as a highly sought-after destination this Diwali vacation season, with 90% of the initial slot already booked. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat residents top the list of bookings, according to Gujarat Tourism sources.

This year, the addition of Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has extended the event to four days, drawing in more visitors. The packages range from 1 night/2 days to 4 nights/5 days. The visitor will be able to enjoy things such as golf carts, ATV rides, camel cart excursions, paramotoring, meditation, yoga, and Gujarati culture.

The first four-day slot, running from November 13 to November 17, has witnessed a 90% occupancy in the Tent City, notably from tourists in Ahmedabad, Surat, Saurashtra, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. Approximately 10% of the total bookings are expected to come from NRIs visiting in November and December.

Accommodation options in the Tent City range from non-AC to deluxe, including AC Swiss cottages, premium and super-premium tents, as well as Darbari and Rajwadi tents. This year, the festival emphasises sustainable tourism, promoting wooden items, and championing the ‘No Plastic’ initiative.

According to Gujarat Tourism data, there has been a substantial increase in tourists visiting the White Desert, escalating from 62,000 in 2011 to 1.72 lakh in 2020–21. Anticipation is high for an upsurge in visitors during the Christmas period, full moon nights, and the Diwali vacation.

Here are some must-do activities at this annual festival:

1. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Gujarat’s vibrant culture through traditional dances, folk music, and captivating art displays.

2. Camel Expedition: Traverse the expansive salt desert on camelback and witness the mesmerizing scenes of sunrise and sunset.

3. Gujarati Gastronomy: Delight in the diverse flavors of Gujarat by sampling local delicacies like Dhokla, Khandvi, and the flavorsome Gujarati thalis.

4. Handicraft Exploration: Unearth exquisite textiles, intricately crafted silver jewelry, and other handcrafted treasures at artisan stalls.

5. The White Rann Experience: Wander on the pristine white salt desert, absorbing the surreal beauty of the moonlit landscape.

6. Tent Lodging: Embrace the allure of luxurious tent accommodations, immersing yourself in the rustic charm of the desert.

7. Wildlife Sanctuary Exploration: Venture into the nearby Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary to spot rare migratory birds and diverse wildlife.

8. Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide an ideal backdrop for stargazing, offering a heavenly experience.