When bearded men take to the dhol, and women dressed in traditional garba attire dance to garba tunes like nobody is watching, that’s when you know it’s the festive season in Gujarat. Celebration of most renowned festivals in Gujarat will make you sway while showcasing the state’s ancient customs and vibrant culture. From dahi handi breaking competitions to adorning the livestock, every festival in Gujarat has something unique about it.
Calendar For Renowned Festival Of Gujarat 2022
| Month | Festival | Date (2022) |
| January | International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) | 14th January |
| January | Modhera Dance Festival | 19th – 21 January |
| March | Bhavnath Mahadev Fair | 11th March |
| November | Rann Utsav | 1 November – 20 February 2022 |
| March | Kavant Fair | 21st March |
| March/April | Chitra Vichitra Mela | NA |
| August | Madhavrai Fair | 30th August – 1st September 2022 |
| July | Rath Yatra | 1st July |
| August | Janmashtami | 18 August – 19 August |
| September | Bhadrapurnima Fair | 10th September |
| August | Tarnetar Fair | 29th – 31 August |
| September | Ravechi Fair | September |
| September | Navratri | 26th September – 4th October |
| October | Beach Festival | 31st November – 15th October |
| November | Vautha Mela | 4th – 8th November |
| November | Shamlaji Melo | November |
| December/January | Paragliding Festival | December/January |
17 Popular Festivals In Gujarat
If you’re planning a vacation here, you must time it cleverly and attend these Gujarat festivals 2022. Because the way Gujaratis celebrate life leaves you energized and breathless at the same time!
1. International Kite Festival (Uttarayan)
As vibrant kites ascend to the sky, celebrations on the ground reach their pinnacle. The excitement of the International Kite Festival in Gujarat encompasses every corner of the state – from winding and narrow lanes to the heavens above.
This is one of the primary festivals in Gujarat that signifies the start of the harvest season and is observed with immense enthusiasm and fervor. Individuals stock their homes with kites and spinning tops days prior to the festival. And not only Gujaratis or Indians, but people travel from distant places like Canada and USA to partake in the merriment of one of the most vivid festivals in Gujarat.
Where: The main event is celebrated in Ahmedabad, but due to it being the harvest festival of Gujarat, it is observed all across the state.
What to anticipate: Kite-flying competition among locals and even participants from other nations, a plethora of colorful kites in various shapes and sizes (illuminated kites, sport kites, hand-painted kites, 500 kites in a string), delectable Gujarati culinary delights such as Undhiyu.
When is the International Kite Festival Celebrated: The event takes place on 14th January every year (Makar Sankranti).
Kite Festival in Gujarat 2022 dates: 14th January.
2. Modhera Dance Festival
Also recognized as Uttarardh Mahotsavis, this three-day festival is an excellent opportunity to witness the essence of classical Indian dance and music. With the elegant backdrop of the Sun Temple in Modhera, you are transported to the era of the Solanki dynasty.
The Modhera Dance Festival is organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat. The temple is a marvel of architectural brilliance and enhances the overall magnificence of one of the most renowned Gujarat festivals in 2022.
Where: Modhera Sun Temple.
What to expect: Performances of classical dance and music by professionals, insights into the history of the vicinity, and a delightful ambiance adorned with vibrant lights.
When is the Modhera Dance Festival Celebrated: Third week of January every year.
Modhera Dance Festival 2022 dates: 19th – 21st January.
3. Bhavnath Mahadev Fair
Bhavnath Mahadev Fair is a five-day event dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is believed he himself visits the place during this period. The sages riding on elephants blow conch shells and lead processions, signifying the start of this fair. Dance, music, prayers, and offerings are performed during this exhilarating festival. People before coming to the shrine do circumambulation around the Girnar Hill.
