Gujarat, known for its tradition, culture and heritage is a famous destinations among the tourists. The state has attracted many tourists from years because of the vibrant and colorful culture. The state is known all over the world for its splendid and amazing festivals all over the world. There are many festivals celebrated in Gujarat apart from the festivals which are also celebrated in the entire Country.
There are around 3,500 festivals celebrated in different parts of the state of Gujarat every year. The religious identity and the diverse culture can be seen in the people of Gujarat during these festivals. People of Gujarat deeply believe in mythology and religion and the festivals are celebrated around all the gods and goddesses where people from all communities participate. Some of the popular festivals in Gujarat include Navratri and Kite that are celebrated with lot of interest and excitement. People of Gujarat strictly observe these festivals as they still follow the traditions and customs from old age. Festivals of Gujarat attract a number of tourists from all over the world every year.
Bhadra Purnima
Quick Fact:
- Location: Ambaji Shrine, Gujarat
- Held in: August/ September
- Transport: Rail / Road / Local Transportation
Bhadra Purnima is among the biggest festivals in Gujarat that is celebrated with great interest. It is also popularly known as Ambaji Bhadra Purnima. The celebration of this festival is done at Ambaji that is located at the foothills of Mount Aravalli. The village is blessed with the grace of goddess Amba Mata or Ambika. The origin of this place is still unknown but it finds reference in 746 AD.
The most special day is Bhadrapadi Purnima among the other four festival days. On this auspicious day farmers come to worship this God. The most interesting part of this shrine is there is no idol inside. Ambaji is represented with the ‘Shree’ sign inscripted in the triangle located in between. This is known as Vishwa Yantra. The shrine of Ambaji is also known to be the original and strongest among the 51 Shakti Peeths.
The belief says that the heart of Goddess Sati fell in the Ambaji village at the time of dismemberment. It is also said that the tonsorial ceremony of Lord Krishna was celebrated in Ambaji.
Numbers of mantras are used during the worship of goddess. Hundreds of farmers attend this fair to worship the goddess. Garba and Bhavai, the folk drama are performed during this occasion to please the goddess. Seven hundred verses prayer is known as Devi Saptshati is also recited in the temple. Padyatris, a group of people walk from a distance to reach the temple to worship the god. They walk through a long distance in the respect of the god. On this auspicious occasion there is a huge fair organized, where people from various place come to celebrate this day. Bhadra Purnima festival attracts tourists from India as well as abroad.
Accommodation:
There are number of hotels in Ahmedabad and Gujarat which are available easily. There are numerous options in five star hotels or a local lodge is also available as per the budget.
Transportation:
Railway: Ahmedabad station has good frequency with the whole Gujarat and has number of trains available.
Road: Road journey can be comfortable with the well maintained roads and there connectivity.
Local Transport: Local buses and auto rickshaws are available from Ahmedabad to reach Ambaji shrine
Things Important to Carry: First Aid Kit, Some extra clothes, Mineral Water Bottle and camera.
Dhrang Fair
Dhrang fair is a very popular fair and is celebrated in the honor of Saint Mekaran Dada. Dhrang is a pocket sized village located in the northwest side of Kutch in Gujarat. This village borders Pakistan and is 40 kms away from Bhuj. The Samadhi of this great social worker is placed here and as a result many of his followers come here to pay respect and take part in the religious function held here.
Mekaran Dada was born in 172O AD. He spent his entire life serving the poor and spreading the word of humanity amongst others. His preaching against the superstitions and untouchables is very famous. History says that Saint Mekaran Dada had a donkey whose name was Laliyo and also a dog named Motio. Accompanying them he used to go Rann with water and food. Saint Mekaran Dada used to quench the thirst of the lost travelers and used to show them direction.
Saint Mekaran Dada earned respect for his high thinking and simple living. People still follow his preaching. This fair is conducted by the Ahir community who considers Saint Mekaran Dada as their God. This fair is held on 14th February Magh Vad.
Navratri Festival
Quick Fact:
- Location: All around Gujarat
- Held in: September/October
- Duration: 9 days
- Transport: Rail / Road / Local Transportation
This nine night’s popular festival widely celebrated by Gujarati people. In the Ashwin month of Hindus on the first day of bright fortnight, the first day of Navratri starts. It usually celebrates in the month of September/October. It is the only dance festival in the world which continues till nine days, which makes it the longest in the world. It is a rich festival celebrated all over India for Nine days.
