Famous Festivals and Fairs Celebrated in Gujarat



Gujarat festivals are known for their lively atmosphere, filled with songs and dances while relishing each special cuisine unique to the region. Gujaratis are people who live life to the maximum as Gujarat is known as the land of celebrations. Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year and they perfectly showcase the beauty of Gujarat's rich history and customs. Some of the most captivating beats are played, to which women in sequin lehengas and men in vibrant turbans dance gracefully.



  Provides an overview of the most popular celebrations of Gujarat that will introduce you to the unique culture of Gujarat.



Popular Festivals and Fairs Celebrated in Gujarat:


The festive season in Gujarat means gagra-clad women and men participate in dhol dance to garba music. These Gujarati festivals give an amazing insight into the state's vibrant tradition and its long-standing traditions.



1. Navratri:

Navratri is a festival in Gujarat which is more famous than all other festivals and is celebrated with huge enthusiasm. The most popular event in Gujarati Navratri is the performances with Dandiya and Garba and the fame of these dances spread not only in Gujarat but all over India. Navratri is a ten-day long celebration where people can participate in songs, garba, dandiya and even locals in Durga Puja.

  Key attraction : Music and dance showcasing Gujarat, Garba and Dandiya culture.

When: October.

Where: Statewide.

Festival Duration: 10 days.



  2. Ran Utsav:

Ran Kutch is one of the major festivals of Gujarat. In autumn, the Rann of Kutch (salt marsh) in the Thar desert looks delightful as the Ravanahata, Gujarati men with moustaches, and pagris glittering on the white sand. The main focus of the Kutch festival in Gujarat is the country's tradition of witticism. People irrespective of their location attend this festival as it is the most awaited season.

Main attraction: cultural exhibition of Gujarati handicrafts and handlooms, Kutch wildlife sanctuary safari bird watching and local excursions.

When: Between November and February.

Where: Rann of Kutch

Festival Duration: Runs from November to February (four).



3. Uttarayanam:

Uttarayanam (also known as the festival of butterflies) is one of the most important festivals of Gujarat. This event is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm and marks the beginning of harvest time. Many people from all over India and from as far away as Canada and USA visit Gujarat to celebrate this festival. Colorful and varied kites cover the sky, making the place more magical and celebrations are always at its peak during this time.

Main attraction : Kite flying competitions, delicious food options and international kite festival.

When: January.

Where: All over Gujarat.

Duration of Festival : One day.



4. In Shamlaji May:


The Shyamlaji Melo is held in the grounds of the Shyamlaji Temple and is elaborately constructed and lasts for three weeks, known as the Kartika Poornima festival. People who attend the festival come in large numbers by walking on camels or on their feet, soak in the Meshvo river that flows next to the Shamlaji temple, and sing songs to the hungry. It was a respectable place for entertainment as well as trading in silverware, textiles and jewellery.

Main attraction: Traditional and cultural experiences with local vendors offering a variety of decorations.

When: November.

Location: Shamalji Temple.

Duration of Festival : It lasts for three weeks.



5. Vauta Mela:

An annual animal trade festival in Gujarat is also known as Vauta Mela. Donkeys and camels are decorated with colors and ornaments which is the most important aspect of this mela. The site of this fair is the holy Seven Rivers, so many consider it holier than Diwali. People live in tents close to the fairgrounds and leave their homes for a few days. Kicchu is a popular dish every day but it is a different meal.

Major attraction : Stalls selling everything from equipment to handicrafts and animals to beautifully decorated, delicious food served in tents.

When: November.

Where: Van, Gujarat

Festival duration: Five days.



6. Ratha Yatra:

Rath Yatra is celebrated at four places including the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad, making it one of the most awaited festivals in Gujarat. The procession led by the bejeweled chariot is the most important part of this holy ceremony. The path of the chariot was cleared. Before the start of the procession it is called pahind vidhi. Later, various parts of the town were decorated with Rathotsavam.

Main attraction : Traditional and cultural parades, prayers and celebrations.

When: June or July.

Location: Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad.

Duration of Festival: One day.



7. Modhera Dance Festival:

If you're looking to experience the essence of Indian classical music and dance in Gujarat, the Modhera Dance Festival, also known as the Uttarardh Mahotsavas, is the perfect three-day celebration. The festival takes you back to the era of the Solanki Empire with the magnificent backdrop of the Sun Temples of Modhera. It is one of the most famous festivals in Gujarat and adds to the magnificent architecture and overall grandeur of this Sun Temple.

  Key attraction: Professional dance and music performances, a glimpse of the local past and a vibrant lighting show.

When: January.

Location: Modhera Sun Temple.

Festival Duration: Three days.


8. Bhadra Purnima:

Bhadra Poornima Jatara is one of the most important and popular celebrations of Gujarat dedicated to Goddess Ambaji at the Ambaji Temple. It is held for three days. Vishwa Yantra, triangular in shape, is the deity of the temple as there are no idols in the temple. Instead, people observe Sapsati (seven hundred prayers) during the festival to worship the deities. Everyone is buzzing singing garba and bhavani songs while knocking on doors at night.