Where: Bhavnath temple, Junagadh
What to anticipate: Processions, prayers, dance, music, martial arts, stalls selling idols, sweets, and rosaries
When is Bhavnath Mahadev Fair celebrated: The fair is organized in February or March, during Maha Shivratri
Bhavnath Mahadev Fair 2022 dates: 11th March
Suggested Read: 51 Unparalleled Places To Visit In Gujarat For A Memorable Journey In 2022
4. Rann Utsav
This is among the primary festivals in Gujarat. Harmonious strums of ravanahatha, Gujarati men with legendary mustaches and pagris, and the glistening white sand – the desert of Rann adorns a celebratory appearance right when autumn is at its pinnacle.
Gujarat’s captivating heritage takes the spotlight at the Kutch festival of Gujarat. It is that much-awaited time of the year when individuals, irrespective of their place of residence, arrive for an extravagant experience of the primary festival of Gujarat.
Where: The Rann of Kutch
What to expect: Cultural performances, finest of Gujarati handicraft & handloom, a stay in the tent city, local sightseeing tours, safari in Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, and bird watching
When is Rann Utsav celebrated: The festival takes place between November and February each year
Rann Utsav 2022 dates: 1 November – 20 February 2022
5. Kavant Fair
Kavan Fair is a harvest celebration in Gujarat that is primarily celebrated in the tribal regions. It showcases various traditional art forms of Gujarat, including music and dance. An impressive highlight of this entire celebration is that the performers adorn their bodies with different vibrant hues and patterns. The colors are made of rice and ash.
Where: Tribal regions of Gujarat
What to expect: Human pyramid games
When is Kavant Fair celebrated: After the Holi eve
Kavant Fair 2022 dates: 13th March
6. Chitra Vichitra Mela
Chitra Vichitra Mela is a tribal fair that occurs on the eve of the new moon. During the festivities of this festival, local women gather by the river and spend the entire night mourning for their deceased relatives. People wear traditional garments on this day, along with a saffron-colored turban. Folk songs are sung in groups throughout the celebrations.
Where: Sabarkantha District
What to expect: Colorful fair, drum beats
When is Chitra Vichitra Mela celebrated: Eve of new moon
Chitra Vichitra Mela 2022 dates: NA
7. Madhavrai Fair
Madhavrai Fair takes place in the small village of Madhavpur. Situated on the shores of Porbandar, it is a significant location in Gujarat. The Madhavrai Fair is held to celebrate the wedding of Lord Krishna and Devi Rukmini. It occurs in the Chaitra month of the Hindu Calendar, which falls in March or April. Due to its importance among the locals, it is one of Gujarat’s most revered festivals.
Where: Madhavpur Village
What to expect: A grand cultural fair
When is Madhavrai Fair celebrated: March/April, every year
Madhavrai Fair 2022 dates: March/April
8. Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a highly anticipated festival in Gujarat and other parts of India, and it primarily takes place in four locations, including Jagannath in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The main highlight of this sacred annual celebration is the procession led by a beautifully decorated chariot.
The procession begins before the Pahind Vidhi, which involves cleaning the chariot’s route, performed by the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The chariot and the procession then travel through various parts of the city.
Where: Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad
What to expect: A traditional and cultural extravaganza featuring an exciting parade and prayers
When is Rath Yatra Celebrated: The festival is celebrated in the month of June or July every year
Rath Yatra 2022 dates: 1st July
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9. Janmashtami
Another eagerly anticipated festival celebrated in Gujarat, Janmashtami is the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birthday with unparalleled zeal and devotion in Dwarka, Gujarat. People commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight by placing an idol in a cradle and worshiping him. A thread is gently pulled to make the cradle swing.
Lord Krishna is offered his favorite makkhan (butter) and mishri (rock sugar). Dahi handi breaking is also an exhilarating activity that forms a part of the celebration.
