Gujarat, the land of vibrant traditions, is famous for its spectacular celebrations that reflect a perfect blend of devotion, art, music, and cultural pride. The festivals in Gujarat are not only religious but also deeply rooted in community bonding and heritage preservation. Whether it’s the colourful kites of Uttarayan, the soulful Garba of Navratri in Gujarat, or the desert charm of the Rann Utsav, every event here narrates a cultural story.
If you’re planning to explore India’s west, timing your trip with the top festivals of Gujarat ensures a memorable cultural experience. Many travelers even prefer booking customized India trip packages that include these iconic Gujarat festivals, making the journey both convenient and unforgettable.
Introduction To Festivals in Gujarat
Gujarat is a land of festivals, where every season brings a reason to celebrate. The festivals in Gujarat are not just religious observances but also cultural extravaganzas that showcase the state’s diverse traditions.
Whether you’re interested in spirituality, dance, music, or culinary delights, the festivals in Gujarat offer something for everyone. Attending and celebrating either of the festivals is amongst the best things to do in Gujarat.
1. Navratri: The Most Popular Festival In Gujarat
When we talk about the main festivals in Gujarat, Navratri tops the list. This nine-day festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and is famous for its nightly Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. It’s considered one of the best festivals in Gujarat to experience the state’s cultural richness.
- Venue: Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, and almost every city and village across Gujarat
- Time: September–October (dates vary by Hindu lunar calendar). Events start after sunset and continue till midnight
- Entry Fee: Local events are often free. Popular Garba venues in big cities may charge ₹300–₹1500 per entry
- Highlights: Traditional Garba & Dandiya Raas dances, colourful attire with chaniya cholis and kediyus, devotional aartis and cultural programs
2. Rann Utsav: A Celebration in the White Desert
The Rann Utsav is one of the most cultural festivals in Gujarat that takes place in the vast salt desert of the Great Rann of Kutch. This festival runs from November to February, offering visitors a chance to witness the beauty of the white desert under the full moon.
The Rann Utsav is one of the most famous festivals in Gujarat, featuring traditional music, dance performances, and a showcase of local crafts. The Rann Utsav festival is known globally as one of the top festivals of Gujarat.
- Venue: Dhordo village, Kutch district, near the Great Rann of Kutch
- Time: November to February, best during full moon night
- Entry Fee: Basic entry ₹100; tent packages ₹5000–₹8000 per person per night
- Highlights: White desert under moonlight, folk dances, music, and handicrafts, Camel rides and luxury tent stays
3. International Kite Festival (Uttarayan)
The International Kite Festival, known locally as Uttarayan and globally as the Kite Festival Gujarat, is celebrated on January 14th every year. It marks the transition of the sun into the northern hemisphere and is one of the most popular festivals in Gujarat.
The skies of Gujarat, especially in Ahmedabad, are filled with colourful kites, and the festival also includes kite-flying competitions. This is truly one of the most unique festivals celebrated in Gujarat.
- Venue: Ahmedabad (Sabarmati Riverfront is the main hub), celebrated across Gujarat
- Time: January 14th every year
- Entry Fee: Free; designer kites range from ₹50–₹1000
- Highlights: International kite flying competitions, night kite flying with illuminated kites, traditional food like undhiyu and jalebi
4. Modhera Dance Festival: A Tribute to Classical Dance
The Modhera Dance Festival is held in the Sun Temple of Modhera in January. This festival celebrates classical dance forms and is one of the best festivals in Gujarat for art and dance enthusiasts. The festival showcases performances by renowned artists from across India, set against the backdrop of the beautifully illuminated Sun Temple. It is one of the best cultural festivals in Gujarat, celebrating India’s timeless heritage of music and dance.
- Venue: Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat
- Time: Held in January, usually for 3 days
- Entry Fee: Free for visitors
- Highlights: Classical dance performances, temple beautifully illuminated at night, and artists from across India perform
5. Makar Sankranti: Harvest Festival of Gujarat
Makar Sankranti is another significant festival in Gujarat, celebrated with great zeal. It is associated with the harvest season and is marked by kite flying, feasting, and bonfires. The festival is also known as Uttarayan, and it is one of the most famous festivals in Gujarat that draws visitors from all over the world. This makes it not only a harvest festival but also one of the main festivals in Gujarat.
