10 Festivals and Fairs of Gujarat, India Worth Visiting

People dressed up in ethnic Gujarati costumes and performing Navratri Garba in Ahmedabad
People dressed up in ethnic Gujarati costumes and performing Navratri Garba in Ahmedabad | © Hardik jadeja / WikiCommons

Every year, the Indian state of Gujarat hosts a plethora of vibrant festivals to celebrate its rich cultural heritage. Here are the top 10 events worth visiting.

Rann Utsav

Set on the immaculate white salt marshes of the Great Rann of Kutch, Rann Utsav is a true wonderland for folk music and dance lovers. The festival features folk dance (Tippani, Garba and Hallisaka), drama, musical performances, handicraft bazaars, local art, wildlife safari tours, authentic Kutchi cuisine as well as adventure activities such as camel rides, hot air balloon rides, rifle shooting, paramotoring and ATV rides. There are hundreds of AC and non-AC tents set up on the fringe of the bordering village of Dhordo if you’re planning to stay overnight.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

When: November to February, every year

Where: Rann of Kutch in the Kutch district

Rann Utsav is one of the world’s biggest salt desert festivals

Navratri

Held over nine nights, Navratri is the world’s longest dance festival that honours feminine divinity. During the 10-day Hindu celebration, nine forms of the Hindu goddess Durga Devi are worshipped. People fast and perform popular folk dances – Garba and Dandiya – while dressed in elaborate ethnic Gujarati outfits. On the 10th day, another Hindu festival, Dussehra, is celebrated to rejoice the victory of good over evil.

When: October

Where: All over Gujarat

International Kite Festival (Uttarayan)

The International Kite Festival draws droves of tourists, talented kite flyers and designers from around the world to show off their skills and unique creations. You’ll find thousands of kites of all sorts of colours, shapes and sizes adorning the blue winter sky. In the evening, kites with illuminated paper lanterns (tukkals) are flown and held aloft. Conforming to the Hindu calendar, this festival also marks the end of winter and the beginning of warmer months.

When: January 14 (on the day of Makar Sankranti)

Where: Ahmedabad

Kites of different sizes, colours and shapes deck up the desert sky

Shamlaji Fair

Held on the eve of Kartik Purnima – a festival dedicated to the worship of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu – the annual Shamlaji Fair is celebrated on the banks of the holy river Meshwo, near the Shamlaji Temple. The three-week-long fair sees thousands of devotees gathering together from across the country to bathe in holy waters and seek their god’s blessings. While some devotees make their way to the Shamlaji shrine by camel carts, bus or car, others prefer to come on foot, singing hymns of Lord Vishnu and carrying religious banners. The fair is also used as an opportunity to trade silver ornaments, cloth and metalware.

When: November

Where: Shamlaji Temple, Samalaji, Aravalli district

Bhavnath Mahadev Mela

Bhavnath Mahadev Mela centres on the Hindu deity Shiva. On the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri, the fair begins with a procession of sages riding on elephants and blowing conch shells, heading towards the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple to seek the blessings of their god. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself visits the temple during this fair. Held over five days, it involves music, dance, prayers, arts and crafts stalls and free meals. As part of the age-old ritual, pilgrims perform parikrama, or circumambulation, around the Girnar Hill before visiting the temple.

When: February or March

Where: Bhavnath Temple, Junagadh

Modhera Dance Festival

Set within the grounds of the majestic Sun Temple in Gujarat, the Modhera Dance Festival is an annual celebration of classical Indian dance and music. Also known as Uttarardh Mahotsavis, this three-day celebration welcomes renowned performers from across the country, with dance forms such as Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi and Kathak on display, among others.

When: Third week of January

Where: Sun Temple, Modhera

The Modhera Dance Festival is a celebration of classical Indian dance and music

Bhadrapad Fair

Dedicated to Goddess Ambaji, the Bhadrapad Fair is held at the Ambaji Temple, where a representation of the deity is a triangular object called Vishwa Yantra. During the day, dedicated disciples of the goddess gather at the temple to seek her blessings, perform puja (worship) and read the Saptshati (700 prayer verses). By evening, the fair will host folk dances (Bhavai and Garba), musical performances, cultural programs, merry-go-rounds, recreational activities and stalls selling trinkets and delicious local food.

When: Full moon day of Bhadrapad (around August or September)

Where: Ambaji Shrine, Banaskantha

Women performing Garba dance on the Ambaji Temple premises during Bhadrapad Mela (fair)

Janmashtami

The Janmashtami Festival is celebrated throughout the country to mark Lord Krishna’s birth. Festivities in Gujarat, however, hold a special place as it is home to Krishna’s ancient kingdom, Dwarka. People celebrate this day by singing, dancing and chanting hymns, while an idol of Lord Krishna is placed in a cradle with a thread tied to turn it into a swing. As part of the festival, dahi handi (a pot filled with yogurt)breaking competitions are held across the state. Participants form a pyramid in an attempt to crack the pot and spill the yogurt, which is then offered to everyone as prasad.

When: August

Where: Throughout the state, with the main event taking place in Dwarka.

Paragliding Festival

The annual Paragliding Festival in Saputara, Gujarat lasts 26 days and attracts adventure seekers from across India. Training sessions are held for beginners by expert pilots. If you’re looking for an added adrenaline rush, you can also take part in other sports such as zorbing, go-karting, parasailing and bike riding.

When: Between December and January

Where: Saputara

Paragliding in Saputara

Vautha Fair

Hundreds of farmers and traders across India descend on the tiny village of Vautha to trade their decorated donkeys and camels during the Vautha Fair. The fair lasts for up to five days and includes stalls selling handicrafts, fairground rides and incredible local fare. Camper tents are set up near the venue, providing an unmissable opportunity to witness the trading and be a part of the festivities. This time is also religiously significant as the location happens to be the place where seven holy rivers unite.

When: November

Where: Vautha

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article