Rann Utsav

Rann or Kutch Utsav is a three to four days of cultural extravaganza organized at different locations within Kutch in Gujarat. The fair is like a mirror to the traditional art forms and culture of India.

Rann Utsav is organized by the Gujarat tourism department to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of the Kutch district.

The people of Kutch are known for their hospitality and warmth of conduct.

The three day fair has the basic motive of highlighting the cultural splendor of Gujarat.

Kutch is the most ecologically and ethnically diverse areas in the state of Gujarat. The people and geography of Kutch can be described by the hospitality, warmth and diversity of culture and communities found here.

The spirit of Kutch people comes alive in this Festive environment of Kutch Rann Utsav. There is a perfect blend of enthusiasm, hospitality and spirit of celebration that glorifies the magnanimous aura of Rann Utsav. The three days of Utsav are packed with cultural Dances, Music, Craftsmanship, Carnival processions, Pageantry and in all an encapsulation of the true spirit and zeal of the inhabitants out here

For every visitor to the Festival there is a warm hug of natural scenaric beauty and traditional Cultural flux.

Celebrations:

The Rann Kutch Utsav held during the full moon time in winters every year is an unparalleled showcase of the ethnic widely different yet hugely diffused spectrum of Indian traditional art forms.

People from far and near gather during the festivities of Rann Utsav to celebrate and salute the spirit and warmth that people of Kutch have inherited and protected.

There are numerous cultural activities organized during Rann Utsav that engage all visitors. Semi parched Grasslands of the Banni hosts the most magnificent display of vernacular architecture as the exhibition platform for the varied range of arts and crafts of the region.

The most enchanting experience in the Festival is the presentation of different art forms, dances, Music during the shade of Full moon and in an aura of chilling winters.

Many tourists from outside the state of Gujarat enjoy various tour packages that involve sightseeing of the Kutch and adjoining areas during the fair.

Vautha Fair

Vautha Fair is the largest animal fair held in Gujarat, which involves wholesome trading of Camels, Donkeys and other animals. Held on the grounds of Sangam Tirtha, it is considered very auspicious and important by many communities. 

For some people this fair is more important than Diwali also. Sangam is considered as holy as seven holy rivers mix waters here: the Vatrak merges with the Meshwo, Hathmati, Shedhi, Majum and Khari before it then meets the Sabarmati, so the locals call it saptasangam (meeting of seven).

For participation in the fair people are seen coming on trucks, tractors, camels, jeeps and other wide ranging means of transport. The animals bought for trading are beautifully decorated, ornamented and cleaned to look at their best.

History:

According to the Hindu mythology, Kartikeya the son of Lord Shiva visited this place on the full moon night of Kartik (Kartik Purnima). Kartikeya was on a trip covering the entire earth. It was on Kartik Purnima that he stopped at this culmination of rivers and performed some austerities. Also the city of Dholka in the Ahmedabad district is considered to be the‘Virata Nagar’ of the Mahabharata where the Pandavas spent the last year of their exile in disguise. 

Celebrations:

Thousands of people and visitors visit Sangam during the month of kartik and especially during the Vautha Fair. The most important religious act performed by numerous devotees coming here is the purifying bath on the Sangam tirtha which is supposed to be reliever of all past sins.

All people from nearby villages and districts lock their houses and come to attend the fair which lasts for about five days. A number of tents are erected that are used by visitors of the fair to accommodate. Nearly 25,000 people house in about 2000 tents every year and enjoy the grand spectacle of the Vautha fair.

Visitors are seen preparing elaborate sweets and food dishes throughout the five days of fair. The fair generally ends with the preparation of Ladoos and the most popular and appreciated dishes are khichu and kachariyu.

One of the most significant features of the fair is the trading of animals. Numbers of merchants are seen selling a wide variety of products right from trinkets to machinery. In the evenings, numerous small lamps are set afloat in the river by devout pilgrims, producing a shimmering dance of faith and beauty.

People participating:

Over the years the Vautha fair has gained tremendous importance and popularity. Presently over 500000 visitors are seen participating in the fair over five days of the Fair. Many pastoral groups are seen participating in the fair especially the “Jath Vanjara” community. Initially the fair was only attended by Hindus; now Muslims are seen participating in large numbers.

Time of celebrating the Vautha fair:

The Vautha fair is held in the month of November every year which lasts for about five days. According to the Hindu calendar the fair is celebrated in the month of Kartik. The ceremony of holy bath is performed on the full moon day of Kartik Purnima.

Dates in upcoming years:

2nd to 3rd November 2009 (Mon, Tue)

21st to 22nd November 2010 (Sun, Mon)

10th to 11th November 2011 (Thu, Fri)

28th to 29th November 2012 (Wed, Thu)

17th to 18th November 2013 (Sun, Mon)