- Venue: Statewide, with rooftop kite flying in every city
- Time: January 14th annually
- Entry Fee: No entry cost, expenses limited to kites and festive foods
- Highlights: Kite flying and rooftop parties, traditional meals with sweets, bonfires and family celebrations
6. Janmashtami: The Birth of Lord Krishna
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna and is observed with devotion and joy throughout Gujarat. The festival includes fasting, singing bhajans, and reenacting scenes from Krishna’s life. The festival is particularly vibrant in Dwarka and Vrindavan, especially among devotees of Lord Krishna. As a famous festival of Gujarat, Janmashtami attracts thousands of devotees annually.
- Venue: Mainly in Dwarka and Mathura-related temples across Gujarat
- Time: August–September (as per Hindu calendar)
- Entry Fee: Free entry to temples and events
- Highlights: Midnight aartis and bhajans, re-enactments of Krishna’s life, devotional decorations in temples
7. Diwali: The Festival of Lights
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated across India, but in Gujarat, it takes on a special significance. The festival marks the victory of light over darkness and is celebrated with fireworks, decorating homes with lamps, and exchanging sweets. Among the top festivals of Gujarat, Diwali offers a spiritual and cultural experience at once.
- Venue: Statewide; Ahmedabad and Surat are particularly grand
- Time: October–November, lasting 5 days
- Entry Fee: Free; personal celebrations vary in cost
- Highlights: Diyas, rangolis, and fireworks, Gujarati New Year celebrations, sweets, gifts, and community feasts
The Tarnetar Fair is held in the village of Tarnetar in Saurashtra and is one of the most famous fairs and festivals in Gujarat. The fair is linked to the legendary swayamvar of Draupadi and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, traditional music, and dance. The fair also includes a matchmaking event for tribal communities, making it one of the cultural festivals in Gujarat offering rural charm and traditions.
- Venue: Tarnetar village, Surendranagar district
- Time: August–September (3 days)
- Entry Fee: Free for visitors
- Highlights: Tribal matchmaking fair, decorated umbrellas and folk dances, and rural cultural programs
9. Kite Festival in Ahmedabad
The Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, held during Uttarayan, is an event where the skies are filled with colourful kites of all shapes and sizes. This festival in Gujarat is a sight to behold, with participants from all over the world. The festival also includes kite-making workshops and competitions, making it one of the best fairs and festivals in Gujarat. No wonder it is one of the most lively festivals celebrated in Gujarat.
- Venue: Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Time: Annually on January 14 (Makar Sankranti)
- Entry Fee: Free entry for visitors
- Highlights: Colourful kites filling the sky, international participation, kite-making workshops, food stalls serving traditional Gujarati delicacies, and rooftop celebrations across the city
10. Bhavnath Fair: A Spiritual Gathering
The Bhavnath Fair takes place at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple in Junagadh during the festival of Mahashivratri. This fair is one of the most popular fairs and festivals in Gujarat, drawing thousands of devotees who come to take part in the religious rituals. The fair is also known for its colourful processions and traditional music performances. It is one of the main festivals in Gujarat for spiritual seekers.
- Venue: Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, Junagadh
- Time: During Mahashivratri (February–March)
- Entry Fee: Free entry
- Highlights: Religious rituals and processions, traditional folk music, and large gathering of Naga Sadhus
11. Vautha Fair: A Rural Festivity
The Vautha Fair is one of the largest animal fairs in Gujarat, held at the confluence of seven rivers in Vautha. This fair is part of the list of famous festivals in Gujarat and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, animal trading, and cultural performances.
The fair is also a significant event for the local rural communities, making it one of the best fairs and festivals in Gujarat. It is truly one of the famous festivals of Gujarat for those who want to explore the countryside.
- Venue: Vautha village, at the confluence of seven rivers
- Time: November (on Kartik Purnima)
- Entry Fee: Free entry; animal trade costs vary
- Highlights: Gujarat’s largest animal trading fair, rural festivities and folk dances, and ferries wheels, food stalls, and handicrafts
Conclusion: Celebrate the Spirit in Gujarat
The festivals in Gujarat bring alive the state’s heritage through dance, devotion, and diversity. From the energetic Navratri in Gujarat to the serene beauty of the Rann Utsav, every event here is a journey into tradition and community bonding. The International Kite Festival paints the skies, while fairs like Tarnetar and Vautha showcase rustic charm.
For travellers, these aren’t just events, they’re windows into the culture and soul of Gujarat. Plan your trip around the top festivals of Gujarat with WanderOn and you’ll witness unforgettable celebrations filled with colour, spirituality, and joy.
