Culture · Festivals
Festivals and fairs of Gujarat
115 festivals and melas celebrated across Gujarat, grouped into fairs, religious, cultural and seasonal festivals, with the district where each is centred.
Religious festivals
-
Ambaji Bhadarvi Poonam Fair
Massive pilgrimage fair at the Ambaji Shakti Peeth temple in Banaskantha district, held on the full-moon day of Bhadrapada (August/September)
The Bhadarvi Poonam Fair at Ambaji draws millions of pilgrims, many walking on foot, to one of the 51 Shakti Peethas dedicated to the goddess Amba.
Source: Wikipedia -
Ambaji Chachar Chowk Garba
Navratri Garba and worship at the Chachar Chowk of the Ambaji temple, Banaskantha district
During Navratri the Chachar Chowk courtyard of the Ambaji temple becomes a focal point of Garba and goddess worship at the Shakti Peeth.
Source: Wikipedia -
Bahucharaji Fair (Chaitri Purnima)
Five-day fair at the Bahuchara Mata Shakti Peeth temple in Becharaji, Mehsana district, held on Chaitri Purnima
The Bahucharaji Chaitri Purnima fair draws lakhs of devotees to one of Gujarat's principal Shakti Peethas, revered especially by the transgender (kinnar) community.
Source: Wikipedia -
Bhadra Purnima at Dwarka (Beyt Dwarka Fairs)
Pilgrimage fairs at Beyt Dwarka island off the Devbhumi Dwarka coast on Janmashtami and other Krishna dates
Beyt Dwarka, the island temple town linked to Krishna, hosts pilgrim gatherings on Janmashtami and other festivals off the Okha coast.
Source: Wikipedia -
Bhadra Purnima Fair, Ambaji (Diwal Ghata)
Peak Bhadrapada full-moon rituals at Ambaji including the Diwal Ghata and Bhadarvi Poonam padyatra, Banaskantha district
The Bhadarvi Poonam period at Ambaji brings a mass foot-pilgrimage and special rites such as the Bhaman jyot and Diwal Ghata to the Shakti Peeth.
Source: Wikipedia -
Bhavnath Fair (Bhavnath Mahadev Mela)
Five-day fair at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple at the foot of Girnar in Junagadh, held around Maha Shivratri (February/March)
The Bhavnath Fair at Girnar brings together Naga sadhus and pilgrims for Maha Shivratri, marked by a midnight procession (Maha-puja) and a ritual bath in the Mrigi Kund.
Source: Wikipedia -
Bileshwar Mahadev Shivratri Fair
Shivratri and Shravan Amavasya fair at the ancient Bileshwar Mahadev temple near Porbandar
The old Bileshwar Mahadev temple on the Bileshwar river draws heavy crowds on Shivratri night and during the Shravan Amavasya fair.
Source: trawell.in -
Chotila Chamunda Mata Fair
Hilltop worship and fairs at the Chamunda Mata temple on Chotila hill, Surendranagar district
Pilgrims climb the steps of Chotila hill in Surendranagar to the Chamunda Mata shrine, with the largest crowds during Navratri and on Sundays.
Source: Wikipedia -
Christmas in Daman-adjacent Gujarat Coast
Christmas celebrations among Christian communities in Gujarat's cities and along the southern coast
Christian communities in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and coastal south Gujarat mark Christmas with church services and midnight mass.
Source: Wikipedia -
Dakor Fair (Falgun Purnima)
Full-moon pilgrimage fair at the Ranchhodraiji (Krishna) temple in Dakor, Kheda district, largest on Falgun Purnima
Dakor's Ranchhodraiji temple holds major fairs on the Kartik, Falgun, Chaitra and Ashwin full-moon days, with the Falgun Purnima gathering drawing padyatri pilgrims on foot from across Gujarat.
Source: gujaratexpert.com -
Dev Diwali (Dev Dipawali)
Festival of lights for the gods on Kartik Purnima, fifteen days after Diwali (November)
On Dev Diwali, Kartik Purnima, Gujaratis light lamps and many temple fairs such as Fagvel and Shamlaji reach their peak.
Source: Wikipedia -
Diwali & Bestu Varas
Festival of lights (Diwali) followed by the Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas / Nutan Varsh) on the first day of Kartik
In Gujarat Diwali is immediately followed by Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year, when families exchange greetings of 'Saal Mubarak' and traders open new account books in a rite called Chopda Pujan.
