The Kutch Mahotsav (February–March):
The ‘
Kutch Festival’ or the ‘
Rann festival’ is celebrated at the time of the Shiv Ratri in February/ March. The centre of the festival is Bhuj in Kutch. It has crafts, fairs and folk dances and music and cultural shows, all organized by the Gujarat Tourism. Tours are also conducted out to the ruins of Dhola Vera, a city that was once a part of the Indus Valley civilization.
Holi – Festival of Colour (March - April):
Holi is a festival of colour. With age being no bar, the young and old alike take to sprinkling coloured water and Guial (coloured powder) on one another. Bonfires are lit in the main squares of the villages, localities and colonies, Men, women and children collect at the time of the bonfire and sing and dance. The bonfire is the symbolic repetition of the victory of good over evil.
Rathyatra (June-July):
The Rathayatra festival in Gujarat is held during the Asadh month of the lunar calendar. Besides celebrating the journey of Lord Krishna, the Rathayatra also celebrates the day on which the Rig Veda, the oldest of the Vedas, was revealed. Early in July, Hindus celebrate the
Rathayatra festival. Rathayatra is derived from two words 'ratha' meaning chariot and 'yatra' implying 'journey'; therefore, as the name suggests, Rathayatra is the journey or procession of Lord Krishna in his 'Ratha'.
Rakshabandhan (July–August):
The festival of Rakhi has taken a broader significance worldwide as it spreads harmony and bring together the family members under one roof. Rakhi stands for the love between brothers and sisters, the bond of love that they have shared since their childhood. This festival holds immense significance in India. The custom of celebrating raksha bandhan started in ancestral period and even today people consider it must to express their affection in traditional manner. Rakhi has strengthen the bond of love between brothers and sisters.
Janmashtami Festival (August-September):
Gokulashtami or
Janamashtami is a special and very joyous occasion. All the major temples, including Dwarka and Dakor, specially dedicated to Lord Krishna are colourfully decorated on this day. Bhajans and Kirtans in these temples are the highlights of the day long celebrations. At the stroke of midnight, when Lord Krishna was born, the chants hailing Lord Krishna rend the air and the devotees go ecstatic. There are also live enactments of the scenes from his childhood specially.
The Ras, introduced by Lord Krishna himself in, Gujarat, is performed in temple and homes. Men and Women both participate in this rhythmic and colourful folk dance.
Tarnetar Fair (August / September):
Tarnetar is a small village about 75 kilometers from Rajkot in Saurashtra. Here, one of the most colourful fairs in the State takes place. Elegantly dressed in colourful dhot s, waistcoat and head cloth twisted at an angle on their heads, they hold large colourful embroidered umbrellas which indeed have become emblems of the fair.
Tarnetar is one of the most important matchmaking melas. An ancient Shiva temple is stood on the site. The present temple was built on the banks of a rivulet and has a kund or reservoir in the traditional manner. It is usually attended by at least 50,000 people. The participants are tribal people belonging to various groups, such as the koli, Bharwad, Rabari, Kanbi, Kathi, Charan, and other Castes. The folk music and folk dances are the principal attractions of the fair. Tribal folk dressed in their most colourful embroidered garments and dashing headgear, give themselves up to merrymaking.The fair is held for three days in September.
Ravechi Fair (August / September):
Ravechi Mata Temple is located near Nana Reva in Rapar Taluka of Kutch. A grand fair is held on Bhadra Sud Atham of Hindu Calender. More then 30 thousand people participate in
Ravechi Fair, mainly Ahir, Rabari & Charan communities. Special buses are made available during the fair.
Bhadra Purnima (September/October):
The full moon of Bhadrapad is one of the four most important festival days of the year when farmers and agriculturists come to Ambaji, a place that derives its name from Goddess
Ambaji, whose shrine is located there. On this occasion, a large fair is organized on full moon days. In the evening, performances of Bhavai, the folk drama of the state, is held and Garba programmes are organized. The devout attend readings of the Saptashati, the seven hundred verses in praise of the goddess, and visit the temple for a darshan (worship) of her. The Ambaji shrine is the principal shrine of the goddess in Gujarat, and its origins are still unknown. The
Temple of Ambaji is recognized as one of the original Shakti Pithas (religious texts) where, according to the ancient Scriptures, the heart of the goddess Ambaji fell to earth when her body was dismembered. A triangular Vishwa Yantra, inscribed with figures and the syllable 'Shree' in the centre, represents the deity. There is no idol, which testifies the temple's antiquity. Idol worship became popular much later.
Navratri / Navratra ( October – November):
Gujarat’s
Navratri Festival, is “a circle of ecstasy” that throbs non-stop for nine nights with millions of fantastically costumed devotees swaying in a fusion of dance and devotion. Although this festival is celebrated throughout India, nowhere is it performed with more panache and fervor than in Gujarat.
The significance of Navratri is offering devotion to Goddess Amba (Durga), who is believed to exist in many forms. These Goddesses are believed to be known as "Shakti" as the tales narrate their power over killing of demons. Parvati, the wife of Shiva is said to have taken different forms of goddesses. Devotees perform the 'devi-sthaapna' in their homes wherein they invite the Goddess and perform 'pooja-path' for nine days with fasting.
The festival is enjoyed by all communities, all age groups and in all cities in Gujarat. People all over the world come to Gujarat especially to enjoy this traditional and religious festival.
Deepavali – The Festival of Lights:
"Deepavali" is a Sanskrit word - Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. It symbolises that age-old culture of India which teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights even to-day in this modern world, projects the rich and glorious past and teaches us to uphold the true values of life.
In Gujarat,
Deepavali is celebrated for five days. Every home - lowly or mightly - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich - is a lit with the orange glow of twinkling diyas-small earthen lamps - to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Floral decorations, fireworks and
rangoli add grandeur to this festival which heralds joy, mirth and happiness in the ensuring year.
Vautha Fair:
Vautha is some 60 kilometers from Ahmedabad where a fair is held at the Sangam Tirth which is the conf luence of seven rivers. This is one of the biggest fairs in the State. A magnificent fair is held every year at Vautha, where two rivers, the Sabarmati and the Vatrak, meet. The
Vautha Mela site is 3 square miles in area. In the now temporary township at the fair site, visitors have a choice or several pastimes to indulge in. This is the only major animal trading fair in Gujarat. About 4000 donkeys are brought every yearfor sale, usually by Vaniara traders.
Shamlaji Fair ( Kartik Purnima Fair):
The Shamlaji Melo, also called the Kartik Purnima fair is held in the month of November every year and lasts for about two weeks. The
Shamlaji Temple is a renowned Vaishnav Shrine and the deity housed here is known by various names included Gadadhar (bearer of the mace) and Shaksi Gopal. The temple is of great archaeological significance as it was built in the 11th century.
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