The tenth day is known as Dasara or Vijayadashami. This usually comes in the month of September-October. It is said that on this day Ravana, his huge brother Kumbhakaran and Meghnad his son were killed by Lord Ram. In some places there is a play held known as Ram Leela where the character of Lord Ram shoots the arrows that are burning towards the huge effigy of Ravana. These effigies have fireworks which are burnt as a symbol of getting rid and getting peace from the evils. This day is celebrated by buying a new vehicle or something new and the Pooja is done of the old vehicle
The Dance known as Garba usually starts in the evening after the Pooja of Maa Durga and where people from all the ages come together to do Raas Garba also known as Dandiya. The dance is done by using two small wooden sticks that are hit by one person’s stick to another’s. There are groups that do the Garba and the group is formed into a circle. The circle has a shrine of the Goddess in between, which is made by each community. There is a Garbo in the shrine (earthenware pot) and in that a silver coin, beetle nut is put inside and on top is the coconut placed.
Accommodation:
There are number of hotels in Gujarat which are available easily. There are numerous options in hotels or a local lodge is also available as per the budget.
Transportation:
Railway: Gujarat has many cities that celebrate this festival and is connected with all the major stations.
Road: Road journey can be comfortable with the well maintained roads and there connectivity.
Local Transport: Local auto rickshaws without meter, buses and Jeeps are available.
Things Important to Carry: First Aid Kit, Some extra clothes, Mineral Water Bottle and camera.
Rath Yatra
Quick Fact:
- Location: All over Gujarat
- Held in: July
- Transport: Rail / Road / Local Transportation
Rath Yatra is a very famous festival celebrated for Lord Krishna with great joy and enthusiasm. Rath mean chariot and Yatra means pilgrimage or journey. The chariot is made up of huge wooden floats and there are idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balarama and Goddess Subhadra installed. There is a small story behind the start of this festival. In Hindi Scripture – Bhagavata Purana, Kansa the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna send Akrur to bring with him Lord Krishna and the elder brother Lord Balarama. So when Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama were leaving Gokul and going to Mathura, the Gopis and Gopals of Gokul slept in front of chariot to stop them from going there.
Afterwards Lord Krishna made them understand the reason of going, the people cried and gave a painful farewell. From that day the festival of Rath Yatra is celebrated in the memory of separation. This festival is celebrated in many cities of Gujarat.
The Rath Yatra of Ahmedabad city in Gujarat builds huge floats in which the idols are kept with great devotion. The Chariot is decorated with flowers and is taken around the city. There are thousands of people with the chariot that go around the city. The Bhajan Mandalis and Music bands are ahead of the chariot which plays the devotional songs.
Gymnasts, Decorated elephants and acrobats perform some great acts which are unbelievable to watch. Lot of Rice and Gulal is sprinkled on the idols of the Lord by people from both the side of the chariot while walking along the streets. The chariot was pulled by Devotees during the festival.
The Rath Yatra festival is celebrated all over India and Gujarat, but the Rath Yatra of Ahmedabad has been taking place since 130 years. The Yatra starts from Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur in Ahmedabad city and goes all around the city.
Accommodation:
There are a number of hotels in Ahmedabad and in Gujarat which are available easily. There are numerous options in hotels or a local lodge is also available as per the budget.
Transportation:
Railway: Ahmedabad is the station that is connected well with all the major stations. Gujarat has many stations where this festival is celebrated like, Surat, Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Vadodara and Gandhinagar.
Road: Road journey can be comfortable with the well maintained roads and their connectivity.
Local Transport: Local auto rickshaws without meter, buses and Jeeps are available.
Things Important to Carry: First Aid Kit, Some extra clothes, Mineral Water Bottle and camera.
Tarnetar Fair
Tarnetar Fair is one of the very famous fairs of Gujarat. This fair is held in Chotila, which is a Taluka of Surendranagar, which is seventy-five kms away from Rajkot. This fair is on for three days at the temple of Shiva.
The Papanshu reservoir is the main attraction, as it is believed that a dip into this holy reservoir washes all the sins and is equivalent as holy river Ganges. The name Papanshu means the destroyer of sins.