Source: Wikipedia -
Eid al-Fitr
Festival marking the end of Ramadan, celebrated by Gujarat's Muslim communities with prayer and feasting
Eid al-Fitr is marked across Gujarat's cities, with large congregational prayers and celebrations especially in Ahmedabad, Surat and Bharuch.
Source: Wikipedia -
Gadhada Swaminarayan Utsavs
Festivals at the Swaminarayan temple in Gadhada, Botad district, closely linked with Swaminarayan's life
Gadhada, where Swaminarayan spent much of his later life, holds major Swaminarayan festivals and anniversaries at its historic temple.
Source: Wikipedia -
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ten-day festival of Lord Ganesha beginning on the fourth day of Bhadrapada (August/September)
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across Gujarat, especially in Surat and other cities, with clay Ganesh idols installed at homes and pandals before immersion.
Source: Wikipedia -
Gangaji Mahotsav, Chandod
River festival at the Narmada confluence town of Chandod (Chanod) in Vadodara district
Chandod, at the sangam of the Narmada, Orsang and hidden Ganga, hosts ritual bathing and river festivals at its riverside ghats and Gangnath ashram.
Source: pravase.co.in -
Gangasagar Mela, Gujarat (Bhadreshwar)
Jain and coastal pilgrimage fairs at Bhadreshwar (Vasai) in Kutch, home to an ancient Jain tirth
Bhadreshwar in Kutch, with one of the oldest Jain temples in India, hosts pilgrimage gatherings drawing Jain devotees to its coastal tirth.
Source: Wikipedia -
Girnar Lili Parikrama
Five-day circumambulation of the Girnar mountain near Junagadh, beginning on Kartik Sud Ekadashi and ending on Kartik Purnima
The Lili Parikrama sees over a million pilgrims trek a roughly 36-kilometre forested circuit around Girnar after the monsoon, when the hills turn lush green.
Source: tourismgujarat.com -
Girnar Mahashivratri Mela (Bhavnath)
Mahashivratri fair at the Bhavnath Mahadev temple at the foot of Girnar, Junagadh, listed on the national Utsav portal
The Girnar Mahashivratri Mela at Bhavnath gathers Naga sadhus and pilgrims for a midnight procession and ritual bath at Mrigi Kund during Mahashivratri.
Source: Wikipedia -
Gowardhan Puja / Annakut
Worship of Govardhan hill and offering of an Annakut mountain of food, on the first day after Diwali
On Annakut, the day after Diwali, Gujarat's Vaishnav and Swaminarayan temples pile up elaborate food offerings before Krishna in the Govardhan tradition.
Source: Wikipedia -
Haji Pir Urs, Kutch
Annual urs at the Haji Pir dargah in Nara village, western Kutch, drawing pilgrims of all faiths
The Haji Pir dargah near the India-Pakistan border in Kutch hosts an annual urs where Hindu and Muslim devotees gather in shared reverence for the Sufi saint.
Source: kachchh.nic.in -
Hanuman Jayanti
Celebration of the birth of Hanuman on Chaitra Purnima (April), marked at temples across Gujarat
Hanuman Jayanti draws large crowds to Gujarat's Hanuman shrines such as Salangpur, Sarangpur and Camp Hanuman in Ahmedabad.
Source: Wikipedia -
Janmashtami (Gokulashtami)
Celebration of Lord Krishna's birth on the eighth day of Bhadrapada (August/September), marked statewide with fasting and midnight worship
Gujarat marks Krishna Janmashtami with night-long bhajans, fasting and celebrations at temples across the state, and grand observances at Dwarka.
Source: Wikipedia -
Janmashtami at Dwarka
Celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna at the Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, held on the eighth day of Bhadrapada (August/September)
Dwarka, revered as Krishna's ancient kingdom, draws large crowds for Janmashtami at the Dwarkadhish Temple where the deity's birth at midnight is marked with prayers, bhajans and festivities.
Source: Wikipedia -
Kartik Purnima Palitana Pilgrimage
Reopening of the Shatrunjaya pilgrimage route at Palitana on Kartik Purnima after the monsoon closure
On Kartik Purnima thousands of Jain pilgrims begin the climb up Shatrunjaya hill at Palitana as the sacred route reopens for the pilgrimage season.
Source: trawell.in -
Khodaldham Kagvad Patotsav
Anniversary and worship festivals at the Khodaldham temple of Khodiyar Mata at Kagvad, Rajkot district
Khodaldham at Kagvad, a large modern temple of the Leuva Patidar community's goddess Khodiyar Mata, marks its Patotsav anniversary with mass gatherings.
