Gujarat is one of the most vibrant states in India. It is often called the land of celebrations. Every season brings colorful events, full of music, dance, food and joy. Many travelers say that everyday life in Gujarat feels like a festival. People from all communities come together to celebrate, no matter how big or small the event is. These amazing experiences show why the festivals of Gujarat are so popular.
In this guide, you will discover ten of the most famous and meaningful festivals of Gujarat. These celebrations are a great way to learn about Gujarat’s rich culture, traditional values and warm hospitality.
Navratri Gujarat
Navratri Gujarat is the most iconic festival of the state. The word Navratri means nine nights. It takes place in autumn and is celebrated for nine continuous nights. During this time, people perform Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are traditional folk dances.
Men wear traditional kediyas, which are short jackets, and women wear chaniya cholis with mirror work. People dance in large circles around a lamp or a statue of Goddess Durga. Music, colors, and joy fill the air.
All cities and villages light up with decorations. Food stalls sell local snacks like fafda, jalebi, khaman and more. Navratri Gujarat is a spiritual and cultural event where thousands gather to dance, sing and worship.
- When: Usually in September & October
- Where: Across Gujarat, especially in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Rajkot
- Main Attractions: Garba dance, Dandiya, devotional songs, colorful outfits, food stalls
Rann Utsav
Rann Utsav is one of the most beautiful cultural festivals in Gujarat. It is held in the winter months in the Great Rann of Kutch, a large white salt desert. During this festival, the empty desert becomes a lively space filled with tents, lights, music and local art.
You can stay in luxury tents and enjoy the peaceful white landscape. Rann Utsav features folk music, traditional dance, camel rides and cultural shows. On full moon nights, the white salt flats shine brightly under the moonlight.
Local artisans display their crafts like Bandhani fabrics, Kutchi embroidery, leather goods and silver jewelry. Food stalls serve spicy local dishes and sweets. The celebration lasts for about three months and attracts visitors from across the world.
- When: 23 October 2025 to 4 March 2026
- Where: Great Rann of Kutch, near Dhordo village
- Main Attractions: Folk music, dance shows, camel rides, local art, stargazing, salt desert beauty
If you want to experience something unique, Rann Utsav should be on your travel list. The JustWravel tour also includes a stay near the salt desert so you can enjoy this wonderful event.
Kite Festival Gujarat
The kite festival Gujarat celebrates the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. This festival welcomes the sun’s journey to the northern hemisphere. People celebrate it by flying colorful kites all day long. Rooftops become crowded with friends and families who cheer and compete to cut each other’s kites.
Shops sell special kite strings known as manja. The sky turns into a sea of fluttering kites of all shapes and sizes. At night, lanterns are released into the sky, adding to the beauty.
Traditional dishes like undhiyu (a mixed vegetable dish), chikki (sweet made with jaggery and nuts), and jalebi are prepared and shared. During the kite festival Gujarat, you can see how deeply connected Gujaratis are to tradition and joy. It is a celebration of nature, family and community.
- When: January 14 and 15
- Where: Across Gujarat, especially at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad
- Main Attractions: Kite flying, friendly kite battles, food stalls, lantern events, rooftop celebrations
Diwali
Diwali is the Festival of Lights and is celebrated all over India. In Gujarat, Diwali has a very special charm. People clean and decorate their homes with oil lamps called diyas, fresh flowers and colorful rangoli.
The festival marks the victory of light over darkness. Families perform Lakshmi Puja to pray for wealth and success. Firecrackers light up the sky, and sweets are shared with friends and neighbors.
Markets are busy with shoppers buying clothes, sweets, lamps and gifts. The air smells of incense and fresh sweets.
- When: October or November
- Where: All cities, towns and villages of Gujarat
- Main Attractions: Diya lamps, fireworks, rangoli, sweets like basundi and chakri
Diwali brings families together and fills homes with light and warmth. It is one of the most peaceful and joyful festivals of Gujarat.
Holi
Holi is a spring festival that celebrates colors, happiness and new beginnings. In Gujarat, Holi is enjoyed in a more peaceful way than in some other states. People throw dry colored powder called gulal and apply it to each other’s faces.
Songs, dance, and laughter fill the air. In the morning, families meet and celebrate with sweets like gujiya and the cool drink called thandai. Holi in Gujarat is full of happiness and togetherness. It is one of the heartwarming festivals of Gujarat that brings people closer.
- When: March, after the full moon
- Where: Throughout Gujarat
- Main Attractions: Colored powders, music, folk songs, sweets, and friendly gatherings
Tarnetar Fair
Tarnetar Fair is a famous tribal fair held in the village of Tarnetar. This fair has roots in an old story where Lord Krishna chose his bride. Today, it is known as a place where young people from tribal communities come looking for life partners.