The site of the temple is believed to be one where Arjun had won Draupadi’s hand at an archery contest. After the contest, Swayamvar of Draupadi took place with Arjun.
As this is a tribal fair and is also mainly attended by the tribals from the nearby areas of Kanbi, Bharwad, Koli, Kathi , Rabari, Charan and Khant. The attire is very colorful, traditional and is complimented with heavy silver jewellery for women and men are spotted with colorful dhotis, attractive turbans and embroidered jackets.
The fair was mainly created to accomplish the social needs of the Bharwad community that is marriage and the best part is it is still practiced. The courtyard of the temple beckons with devotional music. This fair is a Swayamvar platform for the youth of Bharwad community to find appropriate alliances.
The bachelors are usually spotted by the unique colorful heavily embroidered umbrellas and typical hairstyle. These umbrellas are a perfect blend of art and culture. These umbrellas have rich meticulous mirror and lace work. The works on these umbrellas are done over a year by the tribal youths. These umbrellas are popularly known as Tarnetar Chhatri.
The attraction of this fair is the zest and the spontaneity which people show with merrily emerging into folk dances and folk music. The performance of the tribal Raas Garba and Hudo dance is a major attraction. And also the folk dance of Rasada which hundreds of women perform in the fair, moving in a single circle. Dancing according to the tunes of double flutes which is also known as Jodia Pava and four drums.
How to Reach:
You can avail the service of Gujarat Tourism that arranges tours from Rajkot and Ahmedabad.
Other Attractions:
You can enjoy the Gujarati delicacies and also enjoy a stay in a tent village and special Kuba huts.
If you want to enjoy the colorful and rustic culture of the tribal fair then visit this fair.
Bhavnath Mahadev
Quick Fact
- Location: Junagadh, Gujarat
- Held in: Mahashivratri (somewhere in February)
- Duration: 5 days
- Transport: Rail / Road / Local Transportation
Bhavnath Mahadev fair is celebrated on the occasion of Mahashivratri, which comes in February of every year. It is organized in the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple in Junagadh, situated at the foothills of Mount Girnar. The peak Gorakhnath (3,666) is highest among the Peaks of Girnar, which has a number of Jain temples. The fair lasts for five days which is celebrated with great interest. It is said that Girnar is the place of Nine Nathas where the Protector and lord as well as nine of eighty- four Siddhas reside in the temple in their invisible spiritual bodies.
On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, the Mahapuja (prayer) is conducted. In the month of Magh, (according to Hindu calendar, somewhere in February) on the 14th day in the midnight the Mahapuja of Lord Shiva is conducted.
There are sages who sit without clothes on the Elephants, flying flags and blowing shells. It is to be believed that the spirit of devotion and spirituality washes away the place. The fanatic sages are seen to be shouting by taking the name of Lord Shiva and seeking for the blessings. There are free meals served by the organizer. The vendors from Ayodhya and Mathura get the stalls especially for Bhavnath Mahadev Mela and Mahashivratri. There are stalls brought by the vendors from Ayodhya and Mathura specially to sell rosaries, idols.
Accommodation:
There are number of hotels in Junagadh and Gujarat which are available easily. There are numerous options in five star hotels or a local lodge is also available as per the budget.
Transportation:
Railway: Junagadh station has good frequency with whole Gujarat and has number of trains available.
Road: Road journey can be comfortable with the well maintained roads and their connectivity.
Local Transport: Local auto rickshaws without meter and Jeeps are available from Junagadh to reach Bhavnath Mahadev Temple..
Things Important to Carry: First Aid Kit, Some extra clothes, Mineral Water Bottle and camera.
International Kite Festival (Uttarayan Festival)
Quick Fact:
- Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Held in: 14th January
- Duration: 1 day
- Transport: Rail / Road / Local Transportation
Kite Festival is celebrated all over India with people from all age groups enjoying this festival. In Gujarat, the International Kite festival is held where people from all over the world participate in the festival. Among the other festivals in Gujarat, Kite festival is the most popular and a grand festival there. Uttarayan is a holiday in the state so people visit neighbors, relatives to celebrate this festival. The festival is celebrated during Makar Sankranti, which is known as Uttarayan in Gujarat. From this day the sun travels towards northwards making the days longer, breeze cooler and the skies clearer.