Source: Wikipedia -
Khodiyar Mata Fair, Rajpara
Fairs at the Khodiyar Mata temple at Rajpara near Bhavnagar, especially on Maha Sud Aatham
The Khodiyar Mata temple at Rajpara draws large crowds on the goddess's appearance day, Maha Sud Aatham, a major date for her devotees in Saurashtra.
Source: Wikipedia -
Koteshwar Fair, Kutch
Pilgrimage fair at the Koteshwar Mahadev temple near Narayan Sarovar at the western tip of Kutch
The Koteshwar Mahadev temple beside the sacred Narayan Sarovar lake draws pilgrims, especially on Shivratri and Kartik Purnima, at Gujarat's far western coast.
Source: kachchh.nic.in -
Mahavir Jayanti
Celebration of the birth of Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, on the thirteenth day of Chaitra (March/April)
Mahavir Jayanti is marked across Gujarat's Jain centres with processions and worship, notably at Palitana, Taranga and Girnar.
Source: Wikipedia -
Muharram
Islamic month of mourning observed with tazia processions in Gujarat's older cities
During Muharram, communities in Ahmedabad, Surat and other Gujarat towns hold tazia processions commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husain.
Source: Wikipedia -
Nag Panchami
Festival honouring serpent deities, observed in the month of Shravan (July/August)
On Nag Panchami Gujaratis worship snake images and idols and, in many homes, prepare special offerings for the serpent gods.
Source: Wikipedia -
Narayan Sarovar Fair
Kartik Purnima pilgrimage at the sacred Narayan Sarovar lake in Lakhpat taluka, Kutch
Narayan Sarovar, counted among Hinduism's five holy lakes, hosts a large Kartik Purnima gathering of pilgrims at the western edge of Kutch.
Source: Wikipedia -
Narmada Jayanti
Festival honouring the Narmada river on the seventh day of the bright fortnight of Magha (February)
Narmada Jayanti is marked with lamp offerings and ritual bathing at Narmada ghats in Gujarat towns such as Chandod, Bharuch and Shuklatirth.
Source: Wikipedia -
Nishkalank Mahadev Mela, Koliyak
Amavasya fair at the sea-submerged Nishkalank Mahadev temple at Koliyak near Bhavnagar
Devotees wade nearly a kilometre into the sea at low tide to reach the Nishkalank Mahadev shrine, with the largest gathering on Bhadarva Amavasya.
Source: walkthroughindia.com -
Palitana Jain Festivals
Jain pilgrimage observances at the Shatrunjaya hill temples near Palitana in Bhavnagar district, including Kartik Purnima and the winter pilgrimage season
Palitana's Shatrunjaya hill, crowned by hundreds of Jain temples, is a major pilgrimage centre where devotees climb thousands of steps, with Kartik Purnima marking the reopening of the pilgrimage route.
Source: Wikipedia -
Paryushana Parva
The most important Jain festival, an eight or ten-day period of fasting, prayer and reflection in Bhadrapada (August/September)
Gujarat's large Jain community observes Paryushana with fasting, scripture recitation and the concluding Samvatsari, a day of universal forgiveness.
Source: Wikipedia -
Rath Yatra, Ahmedabad
Annual chariot procession of Lord Jagannath from the Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, held on Ashadhi Beej (June/July)
Ahmedabad's Rath Yatra, one of the oldest and largest in India after Puri, sees the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra pulled through the old city on decorated chariots.
Source: Wikipedia -
Ravechi Fair
Kutch temple fair
A large fair at the Ravechi Mata temple in Rapar, Kutch, held on Bhadarva Sud Aatham.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Salangpur Hanuman Fairs
Worship and fairs at the Kashtabhanjan Hanuman temple in Salangpur, Botad district, especially on Kali Chaudas and Hanuman Jayanti
The Kashtabhanjan Hanuman temple at Salangpur, a major Swaminarayan pilgrimage site, draws crowds on Hanuman Jayanti and Kali Chaudas.
Source: Wikipedia -
Shaking Minarets and Sarkhej Roza Urs, Ahmedabad
Sufi urs at the Sarkhej Roza complex on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, a landmark of Indo-Islamic architecture
The Sarkhej Roza, tomb complex of the saint Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh, hosts an annual urs and cultural events in the architectural ensemble near Ahmedabad.