Major attractions: Spot the craft sold at stalls as well as folk and musical performances as well as prayers and offerings.

When: Full moon day in August or September.

Where: Ambaji Temple, Banaskantha, Gujarat.

Festival Duration: It lasts for three days.


9. Bhavnath Mahadev Fair:

Bhavbat Mahadev festival is a Gujarati festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many believe that Lord Shiva is present at this time of the year and the fair is a five-day celebration. Rishis ride on elephants, blow shells and lead the procession to welcome the start of the event. In this joyful festival, people dance and sing prayers, offerings and supplications. People take a circumambulation around the Girnar hill before going to the shrine.

Main attraction : Stalls offering idols, rosaries and sweets, processions and martial arts. Music and dance.

When: February or March.

Location: Bhavnath Temple, Junagadh.

Festival duration: Five days.


10. Janmashtami:

Lord Krishna's birthday is celebrated all over the world, but the unparalleled enthusiasm and devotion displayed by the people of Dwarka, Gujarat, makes Janmashtami one of the most awaited celebrations in the state. People put Lord Krishna in a cradle to celebrate Krishna's birthday at midnight. Krishna. The most impressive and thrilling part of the ceremony is the Dahi Handi breaking. Misri and butter are some of the most loved items by devotees of Lord Krishna.

Main attraction : Breaking of dahi handi, chanting of Krishna mantra and prayers, music and dance ceremony.

When: August

Location: Dwarka and all over the state.

Festival Duration: One or two days.


11. Quant Fair:

Often celebrated in tribal areas, Quant Jatara is one of the harvest festivals in Gujarat. With dance and music and a variety of traditional arts from Gujarat. The highlight of this ceremony is that the performers paint their bodies with colors of gray and rice in various designs and shades throughout the ceremony.

Main attraction: Human pyramid games.

When: March, after Holy Eve.

Where: Tribal areas of Gujarat.

Festival Duration: It lasts for one day.


12. Chitra Vichitra:

If you are looking for an event that highlights the beauty and culture of Gujarat and the tribal traditions and culture, Chitra Vichitra Fair is the right choice. On the night of Amavasya, the women of the area gather on the banks of the river and mourn their deceased relatives through the night, when the meal is served. The traditional dress code is traditional with a saffron turban and during celebrations, people sing traditional songs in groups.

Main attraction: Drumbeats, colorful fairs.

When: March or April..

Location: Sabarkanta District, Gujarat.

Festival Duration : 2 days.


13. Beach Festival:

The Beach Festival at Thital Beach is a cult event. Tithal Beach is one of the major festivals of Gujarat. Various performances are held during the festival and the beaches are lit up with bright lights, adding to the beautiful look. It is a great time to participate in dance performance, music or any other sporting activities, this festival on the beach is a perfect alternative. Beach cricket, waterball volleyball and waterball are some other sports that you can enjoy.

Main attraction: Music, food activities and events along with main draw dance shows.

When: October-November.

Location: Thital and Mandvi Beach.

Festival duration: Five days.


14. Paragliding Festival:


If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, the Paragliding Festival in Gujarat is a good option. Among the popular festivals in Gujarat it is organized by private companies and Gujarat Tourism. It is held for 26 days in January and December. The most distinctive feature of this event is that they offer instructions to everyone. So, whether you are an amateur or an experienced paraglider, you will have great fun!

Main attraction: Zorbing, bike riding, parasailing, paragliding.

When: December-January.

Where: Satpura.

Duration of Festivals: 26 days.


15. Raksha Bandhan:

Balev also known as Raksha Bandhan is celebrated every year across the state of Gujarat as Balev or Raksha. It is known as Brothers' Day. A day when sisters tie rachis or bands on the wrists of brothers.


16. Holi:

Every year Holi is celebrated all over the state of Gujarat. It is referred to as a celebration of colors. This is the year when locals play with colors and splash each other in colored water. The use of different colors in this festival is a sign of bountiful and good spring harvest.


Adding an introduction to the contemporary world, the festivals described in this piece perfectly blend old traditions, creating a unique blend. In addition, you will be able to experience local food, local handicrafts and things unique to the region, which will make your trip memorable.


F A Q:

1. What are the most popular dishes you should eat on a trip to Gujarat?

Answer: Along with the vibrant festivals in Gujarat you should also consume the following food items in a consistent manner.

Khaman Dhokla.
Chakra.
Thepla.
Fafda-jalebi.
Khandvi.
Kinetic
Gujarati Kadhi.
Stay safe.

2. What are the specialties of shopping in Gujarat?

Answer: Here is a list of things you can buy if you plan to visit Gujarat:

Traditional Ghagra-Cholis.
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Patola silk sarees.
Embroidered quilts.
Handicrafts, handloom and other handicrafts.
Khadi dress.

3. What are the most popular dances in Gujarat?

Ans: The most popular traditional folk dance forms of Gujarat include Garba Dandiya Ras, Dandiya Padar, Tippani Sidi and Dangi.