During this Festival, the sky over the cities is filled with kites. All the people from the family go on top of the roof and with the breeze of the air they try to fly the kite high in the sky and thread known as Manja is used. There is also a fight between kites where one tries to cut the Manja of the other person by rubbing the thread to their thread; whichever is sharper will cut the others. The festival is also continued in the night where the small laps are connected with kite making the sky and the dark night look splendid. This festival is famous all over the world and many tourists from all over the world come to participate in the International Kite festival.
The atmosphere all over the place is wonderful as most of the families prepare the special food on this occasion like Undhiyu, ladoo, surti jamun are made and friends and relatives come to visit the place.
History of Kite Festival:
The Festival of Kites brings joy and fun with the competition for people from all age groups, communities and class. The tradition of this rich festival had developed due the Kings and Nawabs, who experienced this festival as entertaining and also showcasing their powers. They used to employ trained fliers to fly kites for them in the competition. Later this gained popularity among the people. Today the business of Kites has grown widely and attracts the corporate world as being the cost effective way for branding.
The house of localities in Gujarat turns to be small factories for Kite production involving all the family members doing some or the other thing for the business.
Accommodation:
There are number of hotels in Ahmedabad and Gujarat which are available easily. There are numerous options in five star hotels or a local lodge is also available as per the budget.
Transportation:
Railway: Ahmedabad station is connected with all the major stations.
Road: Road journey can be comfortable with the well maintained roads and there connectivity.
Local Transport: Local auto rickshaws without meter, buses and Jeeps are available.
Things Important to Carry: First Aid Kit, Some extra clothes, Mineral Water Bottle and camera.
Poshina Chitra Vichitra Fair
The Mela of Chitra Vichitra is held in the month of April or March which is two weeks after the festival of Holi at the unison of three rivers near Poshina village. Tribals come to attend this fair in large numbers. The population sometimes exceed beyond 60,000. This is one of the biggest fair attended by the Adivasis. This fair takes place in Gunbhakhari village, Sabarkantha district which borders Rajasthan.
The place is really magnificent as it is placed near the rivers Vyakul, Akul and Sabarmati. The name is derived from the name of the sons of the king Shantanu, Chitra Virya and Vichitravirya who used to live here and were cured of diseases.
The main tribes seen here are The Grasia tribals, who are famous for their chunky jewellery and colorful attires, The Rabaries who are mainly pastors are spotted here with heavy ornaments, and the Bhils known for ancient cultures and archery. The tribal costumes for men mainly consist of a dhoti, blue shirt and saffron or a red turban. Women flares Ghagras, the specialty of these Ghaghras are that the total circumference is of 20 yards, they are also spotted with heavy silver jewelleries covering almost the whole body. Their eyes are highlighted with kohl and their lips are spotted with red colour.
An interesting feature of the one coming for this Mela is that each and every one carries their own drum making the atmosphere more vibrant. The fair also acts as a meeting point for the tribal meet as numbers of marriages are arranged between the tribal youth.
The fair starts with grieving at the unison of the three rivers at night and aesthetically continues with dancing, singing and rejoicing of the tribes. Various stalls of foods are lined up. Tribe from different districts of Rajasthan and Gujarat attend this fair and also is a rejoicing time for relatives to hang on.
The main flavor of this fair is the exotic drums and dance culture, which continues until everyone, is tired.
Other Attractions:
- You can avail various designs of silver ornaments and household articles.
- You can live your childhood with riding on merry go round and giant wheels.
Vautha Fair
This fair is held at Vautha where the two rivers. The Vatrak and The Sabarmati conjoin. This place is known as Saptasangam. The fair takes place in the full night of the Kartik month. As the mythology holds that Lord Kartik the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati visited this place. Lord Kartik is known to be the commander of the army of Devas. This fair is held during (Kartik Purnima) and in honor of Lord Kartik. The important Shiv temple over here is Temple Siddhanath.
The distinguishing feature of this Fair is that it is the only animal trading fair in Gujarat. Camels, Cattles and Donkeys are brought here to be traded. Usually Donkeys are the only animals that get traded. Every year about four thousand donkeys are traded and mainly are bought by the Gypsy (Banjara) people.
