Navratri

The festival of nine nights in October, preceding the Dussera is a special feature of Gujarat when people assemble in village squares and temple compounds and sing and dance till the wee hours in the morning. They worship the mother goddess and her numerous manifestations during the festival. The festival ends on the Dussera day, when artisans worship their instruments, agriculturists their ploughs, warriors their weapons and students their books.

The Navaratri festival is closely followed by the Sharad Purnima, the full moon night in the Asvina month, when under the moon light people partake of prasad rice and milk. The people of Surat make merry on the Tapi bank.

Gujarat has two temples dedicated to two most popular mother goddesses of Gujarat, Amba Mata and Becharji Mata. On Kartika and Chaitra Purnima days and during the Navaratri days, people visit these temples and enjoy Gujarati's typical folk drama, the Bhavai.

Bhadra Purnima

Bhadra Purnima is one of the biggest festivals of Gujarat, popularly known as the Ambaji Bhadra Purnima. This is because the festival is celebrated at Ambaji, a village which derives its name from the shrine located here. The village is situated at the foothills of Mount Aravalli. Ambaji shrine is dedicated to Goddess Ambaji, held in great regard by the people of the region. It is the main shrine of the Goddess in Gujarat. The place finds reference in as early as 746 AD, but its actual origin is still unknown.

The most fascinating fact about the shrine is that there is no idol inside it. The deity is represented in the form of a triangle, inscribed with figures and with the syllable 'Shree' in the center. This is called the Vishwa Yantra. This emphasizes the fact that the temple is antique, since idol worship became popular much later. It is also regarded as one of the original Shakti peeths. According to the scriptures, when the body of Goddess Amba was dismembered, her heart fell onto this place on the earth. Another belief regarding the place is that the tonsorial ceremony of Lord Krishna was held here.

This has added to the religious significance of Ambaji. The festival is organized on the full moon day of the Bhadrapad, according to the Hindi Calendar. A number of farmers and agriculturists assemble here to worship at the shrine. Bhavai, the folk drama of the state, and Garba performances are organized to celebrate the occasion. Saptshati, the seven hundred verses in the praise of the Goddess are read in the temple. Devotees attend these assemblies and worship the Goddess to seek Her blessings. A huge fair is also held here at this occasion.

Venue: Ambaji

Time: August-September

Kutch Mahotsav

Kutch Mahotsav serves as the guided tour of the Kutch region of Gujarat. It is organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat and lasts for six day. This tour takes you around the venerated places in Kutch. It provides an opportunity to experience the magic of the place and to explore its beauty, nostalgia, ethos, traditions, culture and spirit. Kutch Mahotsav is usually organized in the months of February and March, each year. The Kutch peninsula of India has a lot to offer to the tourists.

From sandy beaches to ancient fortresses, from plush green landscapes to earthy deserts, Kutch is the perfect place to unwind, away from the hustle bustle of daily life. The tour takes you to a number of exotic locations situated in the heart of Kutch Peninsula, like Bhuj, a major city that acts as the center of all activity during the Mahotsav. Other places include Mata no Madh, a 1200 year old temple dedicated to Mother Godess and Lakhpat, a banished port that reminds of the days of the yore, when it was the hub of Gujarat's sea trade.

The Kutch Mahotsav also takes you to a number of religious places. The major Hindu pilgrimage sites are Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar and Bhadreshwar. Apart from this, the enthralling experience is enriched by the visit to Anjar, the beaches of Mandvi, Dhola Vira's archaeological ruins and the rural fair at Dhrang. The Mahotsav is a life time experience, as it unleashes the various colorful aspects of Kutch. Don't forget to savor the local delicacies, the taste of which you will not forget in a long time to come.

You will be awe struck when you explore the lifestyle and culture of 18 different tribes of the Kutch peninsula. The artistic and skilled craftsmanship of the local tribes is a marvel to cherish. Not only this, the Mahotsav also presents a glimpse of its cultural heritage through the various folk dance and music performances. The soul stirring Bhajans and Kirtans are a feast for the ears. Bhuj is well connected to all the major cities of the state by varied means of transport, making it easily accessible for the tourists.

Venue: Kutch

Time: February-March

Modhera Dance Festival

Modhera dance festival is one of the major festivals organized in the state of Gujarat. It is primarily a dance festival and showcases the various traditional dance forms of the region. It is one of the main attractions for the art lovers. Traditional Gujarati dance and music performances presented here are nowhere else to be seen in India. Modhera is located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat. The Sun Temple here serves as the venue for this extravaganza, held every year in the month of January.

The temple was built during the reign of the Solanki king Bhimdev I. It was built to commemorate the majesty of the Sun God. The site of the Modhera dance festival is just mesmerizing, with the Sun Temple as its backdrop. This three day festival is organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, to promote the performing arts of Gujarat, especially classical dance and music. Special classical dance and Gujarati folk dance performances mark the occasion. These performances take place within the premises of the temple.

It is a sure delight to witness the celebration that reminds one of the glorious past of the place. The walls of the Sun Temple hold beautiful figurines of Lord Surya, the Sun God. At the time of the festival, the temple is lit with the help of flood lights, further attracting attention to the intricate carvings and minutely detailed figurines chiseled on the temple exteriors. The most fascinating feature of the temple is that its construction is such that sun rays illuminate the main deity in the innermost chamber of the shrine, through the main doors.

