The Rann Utsav is an annual festival held in Kutch, Gujarat. In close proximity to the majestic white desert of Dhordo, a temporary yet spectacular tent city emerges. I’ve had the good fortune to stay at the tent city twice. The festival will end on March 12 this year. The Gujarat Tourism Board invited me to attend the festival in December 2019.
If you enjoy walking as much as I do, tent city is enormous, with the reception and shopping complex at its core. Kutch is known for its handicrafts, and the shopping complex is a perfect example!
Everything will make you hesitate in every corner of the tent city. There are so many Instagram-worthy nooks and corners if you are a social media user. The blue chhakda parked near the clock tower was fantastic!
The Rann Utsav heart and soul are music, dances, and cultural performances. Every night, both at the tent city and at the White Rann, there are cultural performances!
What’s a ride without some delectable fare? While exploring Kutch, try some local cuisine along the way! It’s important to remember to drink the buttermilk.
After you’ve had your fill of the tent city, head out to Kutch’s craft villages. You could visit Hodka Village nearby, but if you have the time, I would suggest Nirona and Ajrakhpur. Plan a longer stay in Nirona because the Rogan Art, Copper Bells, and Lacquer Work are all worth seeing. It was my second visit to Nirona, and I’m happy to report that everyone remembered me, and I had a great time seeing them again! If you’re interested in design, you can visit the birthplace of the Ajrakh print to see how it’s made. Handicrafts may be purchased directly from the artisans.
From the majesty of the white desert to the beach town of Mandvi, it doesn’t take long. Visit the Vijay Vilas Palace and one of the massive boats (dhows) being built in addition to the beautiful beach!
This takes me to Bhuj, my final destination. With an airport and a railway station, Bhuj is the main hub in Kutch. I’ve been to the regular haunts like Aaina Mahal and Prag Mahal a number of times. I was on the lookout for new experiences, and the Ramkund Stepwell was one of my favourites. It’s a sleepy little place right now, with almost no one around.
The Chhatedis, or royal cenotaphs, are another odd location I found. It’s a great spot to visit at sunset. Since it is close to the Swaminarayan Temple, both places could be visited together.
I enjoy returning to Gujarat for two reasons: the blogging trips are well-organized, and the road travel is fun. Then there’s the state, which never fails to surprise me with something different!