Men and women wear beautiful clothes and heavy jewelry. They sing folk songs and perform tribal dances with drums and music. The fair also features a large market selling handmade crafts, ornaments and local food.
- When: August 26th to August 29th
- Where: Tarnetar village, Surendranagar district
- Main Attractions: Folk music, tribal dances, swayamvara tradition, art and crafts
Tarnetar is one of the most colorful and lively festivals of Gujarat, full of cultural history and human connection.
Ambaji Fair
The Ambaji Fair is held every year at the temple town of Ambaji. It is one of the largest religious festivals of Gujarat. Devotees come from all parts of the country to offer prayers to the goddess Amba.
The celebration takes place on a full moon day. Devotees dance Garba in large groups as a mark of devotion. Shops around the temple sell flowers, prasad, toys and sweets.
- When: Full moon in October
- Where: Ambaji village, Banaskantha district
- Main Attractions: Temple visits, large crowds of devotees, Garba dance, music and food stalls
The JustWravel Gujarat tour package includes Ambaji, so you can easily be part of this holy event.
Madhavpur Fair
Madhavpur Fair is held on the beautiful coastal town of Madhavpur. This fair celebrates the marriage of Lord Krishna and Rukmini. The unique part of this event is the mix of Gujarati and North Eastern Indian culture.
Artists from both regions perform music, dance, and traditional art. The beach becomes alive with large Garba groups, colorful dresses and tasty food stalls.
- When: Early April
- Where: Madhavpur Beach, Porbandar
- Main Attractions: Cultural performances, traditional art, food stalls, Garba by the beach
This is one of the most unique cultural festivals in Gujarat, showing unity in diversity with great joy and color.
Modhera Dance Festival
This special festival is held at the 11th-century Sun Temple in Modhera. Classical dancers from all over India come here to perform. The entire temple is decorated with oil lamps. Dancers perform on stage with the ancient temple as the backdrop.
You can see performances of Kathak, Odissi, Bharatnatyam and other dance forms.
- When: Mid-January
- Where: Modhera Sun Temple, Mehsana
- Main Attractions: Classical dance, temple lighting, cultural music
Modhera Dance Festival is a beautiful way to experience India’s classical arts in a historical setting. It is a must-see for art and culture lovers.
Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna. The city of Dwarka is the main center for celebration in Gujarat. People decorate temples and fast until midnight. At night, idols of baby Krishna are placed in swings and rituals are performed.
Traditional sweets like makhan mishri and panchajiri are offered as prasad. Some places also organize Dahi Handi, where people form human pyramids to break a hanging pot.
- When: August, on the eighth day of Shravan
- Where: Mainly in Dwarka and other Krishna temples
- Main Attractions: Midnight prayers, swings for Krishna, devotional songs and sweets
This festival shows Gujarat’s deep religious roots and love for Krishna.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most famous festivals of Gujarat?
Gujarat celebrates many vibrant festivals. The most famous ones include Navratri Gujarat, Rann Utsav, Kite Festival Gujarat (Uttarayan), Diwali, Holi, Tarnetar Fair, Ambaji Fair, Madhavpur Fair, Modhera Dance Festival, and Krishna Janmashtami.
When is Navratri Gujarat celebrated and what makes it special?
Navratri Gujarat is celebrated in September or October for nine nights. People dance Garba and Dandiya in traditional clothes, worship Goddess Durga, and enjoy music, food, and colorful decorations throughout the state.
What is Rann Utsav and why is it popular?
Rann Utsav is a cultural festival held in the white salt desert of Kutch from October to March. It features folk music, dance, art, camel rides, and moonlit views of the salt desert, offering a unique desert experience.
How is the Kite Festival Gujarat (Uttarayan) celebrated?
Held on January 14 and 15, the Kite Festival Gujarat is marked by rooftop kite flying, colorful skies, competitive kite cutting, traditional food like undhiyu and chikki, and nighttime lantern releases, especially in Ahmedabad.
Which religious festivals in Gujarat attract large crowds?
Ambaji Fair and Krishna Janmashtami are major religious festivals. Ambaji Fair gathers thousands at the Ambaji Temple, while Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great devotion in Dwarka and other Krishna temples.
Each of these festivals of Gujarat is full of energy, color, devotion and tradition. From the white desert celebrations of Rann Utsav to the joyful nights of Navratri Gujarat, you will experience something magical.
Planning your trip around these events will give you a chance to enjoy local traditions and connect with the people of Gujarat. Whether you join the crowd at Rann Utsav, fly a kite during the kite festival Gujarat, or dance at Navratri Gujarat, your journey will be unforgettable.
