The people of Gujarat celebrate a wide range of festivals throughout the year, each with its own unique rituals, traditions, and flavors. From the vibrant Navratri to the colorful kite flying festival in Gujarat, every festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor.
These festivals offer an opportunity to experience the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Gujarat. The state’s festivals are not just about rituals and customs but also about the delicious cuisine, music, and dance that accompany them. Whether it is the famous Rann Utsav that celebrates the spirit of the desert or the lively Tarnetar Fair, Gujarat’s festivals are a feast for the senses.
In this blog, we will explore some of the most authentic festivals celebrated in Gujarat, each with its own unique charm and flavor. So, join us on a journey to discover the vibrant and colorful festivals of Gujarat and experience the state’s rich cultural traditions firsthand.
Top festivals in Gujarat;
- International Kite Festival (Uttarayan)
- Modhera Dance Festival
- Bhavnath Mahadev Fair
- Rann Utsav
- Kavant Fair
- Chitra Vichitra Mela
- Madhavrai Fair
- Rath Yatra
- Janmashtami
- Bhadrapurnima Fair
- Tarnetar Fair
- Paragliding Festival
- Vautha Fair
- Shamlaji Mela
- Beach Festival
- Navratri
- Ravechi Fair
International Kite Festival (Uttarayan)
International Kite Festival, also known as Uttarayan, is one of the most popular and colorful festivals celebrated in Gujarat. Held annually in January, the festival attracts kite enthusiasts from all over the world to participate in the kite flying or Uttarayan festival in Gujarat and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Key attractions: colorful and vibrant kites of various shapes and sizes that adorn the sky, along with cultural programs and delicious food.
When is it celebrated: Jan 15th, 2023
Modhera Dance Festival
Modhera Dance Festival is one of the best festivals in Gujarat, celebrated in the backdrop of the magnificent Sun Temple. The festival brings together renowned classical dancers from across the country, who perform against the backdrop of the beautifully illuminated temple, creating a mesmerizing experience for the spectators.
Key attractions: mesmerizing performances by renowned classical dancers
When is it celebrated: Jan 19th– Jan 21st, 2023
Bhavnath Mahadev Fair
Bhavnath Mahadev Fair, held in the holy town of Junagadh, is considered one of the best festivals in Gujarat. It is celebrated every year during the Hindu month of Magh and is a vibrant celebration of Lord Shiva’s presence. The festival is known for its colorful processions, cultural performances, and spiritual fervor.
Key attractions: stalls selling traditional handicrafts, food, and religious items.
When is it celebrated: March 1st–March 5th, 2023
Rann Utsav
Rann Utsav, also known as the Rann of Kutch festival, is considered one of the best festivals in Gujarat. This three-month-long celebration takes place in the Rann of Kutch desert and offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture and tradition of Gujarat amidst the enchanting landscape of the white desert.
Key attractions: cultural performances, handicrafts, camel safaris, hot-air balloon rides
When is it celebrated: Oct 2022 to Feb 2023
Kavant Fair
Kavant Fair, also known as Kavant Mela, is considered one of the best festivals in Gujarat. Celebrated in the Chhota Udaipur district, it is a tribal festival that attracts people from all over the state. The festival is famous for its traditional dances, music, and unique rituals that showcase the state’s diverse cultural heritage.
Key attractions: tribal dances, traditional music, unique rituals, and the colorful procession of the deity Kavant.
When is it celebrated: March 13th–March 15th, 2023
Chitra Vichitra Mela
Chitra Vichitra Mela, also known as the ‘Madh Mela,’ is one of the unique and colorful festivals celebrated in Gujarat. Held annually near the historic Shri Krishna Temple in Dakor, this festival is a celebration of the divine connection between Lord Krishna and his devoted Chitralekha.
Key attractions: a procession of decorated elephants and devotees dressed in colorful attire, singing and dancing to the beats of traditional music.
When is it celebrated: March 22nd, 2023
Madhavrai Fair
Madhavrai Fair is considered one of the best festivals in Gujarat, celebrated in Madhavpur village in April. It commemorates the marriage of Lord Krishna with Rukmini and showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage with folk dances, music, and crafts. The fair attracts tourists from across the country and is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing Gujarat’s vibrant culture.