Where: Dwarka, along with many places in the state
What to expect: Dahi handi breaking, midnight birth of Krishna, music and dance, chanting of Krishna mantras, and prayers
When is Janmashtami celebrated: Janmashtami is celebrated in the month of August
Janmashtami 2022 dates: 18 August – 19 August
10. Bhadrapurnima Fair
Bhadrapurnima Fair is one of the grandest festivals in Gujarat, spanning three days and dedicated to Goddess Ambaji in the Ambaji Temple. Since there is no idol in this temple, the deity is represented by a triangular object called Vishwa Yantra.
During the fair, individuals assemble to venerate the goddess and read Saptshati (seven hundred prayer verses) together. As the evening arrives, everyone enjoys themselves by performing garba and Bhavai (folk dance).
Where: Ambaji Temple, Banaskantha (Gujarat)
What to anticipate: Offering, prayers, stalls selling trinkets and souvenirs, folk dance and music performances
When is Bhadra Purnima Fair celebrated: This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of August or September
Suggested Read: 14 Airports In Gujarat That Make Traveling To This Indian State A Cakewalk
11. Tarnetar Fair
Tarnetar Fair is a 3-day long festive fair hosted in the Village of Tarnetar. The celebrations are inspired by the grand swayamvar of Draupadi, one of the most significant female characters from Sanskrit epic, Mahabharata. The fair is like a massive wedding feast for locals, and is attended by more than 1 lakh people from across India.
Where: Tarnetar VillageWhat to anticipate: Over 300 stallsWhen is Tarnetar Fair celebrated: End of August to early SeptemberTarnetar Fair 2022 dates: 29th – 31 August
12. Ravechi Fair
Ravechi Mela is an annual fair held in the white desert of Kutch in Gujarat. During this festival, a large number of Hindu pilgrims gather in this region. This popular traditional festival involves singing of folk songs and performances of traditional dance forms. Showcasing the local lifestyle of Gujarat, various art workshops and exhibitions are held.
Where: KutchWhat to anticipate: Folk dances and song performancesWhen is Ravechi Fair celebrated: SeptemberRavechi Fair 2022 dates: August/September
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13. Navratri
Among all the festivals of Gujarat, Navratri is one of the most well-liked. We can’t deny that when we think of the festival in Gujarat, Dandiya, Garba, and Falguni Pathak come to mind! This is one of the liveliest festivals in Gujarat and other parts of India. During this 10-day festivity, locals participate in Durga pooja and enjoy music, Garba, and dandiya.
Where: Navratri is a traditional celebration of Gujarat. You will witness the festivities in every corner of the state.
What to expect: An exuberant celebration that showcases the vibrant culture of Gujarat through melodic music and dance. This is your opportunity to dress in traditional Gujarati attire. Are you ready to don that typical Ghagro na choli?
When is Navratri celebrated: This festival takes place in the month of October every year.
Navratri 2022 dates: 26th September – 4th October
14. Beach Festival
: Piyush for Wikimedia Commons
One of the primary festivals in Gujarat is the Beach Festival held at the famous Tithal Beach. During this festival, the entire beach area is adorned with lights and various shows are organized. From music events to magic shows and dance performances, there is plenty to discover during this festival. Additionally, you can also engage in activities like volleyball, beach cricket, and water ball. Attending this festival might fill your heart with joy.
Where: Tithal and Mandvi BeachWhat to expect: Dance performances, events, music, food, activitiesWhen is the Beach Festival celebrated: October-NovemberBeach Festival 2022 dates: 31st November – 15th October
15. Shamlaji Melo
Shamlaji Melo, or Kartik Purnima Fair, takes place within the premises of the exquisitely crafted Shamlaji Temple and lasts for three weeks. This is the time when large groups of devotees arrive on foot or camel carts, sing hymns for the deity, and bathe in Meshwo River beside the temple.
The fair, in addition to being an enjoyable place, also happens to be a revered place for trading silverware, fabric, and adornments.