Source: Wikipedia -
Sharad Purnima at Dwarka
Full-moon Raas festival at the Dwarkadhish temple in Dwarka on Sharad Purnima (September/October)
Sharad Purnima at Dwarka commemorates Krishna's Raas Leela with special worship at the Dwarkadhish temple under the brightest moon of the year.
Source: Wikipedia -
Shuklatirth Kartik Purnima Fair
Kartik Purnima fair at the Shuklatirth temple town on the Narmada in Bharuch district, near the ancient Kabirvad
Shuklatirth on the banks of the Narmada in Bharuch hosts a Kartik Purnima fair and ritual bathing, close to the legendary giant banyan of Kabirvad.
Source: Wikipedia -
Somnath Mahashivratri Fair
Fair and worship at the Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, on Maha Shivratri (February/March), on the coast of Gir Somnath district
Maha Shivratri draws large numbers of devotees to the Somnath Temple in Prabhas Patan, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, for night-long worship.
Source: Wikipedia -
Somnath Mahashivratri Parv
Cultural and devotional festival at the Somnath Jyotirlinga temple during Mahashivratri, on the coast of Gir Somnath district
Organised by Gujarat Tourism, the Somnath Mahashivratri Parv adds art and cultural performances to the Mahashivratri worship at the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Tapti / Tapi Jayanti, Surat
River festival honouring the Tapti (Tapi) river, observed in Surat on the river's traditional appearance day
Tapi Jayanti celebrates the river that flows through Surat, with worship and cultural events along its banks.
Source: Wikipedia -
Taranga Jain Pilgrimage Fairs
Jain pilgrimage observances at the 900-year-old Taranga temple complex near Kheralu, Mehsana district
The Taranga hill, with its Solanki-era Ajitnath temple and clustered Digambar and Shwetambar shrines, draws Jain pilgrims on key festival days.
Source: Wikipedia -
Trinetreshwar Mahadev Worship, Tarnetar
Mahadev worship at the Trinetreshwar temple at Tarnetar, Surendranagar district, alongside the famous fair
The Trinetreshwar (three-eyed Shiva) temple gives Tarnetar its name and is the ritual heart of the Bhadrapada fair renowned for embroidered umbrellas.
Source: Wikipedia -
Tulsi Vivah
Ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant to Vishnu, held on the eleventh or twelfth day of Kartik (November)
Tulsi Vivah marks the start of the Hindu wedding season in Gujarat, with households performing a symbolic marriage of the sacred Tulsi plant to Shaligram or Krishna.
Source: Wikipedia -
Utkanth / Shitala Satam
Festival of the goddess Shitala observed in Shravan (July/August), preceded by Randhan Chhath
On Shitala Satam Gujarati households eat only food cooked the previous day on Randhan Chhath, worshipping the goddess Shitala for protection from disease.
Source: Wikipedia -
Vasant Panchami at Kalika Mata, Pavagadh
Hilltop worship and fair at the Kalika Mata Shakti Peeth on Pavagadh hill, Panchmahal district, especially during Navratri and Chaitra
The Kalika Mata temple crowning Pavagadh hill, a Shakti Peeth within the Champaner-Pavagadh UNESCO site, draws large crowds during Navratri and Chaitra fairs.
Source: Wikipedia -
Watrak / Vatrak Snan at Vautha Sangam
Ritual river bathing at the Vautha sangam during the Kartik Purnima fair, Ahmedabad district
Pilgrims at the Vautha fair take a holy dip where the Vatrak joins the Sabarmati and other streams on Kartik Purnima.
Source: Wikipedia
Fairs (melas)
-
Bhadarva Sud Fairs of North Gujarat
Cluster of Bhadrapada bright-fortnight temple fairs across north Gujarat including Ambaji and Shamlaji
The Bhadarva Sud fortnight is the busiest fair season in north Gujarat, peaking with the Ambaji Bhadarvi Poonam and the Shamlaji gathering.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Bhathiji Maharaj Fair, Fagvel
Kartik Purnima and Dev Diwali fair at the Bhathiji Maharaj temple in Fagvel village, Kheda district
The Fagvel fair honours the folk-warrior deity Bhathiji Maharaj with a two-day gathering around Kartik Purnima, drawing devotees from across central Gujarat.
