JOIN USThe Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) recently organised a roadshow in the City to promote Gujarat tourism.
As part of Khushboo Gujarat Ki, a campaign to attract tourists from across the world, TCGL has chalked out many fairs and festivals for tourists.
“For tourists going to Gujarat for a vacation in monsoon, Saptura, an emerging hill station near the Sahyadri Hills, will be a delightful experience,” said Sanjay Kaul, managing director of Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited.
“The monsoon festival, a month-long event starting from August 3, will provide fun, romance and adventure. Saptura is about 400 km from Surat. Also, the place is popular for handicrafts.”
In the second week of September, the ‘Tarnetar Fair’ will begin.
This three-day fair opens a window to the local culture of the state. It is a celebration of Gujarat’s folk dance, music, costumes and arts.
From October 5 to 13, the entire state will celebrate the Navratri festival.
“For nine days, every night, people will gather at open spaces to celebrate feminine divinity, referred to as Shakti. Thousands will take part in the garba and the raas held in temple courtyards,” Kaul added.
Apart from this, Rann Utsav in Kutch attracts a large number of tourists. “Watching the saline desert in moonlight is a very unique experience. As many as 350 tents will be put up during the Utsav. Tourists can also try their hands at embroidery and handicraft-making workshops,” Kaul said. Rann Utsav will be held from December 15 to February 15, 2014.
What is fun in Gujarat without kites? The Gujarat tourism board has also made the age-old kite-flying game even more vibrant this year.
“The ‘International Kite Festival’ is celebrated on January 14 on the occasion of Makara Sankranthi. The sky is a mass of kites and people of all ages gather on the terrace of their houses to watch the event. It is a must for tourists,” he said.
Gujarat’s monuments, handicrafts, religious centres and spiritual tours showcase the state’s cultural heritage.
“There is something for everyone. Porbandar, the place where Gandhiji was born, Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and Dandi are all places with historical significance. Lothal, Junagadh and Gondal are known for their monuments. The Dwarkadish Temple is popular for the evening aarti. The Gujarat tourism has a variety of options for people of all ages and from different cultural background,” informed Mehul Joshi of Heritage Khirasara Palace, a resort in Gujarat.
Not just tourists, many students too visit the state for internships, said Sanket Shah, a travel operator from Gujarat.
“The state is an industrial hub. Students from across the country come to Rajkot for internship as production units of all major brands are here,” he said. The TCGL will start online registrations for the festivals from August 1. For details, log on to www.gujarattourism.com.