Where: Shamlaji Temple
What to anticipate: A gathering of enthusiasts, a cultural and traditional experience, and a nice collection of adornments in local stalls
When is Shamlaji Melo celebrated: The fair is organized around November, with Kartik Purnima being the most significant day
Shamlaji Melo 2022 dates: November
16. Vautha Mela
Vautha Mela is an exciting animal trade festival of Gujarat. Strange as it may sound, but this is where you’ll observe many camels and donkeys adorned with ornaments and paints. This isn’t just a fair, people even consider this event more sacred than Diwali, as the location happens to be where seven holy rivers converge.
Many families leave their homes for a few days to live in tents near the fair venue. Every day, a different sweet dish is made; khichu is particularly popular. The river is illuminated by floating diyas in the evening, and one can enjoy shopping in local stalls throughout the mela.
Where: Vautha, Gujarat
What to anticipate: Beautifully embellished animals, stalls selling everything from handicrafts to machinery, Hindu traditions being performed on riverbank, tents, and delicious local cuisines
When is Vautha Mela celebrated: This five-day festival falls on the full moon night of Kartik month of Hindu calendar (November)
Vautha Mela 2022 dates: 4th – 8th November
Suggested Read: 52 Intriguing Tourist Places In Ahmedabad For Your Gujarat Getaway In 2022
17. Paragliding Festival
: AnnaER for Pixabay
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
Gujarat has something adventurous up their sleeve for people looking for an adrenaline rush! Between the months of December and January, Paragliding Festival is hosted for 26 days which is hosted by Gujarat tourism and other private organizations. The idea was put forward to make Satpura appear in the limelight as a paragliding destination. Apart from this activity, one can also opt for bike riding, zorbing, go-karting, and parasailing. Anyone can take part in this festival as training sessions are held for everyone which is why it is one of the major festivals of Gujarat.
Where: SatpuraWhat to expect: Paragliding, parasailing, bike riding, zorbingWhen is Paragliding Festival celebrated: December-JanuaryParagliding Festival 2021-22 dates: December-January
Regardless of which Gujarat festival 2022 you choose to attend, you can immerse yourself in the Gujju vibes as this state has beautifully managed to hold on to its past while keeping up with the modern world. Hope this list of festivals in Gujarat proved helpful to you! Keep this list handy when planning your 2022 vacation in Gujarat.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Festivals In Gujarat
Which festival is most important and renowned in Gujarat?
Navratri Festival and Kutch Festival are the two most famous festivals in Gujarat.
How many fairs are there in Gujarat?
There are multiple fairs celebrated throughout Gujarat. Some of the most popular fairs in the state include Kartik Purnima Fair, Bhavnath Mahadev Fair, Bhavnath Mahadev Fair, Bhadra Purnima Fair, and many more.
What is the popular attire of Gujarat?
Kediyu or kurta above dhoti or chorna are the most popular attires in Gujarat.
What is the famous dance of Gujarat?
Garba is the traditional dance of Gujarat and it is the most renowned one.
What is the famous cuisine of Gujarat?
Gujarati cuisine is popular worldwide, and you must try dishes like Khandvi, Gujarati Samosa, and Dhokla.
Why is Dhokla famous in Gujarat?
Dhokla is famous in Gujarat as a snack and breakfast item because it is delicious and easy to prepare.
What is the culture of Gujarat?
The culture and traditions of Gujarat are influenced by Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, and Buddhism.
What is the traditional music of Gujarat?
Classical music and Folk music are famous in Gujarat.
What are the major tourist attractions of Gujarat?
The major tourist attractions of Gujarat are Ahmedabad’s old city, Sun temple in Modhera, Kutch region, Dwarka, Somnath, Gir National Park, Junagadh, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Shatrunjaya Hill temple in palatine, Saputara, and Marine National Park.
Is Gujarat a safe state for tourists?
Gujarat is considered a safe and prosperous state in India, and you can travel anywhere in the state at night. Gujarat is also considered a safe city for women, but taking precautions in a new place is always advisable.
