Kutch (Gujarat). As the winter season begins, if you are looking for a place that will make you feel like a magical world away from the everyday hustle and bustle, then Gujarat's 'Rann Utsav' is the most suitable destination for you. The snow-white salt land spread in a part of the Thar Desert, the sky full of twinkling stars overhead and the hypnotism of the moonlit night is enough to win anyone's heart. Held every year during the winter months, Rann of Kutch Utsav is not just a tourist fair but a unique confluence of Gujarat's rich culture, art, music and natural beauty. For tourists coming from far and wide, spending time in the White Rann is like a dream come true. If you are also planning to visit Kutch this season, then here we are going to tell you about those 5 very special and memorable things, which you should not miss during the Rann Utsav of Kutch. 1. Magical Walk of White Rann on the Moonlight Night of Full Moon The biggest attraction of Rann Utsav of Kutch is 'White Rann' i.e. white salt desert. Although the white ground shining with the rays of the sun looks very beautiful even in daylight, but the view of Poonam i.e. full moon night is completely supernatural. When the pale light of the moon falls on this vast white sheet, the entire land sparkles like silver. Walking on the white desert in the moonlight is a spiritual experience that cannot be described in words. While strolling in the peaceful environment and the white colored land that extends to infinity, it seems as if you have stepped into another world. For photography enthusiasts, this moment proves to be a collection of the best photographs of a lifetime. 2. Enjoy a luxury stay and traditional hospitality in a tent city The experience of Rann Utsav is considered incomplete unless you enjoy a stay in a specially set up 'Tent City' near Dhordo village. Spread over hundreds of acres, this tent city is a perfect blend of modern comforts and traditional Gujarati culture. Here you get everything from simple tents to very luxurious and premium luxury tents, where all the facilities like a five-star hotel are available. Staying inside the tent city and watching the sunrise in the morning and dancing to the tunes of Kutchi folk music in the evening gives a royal feeling to the travelers. The traditional 'Kachhi food' here like millet rota, garlic chutney, kadhi and mawa doubles the taste of your trip. 3. Get the thrill of adventure with camel ride and ATV ride Apart from peace and culture, Rann Utsav of Kutch does not disappoint the adventure lovers at all. Riding a camel cart across the vast expanse of the White Desert is a traditional and extremely enjoyable experience. At the same time, if you like a little adventure, then you can enjoy adventure activities like ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) bike ride, paramotoring and hot air balloon. Sitting in a hot air balloon, it is very exciting to see the bird's eye view of the White Rann and the tent city from the air. In the evening, when the setting sun decorates the sky with orange and pink colors, watching the sunset while riding a camel will be one of the most beautiful memories of your trip. 4. Immerse yourself in Kutchhi folk art, music and cultural programs. The soil of Kutch is considered extremely rich in terms of art and culture. Colorful cultural programs are organized every evening during Rann Utsav in the tent city and surrounding complexes. The audience is mesmerized when the famous folk dancers of Gujarat perform traditional Kutchi and Garba dances to the beats of Dholak and Manjiras. The smoke of local folk music, Sufi singing and the sound of algoja (a traditional flute-like instrument) connect you to the roots of Gujarat. Sitting around a campfire and listening to stories of Kutch's heroes and love stories from local artists is a cultural experience that can only be found in this festival. 5. Shopping at Handicraft Market and Visiting Nearby Villages Kutchi Handicrafts are known all over the world for their unique embroidery, Bandhej, mirror work and clay crafts. In the Craft Village of Rann Utsav, you can easily find shawls, jackets, bedsheets, handmade bags and traditional jewelery made by local artisans. Buying directly from the artisans here not only encourages them, but also gives you genuine and authentic goods at the right price. Apart from this, do visit nearby villages like 'Gandhi Nu Gam' and Nirauna during Rann Utsav. Nirauna village is famous all over the world for its 300 years old 'Rogan Art' and the art of making copper bells. By visiting these villages you can understand the simplicity of rural life and the ancient artefacts of India very closely.