Key attractions: enactment of Lord Krishna’s marriage to Rukmini
When is it celebrated: March 30th– April 3rd, 2023
Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is one of the most popular festivals in Gujarat. Celebrated in the city of Ahmedabad, the festival involves the grand procession of beautifully decorated chariots carrying Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
Key attractions: decorated chariots, the devotion of the devotees, and the lively atmosphere filled with music and dance.
When is it celebrated: June 20th, 2023
Janmashtami
Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in Gujarat. It marks the birth of Lord Krishna, and the festivities include devotional singing, dancing, and feasting. The vibrant and colorful celebrations make Janmashtami the best festival in Gujarat.
Key attractions: Dahi Handi, where people form human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd and butter, symbolizing Lord Krishna’s love for dairy products.
When is it celebrated: March 14th, 2023
Bhadrapurnima Fair
Bhadrapurnima Fair, also known as the Ambaji Fair, is one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals in Gujarat. Celebrated at the Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha district, it attracts thousands of devotees from all over India. The fair showcases a diverse range of cultural activities, including dance, music, and local cuisine.
Key attractions: a procession of the decorated chariot of the goddess Ambaji.
When is it celebrated: September 29th, 2023
Tarnetar Fair
Tarnetar Fair is a popular cultural festival in Gujarat, India, celebrated in the village of Tarnetar. It is renowned for its colorful folk dances, music, and traditional costumes. The fair is a significant social and cultural event where young people meet and choose their life partners. It is considered one of the best festivals in Gujarat.
Key attractions: It is also a platform for young people to find their life partners, making it a unique cultural experience.
When is it celebrated: September 18th–20th, 2023
Paragliding Festival
The Paragliding Festival in Gujarat is a thrilling event that celebrates the art of paragliding. Every year, thousands of adrenaline junkies gather in the beautiful hills of Saputara to witness this amazing spectacle. With its breathtaking views, exhilarating flights, and festive atmosphere, the Paragliding Festival is undoubtedly the best festival in Gujarat.
Key attractions: the thrill of paragliding while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Saputara hills.
When is it celebrated: April 5th–14th, 2023
Vautha Fair
Vautha Fair is a popular festival in Gujarat that takes place at the confluence of seven rivers. It is a cultural extravaganza with music, dance, and a vast cattle market attracting thousands of people. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters during the fair can cleanse one’s sins.
Key attractions: vast cattle market
When is it celebrated: November 23rd to 27th, 2023
Shamlaji Mela
Shamlaji Mela, also known as the Kartik Purnima Fair, is one of the most vibrant and colorful festivals in Gujarat. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Kartik and is famous for its huge cattle fare, cultural programs, and delicious food. It attracts many tourists from across the country every year.
Key attractions: Cattle fair, religious rituals, cultural programs, vibrant costumes, mouth-watering food, and the scenic location
When is it celebrated: November 27th, 2023
Beach Festival
Beach Festival is the most anticipated festival in Gujarat, drawing crowds from all over the state. This vibrant festival celebrates the sun, sea, and sand with music, dance, and other cultural events. With the picturesque backdrop of the Arabian Sea, this festival offers an unforgettable experience to all who attend.
Key attractions: Live music performances, beach sports, food stalls serving local delicacies, cultural performances, and vibrant nightlife
When is it celebrated: November 2023
Navratri
Navratri is the most awaited festival in Gujarat, celebrated with great fervor for nine nights. It is a time of colorful traditional attire, devotional music, and energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dance performances. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and signifies the triumph of good over evil, making it the best festival in Gujarat.
Key attractions: Garba and Dandiya Raas
When is it celebrated: October 15th–24th, 2023
Ravechi Fair
Ravechi Fair, held annually in Gujarat, is considered one of the best festivals in the state. It is dedicated to the goddess Ravechi, and attracts many devotees who come to offer prayers and seek blessings. The fair is also known for its colorful cultural programs, vibrant markets, and delicious food.
Key attractions: Garba dance, Bhajan singing, and folk music performances
When is it celebrated: September 2023
From the colorful Kite Festival to the spiritual Ravechi Fair, each celebration brings unique experiences and memories. So, come and immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere of these best festivals in Gujarat!