The donkeys are decorated with colorful attire. Camels are also beautified and are ready to be sold on the sand dunes. Devotees take dips in the holy water to adjourn themselves from all the bad evils and offers prayers. This fair is mainly attended by several communities and those include laborers, farmers and also people from many other castes.
Other Attractions:
- Various stalls for handicrafts and foods are put up.
- Kartik Poornima is also celebrated as a religious fair at Somnath, Camel Fair at Sidhpur and a tribal fair at the temple of Shamlaji.
Kachchh Mahotsav Festival
Quick Fact
- Location: Kachchh, Gujarat
- Held In: February/ March
- Duration: 6 days
- Transport: Rail / Road / Local Transportation
Gujarat has many regions like Kachchh which has their own unique identity. Kachchh is also known as Kutch. Kutch is a peninsula which lies in between the sir creek and sir river and on the northwest is the great Rann of Kachchh and on the east is Gulf of Kachchh.
The population of Kachchh is heterogeneous where people from 18 different tribes have its own culture and its language.
Kachchh Mahotsava offers a six day guided tour to Kutch – Bhuj region of Gujarat. The tour is organized by Tourism Corporation of Gujarat and gives an opportunity to explore and experience the places and it s beauty, culture, traditions, spirit, ethos, nostalgia. The six day tour is full of culture, travel and entertainment exposure that includes amazing landscapes, real wildlife, bird sanctuaries, monuments, forts and also the special species such as flamingo and others can give a life time experience. The Kachchh Mahotsav or the tour is well organized and is conducted every year in the month of February or March.
Other Attractions in Bhuj
Bhuj is situated in Kachchh and is connected by many roads to travel comfortably.
There are many places which is the tourist’s attraction like:
- The 18th century’s Aina Mahal,
- The Kutch Museum is the oldest in Gujarat.
- The exquisite handicrafts are sold in the rural bazaars.
- The 1,200 year old Mata no Madh is a unique and old temple with many unusual features. The temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess
- Lakhpat
- Narayan Sarovar
- Bhadreshwar Temple
- Anjar
- Mandvi
- Dholavira
Accommodation
There are number of hotels in Bhuj and Kutch which are available easily. There are numerous options in hotels, hut or a local lodge is also available as per the budget.
Things Important to Carry: First Aid Kit, Some extra clothes, Mineral Water Bottle and camera.
Dance Festival Modhera
Quick Fact:
- Location: Modhera, Gujarat
- Held In: January
- Duration: 3 days
- Venue: Sun Temple
- Transport: Rail / Road / Local Transportation
Dance festival Modhera is the annual dance festival organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat at Sun Temple in Modhera. The festival is organized every year for three days in the month of January. During this time Modhera has a large number of crowds coming to witness and enjoy the various forms of art. Many tourists come from India as well as abroad to visit and experience the amazing Modhera Dance festival.
The beautiful Sun temple of Modhera is dedicated to Sun God, Lord Surya. The backdrop of the stage becomes beautiful with the sun coming on it giving the classical dance a different look all together. The walls of the temples have small beautiful sculptures that take us to the rich heritage in the past. The exterior of the temple can be seen in detail during the festival with lights surrounded all over the temple. The Sun temple is also an important and religious place.
In Gujarat, this festival is also known as the Uttarardh Mahotsav Modhera Utsav and is popular for the celebration of dance, Music, art and culture. The main attraction for people is the traditional Dance of Gujarat, Garba. The other traditional dances are also performed such as Kuchipudi, kathakali, Manipuri and Bharatnatyam and other various folk dances from different corners of the country. This makes the festival famous, grand and diverse all over the country.
Accommodation:
There are number of hotels in Ahmedabad and Gujarat which are available easily. There are numerous options in five star hotels or a local lodge is also available as per the budget.
Transportation:
Railway: Mehsana station is nearest to the Sun Temple and one can easily reach to Modhera from Mehsana.
Road: Road journey can be comfortable with the well maintained roads and there connectivity.
Local Transport: Local auto rickshaws without meter, buses and Jeeps are available from Mehsana to reach the Sun temple.
Things Important to Carry: First Aid Kit, Some extra clothes, Mineral Water Bottle and camera.