Venue: Sun Temple, Modhera

Time: January

Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra is a huge festival celebrated in Gujarat. Rath means chariot and Yatra means journey. As the name suggests, during the festival, huge wooden floats are prepared and the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balaram and Goddess Subhadra are placed in them. There is a stirring tale behind the commencement of the festival. According to Bhagvat Purana (Hindu scripture), Lord Krishna's maternal uncle Kansa sent Akrur to bring the Lord and his elder brother Balram, to Mathura from Gokul. When all of them were ready to leave for Mathura, the Gopis and Gopals blocked the way of their chariot.

On being consoled by the Lord, they bid him a weepy and painful farewell. Since that day, the Festival of Rath Yatra is celebrated in the memory of the overwhelming separation. It is observed in various cities of Gujarat with great pomp and zeal. However, the Rath Yatra at the Ahmedabad city of India is the biggest. Magnificent floats are built, in which the idols are placed with great devotion. These chariots are taken around the city in a huge procession and the floats are decorated with garlands. The chariots follow the music bands and Bhajan Mandlis, which sing devotional songs in the praise of the Lord.

Decorated elephants, gymnasts and acrobats performing astonishing acts are a feast for the eyes. They are accompanied by numerous Vaishnavite sages, headed by the Mahant of Jagannath Temple. When the procession moves through the narrow streets of the city, people sprinkle rice and gulal on the idols to pay their homage. The devotees participating in the Yatra are given prasadam, in the form of raw sprouted moong beans. Quite a number of times, the floats are hand pulled by the devotees, crying out loud the name of the Lord. The Rath Yatra is a festival immersed with devotional sentiments for the Lord.

Dangs Darbar

Dangs Darbar is an annual festival celebrated in the Dangs district, located in the Saputara Hills of India. The district is inhabited by the tribal people, who have lived in the region's woods and highlands since times memorial. This makes Dangs Darbar, essentially a tribal festival of Gujarat. The exact venue of Dangs Darbar is Ahwa, a small town in Dangs. The festival is celebrated just a few days before the festival of Holi. During the British era, a darbar (assembly) of the kings and the emperors of neighboring areas was organized here at Ahwa.

With time, this darbar changed its nature as well as name. Today, it is called the Jamabandi Darbar and the District Collector presides over it. The tribal natives constitute nearly three-fourth of the population. As a result, the festival has become significant and is celebrated with great zeal. Thousands of tribal people from across the district move to Ahwa for the celebrations. Some of them even carry shehnai and drums, which they play on their way to the town. All of them are dressed in bright colorful clothes.

Men usually wear a loincloth, a waistcoat and a colorful turban around the head. Women wear sari and a blouse. They team it with numerous silver ornaments of which they are very fond. Dang Darbar also provides a great opportunity for the local merchants to mint money. Merchants from as far away as Nasik, Surat and West Khandesh visit the place in aspiration of good business. The education department of the region organizes folk dances, Ras and Garba programs, songs and dramas for the entertainment of the visitors.

Gujarat Festivals

Gujarat is known as the land of festivals. It is popular through out India as well as the world for its spirit of festivity. Apart from the festival celebrated in the entire nation, there are a host of other festivals uniquely associated with the state. These traditional festivals have been celebrated in the region since time immemorial. People observe these festivals strictly as they still adhere to their age old customs and traditions. They are proud of their rich heritage and it is visible from the manner they celebrate. One of the major festivals celebrated here is Navratri.

Dangs Darbar
Dangs Darbar is an annual festival celebrated in the Dangs district, located in the Saputara Hills of India. The district is inhabited by the tribal people, who have lived in the region's woods and highlands since times memorial. This makes Dangs Darbar, essentially a tribal festival of Gujarat.

Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra is a huge festival celebrated in Gujarat. Rath means chariot and Yatra means journey. As the name suggests, during the festival, huge wooden floats are prepared and the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balaram and Goddess Subhadra are placed in them.

Modhera Dance Festival
Modhera dance festival is one of the major festivals organized in the state of Gujarat. It is primarily a dance festival and showcases the various traditional dance forms of the region.

Kutch Mahotsav
Kutch Mahotsav serves as the guided tour of the Kutch region of Gujarat. It is organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat and lasts for six day. This tour takes you around the venerated places in Kutch.

Bhadra Purnima
Bhadra Purnima is one of the biggest festivals of Gujarat, popularly known as the Ambaji Bhadra Purnima. This is because the festival is celebrated at Ambaji, a village which derives its name from the shrine located here. The village is situated at the foothills of Mount Aravalli.

Navratri
Navratri is the prime festival of Gujarat. The state is known for its lavish celebrations and fortitude, during the festival. It is celebrated not only in Gujarat but in other parts of the country as well. Huge arrangements are done for Navratri. Even the state government makes arrangements for the people to enjoy the occasion completely. The mammoth celebrations are a part of the nine day festival before Dussehra. It is celebrated to worship the nine manifestations of Mother Goddess. During the nine days, people observe fasts and visit temples to pray to the Goddess.

In the night, the festive mood completely sweeps off everybody. The young and old celebrate the festival alike. The main attraction of the festival is Dandia Ras and Garba. These are the traditional dance forms of the region. People dance to the tunes of drum beats and folk songs in merriment. The Dandia Ras is performed in groups by huge crowds, at open grounds. The clashing sound of the Dandia sticks is music to ears. The festival is a true blend of devotion, dance and drum beats. The dance continues all the night long with great zeal.