Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], November 14 (ANI): The iconic Kutch Rann Utsav has officially begun, and as always, it promises to be a spectacular display of Gujarat's rich culture, arts, and hospitality.

The annual festival, which draws lakhs of visitors from around the world, will run until February 28, 2025.

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This year's celebration brings an exciting blend of art, culture, adventure, and sustainability, further cementing its status as one of India's premier cultural festivals.

Over the last two decades, Gujarat's tourism sector has flourished, with the Kutch Rann Utsav playing a pivotal role in its rise.

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The White Rann of Kutch, once devastated by natural disasters such as the 2001 earthquake, is now a thriving destination, largely thanks to the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi.

As Gujarat's Chief Minister at the time, Modi championed the revival of Kutch, and in 2005, the Rann Utsav was born.

The festival was conceived as a way to showcase the resilient spirit of the region and promote its unique culture and handicrafts to a global audience.

Originally a three-day event in the Dhordo region, the festival has now evolved into the world's longest desert celebration.

Running for four months each year, the Rann Utsav has become an unmissable cultural gathering, drawing millions of visitors to the White Desert.

The 2024-25 edition of the Rann Utsav places a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism.

Organizers have introduced several eco-friendly initiatives, such as reducing plastic usage, promoting bicycle rides for desert exploration, and ensuring waste segregation and disposal systems within the Tent City.

Additionally, visitors will be able to explore other attractions in the Kutch region, making the festival a gateway to a broader understanding of the area's diverse tourism offerings.

As part of the sustainability efforts, the Tent City will continue to offer a blend of luxury and environmental consciousness.

With around 400 tents equipped with 3-star amenities, visitors will be able to enjoy both comfort and nature's raw beauty. The resort-style accommodations provide an ideal base for exploring the surrounding desert and its culture.

One of the major draws of the Rann Utsav is its immersive cultural experience. The Tent City is a hub for local artisans, where visitors can purchase unique handicrafts, watch live demonstrations, and engage in cultural shows.

In addition, the festival features over 20 adventure activities, including paramotoring, ATV rides, and camel rides across the vast desert landscape.

This year, an exciting new Adventure Zone will offer an even wider variety of activities for thrill-seekers.

For families and younger visitors, a dedicated Children's Activity Zone has been created. The zone features a Fun/Knowledge Park, which includes interactive educational games and a VR gaming experience.

The Rann Utsav also boasts a newly inaugurated Light and Sound Show, which was launched in December 2023.

Set atop the watchtower, this captivating show highlights the historical and cultural significance of the region while offering a visually stunning experience against the backdrop of the desert.

Beyond the tourism and cultural offerings, the Rann Utsav has a significant economic impact on the region, particularly for local artisans.

The festival has become a vital marketplace for Kutch's handicrafts, with artisans specializing in traditional crafts such as Rogan art, Bandhani, Meenakari, and Zardosi.

These crafts have gained international recognition through the festival, helping to support local communities and preserve traditional skills.

In the 2023-24 season, craft stall owners earned Rs 6.65 crore from sales during the festival, while food stall vendors generated around Rs 1.36 crore in revenue.

The festival has thus become a critical driver of income for thousands of families in the region. Additionally, the Tent City has become an important venue for these artisans, with many stalls offering live demonstrations of their craftsmanship, giving visitors a firsthand look at their art.

The Rann Utsav's impact extends far beyond local and national tourism. In 2023-24, the festival attracted 7.42 lakh visitors, including 852 international tourists.

The annual event has put Kutch on the global tourism map, with its unique desert landscape, vibrant culture, and rich history attracting attention from around the world.

This year's theme, 'Rann Ke Rang' (Colors of the Desert), celebrates the stunning transformation of the White Rann, where the desert's stark white salt plains are complemented by the vibrant colours of local culture, crafts, and festivities.

The festival is also in line with the UN World Tourism Organization's recognition of Dhordo village as one of the "Best Tourism Villages," reflecting its success in sustainable development and cultural preservation.

Looking forward, the Rann Utsav is poised for even greater growth. The tourism infrastructure in Kutch is constantly being developed, with new resorts and attractions being added to enhance the visitor experience.

This year, a new 44-room resort in Dholavira was developed through a public-private partnership model, further expanding accommodation options for travellers.

The economic benefits of the festival are clear, with local businesses thriving due to the influx of tourists. The Rann Utsav has not only boosted the region's tourism industry but also created significant opportunities for artisans, entrepreneurs, and service providers.

Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the Kutch Rann Utsav has transformed from a small, local celebration into a world-renowned event, shining a spotlight on Gujarat's rich cultural heritage while driving economic growth and sustainable tourism.

As the 2024-25 edition of the festival unfolds, tourists from across India and around the world will continue to flock to the White Rann, eager to witness the magic of the desert and immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of Kutch.

Whether for the spectacular adventure activities, the mesmerizing cultural performances, or the chance to support local artisans, the Rann Utsav remains a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable cultural experience. (ANI)

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