Source: templetravel.info -
Bhil Gol Gadhedo Ritual, Chhota Udaipur
Tribal Holi ritual in which a man is lowered from a greased pole to reach sweets and a waiting bride, in the Chhota Udaipur belt
The Gol Gadhedo is a Rathwa and Bhil Holi contest where a young man braves a greased pole and blows from the women below to claim jaggery, tied to courtship.
Source: Government of India -
Chaitri Purnima Folk Festival
Full-moon folk festival of the month of Chaitra (March/April) marked at temple towns across Gujarat
Chaitri Purnima brings folk fairs and worship to numerous Gujarat shrines, most prominently the Bahucharaji temple in Mehsana.
Source: Government of India -
Chitra Vichitra Fair
Tribal fair held at Gunbhakhari village near Poshina in Sabarkantha district, a fortnight after Holi (March)
The Chitra Vichitra Fair is one of the largest single-day tribal fairs, drawing Garasia and Bhil communities who gather at the confluence of three rivers to mourn ancestors and then celebrate with music and matchmaking.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Chitra Vichitra Fair, Gunbhakhari
Single-day tribal fair at Gunbhakhari near Poshina, Sabarkantha district, a fortnight after Holi
At Chitra Vichitra, Garasia and Bhil communities gather at the confluence of three rivers to mourn ancestors then celebrate with music and matchmaking.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Chul no Melo, Rumadiya (Rathwa fire-walking)
Rathwa tribal fair held the day after Dhuleti at Rumadiya village, Chhota Udaipur district, featuring fire-walking over hot embers
At the Chul no Melo, Rathwa devotees walk across hot ash from the previous night's Holi bonfire as a rite of faith, part of the community's two-fair Holi celebration.
Source: Government of India -
Dahod Tribal Holi Fairs
Bhil tribal Holi fairs and dances in Dahod district in eastern Gujarat
The Bhil-majority Dahod district celebrates Holi with tribal fairs, drums and dance in a manner distinct from urban Gujarat's Dhuleti.
Source: Government of India -
Dangs Darbar
Tribal fair held at Ahwa in the Dang district just before Holi (February/March), rooted in the colonial-era gathering of local rulers
Dangs Darbar continues a tradition in which the Bhil and Kunbi rulers of the former Dang princely states receive political pensions, accompanied by tribal dance, music and a large fair.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Dhrang Fair
Fair honouring Mekran Dada
A two-day Kutch fair honouring the saint Mekran Dada, with camel and bullock-cart races.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Gohilwad and Saurashtra Lok Melas
Regional folk fairs across the Saurashtra region featuring dayro, bhajan and folk music nights
Saurashtra's towns host lok melas and all-night dayro folk-storytelling and bhajan gatherings that are a hallmark of the region's culture.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Gol Feriyo Melo, Rumadiya
Rathwa Holi fair at Rumadiya, Chhota Udaipur district, famed for its hand-turned wooden merry-go-round (Gol Feriyo Chakdol)
The Gol Feriyo Melo gathers the Rathwa community after Holi around a traditional wooden merry-go-round and days of dance, colour and matchmaking.
Source: Government of India -
Jamnagar Lok Mela
Folk fair held in Jamnagar showcasing Saurashtra's crafts, food and folk performance
The Jamnagar Lok Mela brings together artisans, folk performers and food stalls celebrating the culture of the Halar region of Saurashtra.
Source: Government of India -
Kavant (Gher) Fair
Colourful tribal Holi fair held at Kavant in Chhota Udaipur district a few days after Holi (March)
The Kavant Fair, also called the Gol Gadhedo or Gher fair, sees Rathwa and Bhil tribal communities gather in elaborate face paint and costume to dance in circular Gher processions after Holi.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Kawant Ger Mela
Rathwa Ger dance fair at Kawant, Chhota Udaipur district, held a few days after Holi
The Kawant Ger Mela gathers Rathwa men and women in elaborate costume and face paint for the circular Ger dance, one of eastern Gujarat's most colourful tribal fairs.
Source: Government of India -
Kutch Ashadhi Beej Fairs
Monsoon-welcoming fairs across Kutch on Ashadhi Beej, the Kutchi New Year
On Ashadhi Beej communities across Kutch hold fairs and rituals praying for a good monsoon in the drought-prone district.
Source: kachchh.nic.in -
Madhavpur Fair (Madhavpur Ghed Mela)
Fair marking the mythological wedding of Lord Krishna and Rukmini at Madhavpur Ghed, Porbandar district, held on Ram Navami in Chaitra (March/April)
The Madhavpur Fair commemorates the marriage of Krishna and Rukmini and has, in recent years, been expanded into the Madhavpur Ghed festival celebrating cultural links between Gujarat and the North-Eastern states.
