All You Need to Know about Rann Utsav, India’s Favorite White Desert Festival

Nature’s wondrous creation and India’s incredible cultural and artistic heritage come together at Kutch Utsav to leave you with an unforgettable experience. The 100-day cultural fest takes place in the White desert of Gujarat every year between October and January, and the official dates for Rann Utsav 2021-2022 have been announced! 

One of the country’s most-awaited events, Rann Utsav is going to happen from 1 Nov 2021 to 20 Feb 2022. A unique celebration centered around Gujarat’s natural and cultural diversity, Rann Utsav offers one of a kind experience, which no traveler must miss. Read on to know more about the White Desert Festival.  

What to Expect at Rann Utsav?

Also known as the White Desert Festival, Rann Utsav celebrates the diversity of Gujarat’s ecologically and ethnically rich Kutch village. The breathtakingly beautiful white landscape of the Rann of Kutch stages the spectacular celebration, which involves delectable food, handicraft melas, traditional musical performances, folk dances, and many more cultural programs besides a host of recreational activities. 

Gujarat Tourism makes all the arrangements, right from accommodation to entertainment, to ensure Rann Utsav offers you some beautiful memories to cherish for a lifetime. So, book your international flights now and travel to Kutch this winter to experience India’s favorite White Desert Festival. Drink in the gorgeous views of Kutch’s unique geography, get a closer look at the rustic lifestyle, appreciate the cultural and artistic heritage of this remote land, indulge in the local cuisine, and have a gala time enjoying various activities like camel rides, parasailing, bird watching, and stargazing among others.   

How to reach Rann of Kutch? 

By Flight: There is no direct flight to Rann of Kutch, and the nearest airport is Bhuj Airport. You need to fly to Mumbai or Delhi or any other major city first and then take a domestic flight to Bhuj, which is located at a distance of 80 km from Dhordo, the venue of Kutch Utsav.  

By Train: Bhuj is the nearest railway station. It is well connected to major Indian cities and the drive from Bhuj to Kutch takes about 2 hours.

By Road: Both public and private buses connect Kutch with various cities in Gujarat and Rajasthan. If you are driving, then National highway 8A is the best route to reach Kutch.

Also Read: How to Reach Rann Utsav from Ahmedabad – All you need to Know

As India shares its international border with Pakistan at Rann of Kutch, a special permit is needed to visit the area, which you can get from Bhirandiyara village checkpoint, located 55 km from Bhuj (Indians can apply for an online permit). You must also carry your original ID proof along with a photocopy of it. 

Rann Utsav Tent City:

At the center of the vast festival ground lies the beautiful Tent City, featuring more than 400 rustic tents (AC, Non AC, and Premium categories) in the quaint village of Dhordo, situated 85 km from Bhuj. Set on the silvery sands of the Rann of Kutch, the Tent City created to provide accommodation for Rann Utsav visitors is an attraction in itself. 

These temporary tents are beautifully built to reflect the cultural heritage of Gujarat. They come with all modern amenities and offer you a luxurious stay. There’s also a dining area, kid’s zone, spas, and spiritual centers at Tent City. The best thing about these tents is that you could enjoy from its front porch expansive views of the white desert, of magical sunrises and sunsets, and of the lustrous moon and the countless stars twinkling against the dark sky. One can book these tents from the Rann Utsav official website (www.rannutsavonline.com).  

Things to do at Rann Utsav: 

Rann Utsav’s experiences, ranging from soul-touching to adrenaline-pumping, are as diverse as the land and its culture. Here’s what you can do for the best experience of Rann Utsav. 

• Enjoy a desert safari. You are also offered solo rides on a DPV (Desert Patrol Vehicle). 
• Fly up in the air in a hot air balloon and witness the vibrant colors of the White Desert Festival from above   
• Shop for local artifacts and handicrafts. You can buy some of the most loved Indian souvenirs like Bandhani sarees, Kutch embroidery, batik and block prints, crafted wooden pieces, and silver ornaments.
• Go parasailing, rock climbing, ziplining or ride an ATV across the sand to feel the sudden rush of adrenaline 
• Play pool, chess, try your hand at archery, ride a Trikke. Fun just doesn’t end at Rann Utsav!   
• Trek to Kalo Dungar hillock and visit the 400-year-old Dattatreya temple that sits on the hilltop.
• Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage at the spa center
• Rejuvenate your body and mind with Yoga and meditation. 
• Relish authentic Kutchi dishes
• Take in the bewitching beauty of Kutch’s shimmering moonlit landscape
• Let the folk musical performances soothe your soul while you sit by the campfire on a full moon night 
• Explore the tribal villages and other nearby attractions like Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutch Museum, Mandvi beach, Vijay Vilas Palace, Topansar Lake, Siyot Caves, Lakhpat Fort, etc.

Rann Utsav Facts:         

• Rann Utsav was first celebrated in 2005 as a three-day event. 
• The White Desert festival is an initiative of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) 
• Honorable PM Shri Narendra Modi conceptualized Rann Utsav
• More than 5,00,000 visitors from over 20 countries flock to this vast expanse of white sand to be a part of this magnificent celebration. 

                       We believe your winter holiday is sorted. Pack your bags because Rann Utsav 2021-22 is just around the corner! Hurry up; get those cheap flights booked in advance with Indian Eagle and save big on air tickets. Gujarat’s white wonderland is waiting for you with its endless opportunities for fun and relaxation! 

—CityVillageNews