Source: Wikipedia -
Palli Melo, Rupal (Vardayini Mata)
Navratri night fair at Rupal village near Gandhinagar where a wooden Palli chariot of Vardayini Mata is bathed in tonnes of pure ghee
On the ninth night of Navratri, the Palli of Vardayini Mata is drawn through Rupal village and drenched in rivers of donated ghee at 27 stops, drawing lakhs of devotees.
Source: Government of India -
Ravechi Mela, Rapar (Bhadarva)
Three-day fair at the Ravechi Mata temple in Rapar taluka, Kutch, held on Bhadarva Sud Aatham
The Ravechi Mela gathers Kutchi communities including the Ahir and Rabari around the Ravechi Mata temple with folk music, horse and cattle trade.
Source: kachchh.nic.in -
Sangwari Mela
Late-monsoon fair of East Kutch, held around August or September
The Sangwari Mela is among the Bhadarva-season fairs of eastern Kutch, drawing villagers for devotion, cattle trade and rural festivity.
Source: kachchh.nic.in -
Shamlaji Fair (Kartik Purnima Mela)
Large tribal and religious fair at the Shamlaji Vishnu temple in Aravalli district, held around Kartik Purnima (November)
The Shamlaji Fair gathers tribal and rural devotees, especially Bhil communities, for a fortnight around Kartik Purnima to worship the deity locally known as Kaliyo Dev.
Source: Wikipedia -
Tarnetar Fair
Three-day tribal fair around the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple at Tarnetar, Surendranagar district, held during Bhadrapada (August/September)
The Tarnetar Fair is known as a matchmaking gathering for the Koli and Bharwad communities, famous for its elaborately embroidered Tarnetar umbrellas and folk dancing.
Source: Wikipedia -
Vaghai / Dang Forest Tribal Fairs
Tribal gatherings and Holi-season fairs among the Bhil, Kunbi and Gamit communities of the Dang district
Beyond the Dangs Darbar, the forested Dang district holds tribal Holi fairs where the Bhil, Kunbi and Gamit peoples perform traditional dances.
Source: Government of India -
Vautha Fair (Vautha Mela)
Animal-trading fair held at Vautha, the confluence of the Sabarmati and Vatrak rivers in Ahmedabad district, around Kartik Purnima (November)
The Vautha Fair is one of Gujarat's largest fairs, historically noted for the trading of donkeys and camels alongside a ritual bath at the sangam of seven rivers.
Source: Wikipedia -
Vautha Mela Kartik Purnima Bath
Kartik Purnima ritual bath at the Saptasangam of seven rivers at Vautha, Ahmedabad district
Beyond its famous donkey and camel trade, the Vautha fair centres on a Kartik Purnima holy dip at the confluence of the Sabarmati and Vatrak with other streams.
Source: Wikipedia -
Wondh Mela
Temple fair held in the Wondh area of eastern Kutch during August or September
The Wondh Mela is one of several late-monsoon fairs of East Kutch, gathering rural communities for worship, trade and folk celebration.
Source: kachchh.nic.in
Cultural festivals
-
Bhuj Hamirsar and Kutch Craft Fairs
Craft and cultural fairs in Bhuj, headquarters of Kutch, showcasing the district's embroidery and handicrafts
Bhuj hosts craft and cultural gatherings tied to the winter Rann season, spotlighting Kutch's celebrated embroidery, bandhani and metalwork.
Source: kachchh.nic.in -
Champaner-Pavagadh Cultural Fairs
Fairs and cultural events at the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Panchmahal district
The Champaner-Pavagadh site combines Hindu, Jain and Islamic monuments and hosts pilgrim fairs at the Kalika Mata temple and cultural events at the fort complex.
Source: Wikipedia -
Dholavira and Rann Full-Moon Nights
Full-moon viewing events on the White Rann near Dhordo and around the Harappan site of Dholavira, Kutch
During the Rann season, full-moon nights on the salt desert near Dhordo and Dholavira are a highlight, with the white expanse glowing under moonlight.
Source: rannutsav.com -
Heritage Festival (Patan, Adalaj, Modhera)
Gujarat Tourism cultural festival held at heritage monuments such as Rani ki Vav Patan, Adalaj stepwell and Modhera Sun Temple
The Heritage Festival stages cultural performances at Gujarat's landmark monuments, spotlighting the state's Solanki and medieval architecture.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Kankaria Carnival, Ahmedabad
Week-long cultural carnival around Kankaria lake in Ahmedabad, held in late December
The Kankaria Carnival fills the lakefront in Ahmedabad with cultural shows, food and rides during the year-end week.
Source: Wikipedia -
Kutch Mahotsav
Cultural festival of the Kutch region celebrating its folk arts, crafts and heritage, held in the winter tourist season
Kutch Mahotsav is a festival organised to showcase the distinctive folk dance, music, embroidery and handicrafts of the Kutch district of western Gujarat.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Kutch Rann Utsav
White Desert festival
A months-long winter festival on the White Rann of Kutch with tent city, folk music and crafts.
Source: Wikipedia -
Mandvi Beach Festival
Coastal tourism festival on Mandvi beach in Kutch, typically held in December with stage shows, beach games and food stalls
The Mandvi Beach Festival brings performances, adventure zones, laser shows and craft stalls to one of Kutch's most popular stretches of golden sand.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Modhera Dance Festival (Uttarardh Mahotsav)
Classical dance festival held in the courtyard of the Sun Temple at Modhera, Mehsana district, generally in January after Uttarayan
The Modhera Dance Festival, also called Uttarardh Mahotsav, showcases Indian classical dance forms against the backdrop of the 11th-century Sun Temple built by the Chaulukya dynasty.
Source: Wikipedia -
Modhera Rann-Like Utsav (Vadnagar Tana Riri)
Tana Riri classical music festival at Vadnagar, Mehsana district, honouring the singer sisters Tana and Riri
The Tana Riri Mahotsav at Vadnagar celebrates the legendary sisters credited with reviving Tansen through raga Malhar, with a festival of classical music.
Source: Wikipedia -
Modhera Sun Temple Uttarardh Mahotsav
Classical dance festival in the courtyard of the Sun Temple at Modhera, Mehsana district, held in January
The Uttarardh Mahotsav stages Indian classical dance against the backdrop of the eleventh-century Modhera Sun Temple after Uttarayan.
Source: Wikipedia -
National Mango Festival, Gandhinagar
Annual mango showcase in Gandhinagar during the summer harvest, celebrating Gujarat's Kesar and other varieties
The National Mango Festival gathers growers and visitors in Gandhinagar to display and sample Gujarat's prized mango varieties, above all the Gir Kesar.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Rann Utsav
Winter tourism and cultural festival held in the white salt desert of the Great Rann of Kutch, running from roughly November to February
Rann Utsav is a months-long festival set in a tent city near Dhordo in the Kutch salt desert, offering folk music, dance, crafts and full-moon views across the white Rann.
Source: rannutsav.com -
Sabarmati Riverfront Flower Show, Ahmedabad
Annual international flower show on the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad, held in the winter season
The Ahmedabad Flower Show transforms the Sabarmati riverfront with themed floral sculptures and gardens, drawing large winter crowds.
Source: Wikipedia -
Saputara Monsoon Festival (Megh Malhar Parv)
Monsoon tourism festival at Saputara, Gujarat's only hill station in the Dang district, held roughly July to August
The Saputara Monsoon Festival turns Gujarat's lone hill station into a hub of cultural shows, adventure sports and folk performances during the rains.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Sasan Gir Festival
Wildlife and cultural festival in the Sasan Gir area of Junagadh, home of the Asiatic lion
The Sasan Festival pairs cultural programmes with the draw of Gir National Park, the last refuge of the Asiatic lion.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Sidi Goma / Dhamal Festival, Jambur
Afro-Indian Sufi music and dance tradition of the Siddi community around Jambur and Ratanpur near Gir, Junagadh district
The Siddi community of Gir performs the Goma or Dhamal, an African-rooted Sufi drumming and dance honouring the saint Bava Gor at their dargahs.
Source: junagadhonline.in -
Sindhi Cheti Chand, Gujarat
Sindhi New Year and festival of Jhulelal, observed by Gujarat's Sindhi communities in Chaitra (March/April)
Gujarat's Sindhi communities in Gandhidham, Ahmedabad and Kutch celebrate Cheti Chand, the Sindhi New Year honouring the river deity Jhulelal.
Source: Wikipedia -
Statue of Unity Ekta Diwas
National Unity Day observed on 31 October at the Statue of Unity, Kevadia, Narmada district
Ekta Diwas marks Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary with ceremonies at the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue, at Kevadia.
Source: Wikipedia -
Surat Chandani Padvo
Sharad Purnima night festival in Surat centred on ghari sweets and moonlit gatherings
On Chandani Padvo, the night after Sharad Purnima, Surat's residents throng streets to buy and eat the city's famous ghari sweet under the full moon.
Source: Wikipedia -
Tribal Day (Godhra, Chhota Udaipur, Dahod)
World Tribal Day celebrations across eastern Gujarat's tribal belt on 9 August
On World Tribal Day, tribal-majority districts including Dahod, Chhota Udaipur and the Godhra region hold cultural gatherings celebrating Adivasi heritage.
Source: Gujarat Tourism -
Wonder / Vintage Fairs at Ahmedabad Heritage Week
Heritage celebrations in Ahmedabad, India's first UNESCO World Heritage City, including walks and cultural events
Ahmedabad, inscribed as India's first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017, marks heritage week with pol walks, cultural programmes and old-city events.
Source: UNESCO
Seasonal festivals
-
Ashadhi Beej (Kutchi New Year)
Kutchi New Year on the second day of Ashadha (June/July), coinciding with the onset of the monsoon
Ashadhi Beej is celebrated as the Kutchi New Year, welcoming the monsoon on which the arid Kutch region depends, and shares the day with Ahmedabad's Rath Yatra.
Source: Wikipedia -
Bhai Bij (Bhai Beej)
Festival of brothers and sisters on the second day of the bright fortnight of Kartik, just after Diwali
Bhai Bij falls in the Diwali cluster in Gujarat, when sisters apply a tilak and pray for their brothers' wellbeing, mirroring Raksha Bandhan.
Source: Wikipedia -
Holi & Dhuleti
Festival of colours celebrated across Gujarat on Phalguna Purnima with a bonfire (Holika Dahan) followed by Dhuleti, the day of coloured powder and water
In Gujarat Holi begins with the lighting of the Holika bonfire and continues the next day as Dhuleti, when people smear each other with colours and, in some communities, break pots of buttermilk hung overhead.
Source: Wikipedia -
Labh Pancham
Auspicious fifth day of the Gujarati New Year in Kartik, when businesses formally reopen after Diwali
Labh Pancham is considered the luckiest day to resume trade after Diwali in Gujarat, when merchants open their new ledgers and shops.
Source: Wikipedia -
Makar Sankranti / Vasi Uttarayan
Two-day harvest and kite festival on 14-15 January marking the sun's northward journey
In Gujarat Makar Sankranti and the following day Vasi Uttarayan are spent on rooftops flying kites and eating undhiyu and chikki.
Source: Wikipedia -
Raksha Bandhan
Festival of the sibling bond, observed on the full moon of Shravan (August), when sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers
In Gujarat, Raksha Bandhan on Shravan Purnima celebrates the bond between siblings and, among coastal communities, coincides with Nariyeli Purnima offerings to the sea.
Source: Wikipedia -
Sharad Purnima
Full-moon harvest festival of the month of Ashwin (September/October), celebrated the night the moon is considered brightest
On Sharad Purnima Gujaratis prepare and offer 'doodh-pauva' left under the moonlight, and the night is associated with Krishna's Raas Leela and folk celebration.
Source: Wikipedia -
Uttarayan (International Kite Festival)
Makar Sankranti kite-flying festival marking the sun's transit into Capricorn, celebrated on 14 January, with the International Kite Festival held in Ahmedabad
On Uttarayan the skies over Gujarat fill with kites, and since 1989 Ahmedabad has hosted the International Kite Festival where flyers from around the world gather along the Sabarmati riverfront.
Source: Wikipedia -
Uttarayan Vasi Uttarayan Night Kites
Second night of kite-flying with illuminated tukkals (paper lanterns on kites) over Gujarat cities on 15 January
On the night of Uttarayan and Vasi Uttarayan, Gujarat's skies glow with tukkal lanterns strung on kite lines above Ahmedabad, Surat and other cities.
Source: Wikipedia -
Vasant Panchami
Spring festival dedicated to goddess Saraswati, celebrated in Magha (late January/February) and marking the onset of spring
Vasant Panchami is observed in Gujarat as the arrival of spring and the worship of Saraswati, the goddess of learning, with yellow clothing and offerings associated with the season.
Source: Wikipedia