Gujarat also known as the jewel of the west (locally) is one of the most fun filled states of the country. This beautiful state is known for its diversity. Various big and small festivals and fairs keep the spirit of the state at its peak. All the festivals experience people coming from various parts of the world with all their enthusiasm in order to just enjoy, have fun and keep the spirit of festivities alive. The traditional and cultural side of the state is alive and burning with all its might with these festivals and fairs. The people of Gujarat are known for their ardour, devotion, passion and jovial nature.
If you ever visit this state, you will not be surprised to see the festive spirit of the people here all around the year, no matter if there is a festival around the corner or not, people here somehow find reasons to celebrate. Celebrations here are all about dancing to the tunes of music. Garba finds it place in the hearts of many around the world and this local dance form is one ingredient which is infused in all celebrations. The people here bring out their happiness with Garba as a medium and this can be witnessed in all its spirit on the occasion of Navaratri with the blessings of goddess Shakti or Amba.
Popular Festivals of Gujarat
Navaratri
Navaratri is celebrated in Gujarat like no other place. All the colours of the rainbow mingle together in the traditional costumes of people and they dance in circles spreading joy and happiness around. It is one of the most serene visual one could ever see. The other festival that grabs the attention of the world is the Uttarayan (Makar sankranti) or the International kite festival marks the beginning of summer as per the Hindu calendar. People from around the world participate in this festival, thus the festival has made its entry in the Guinness World Records book as well.
Deepavali
In Gujarat Deepavali is celebrated for five days. Diyas and lamps are lightened to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. Floral decorations, rangoli and fireworks are the major attractions of this festival.
Kite Festival
The Kite Festival or Makar Sankranti is one of the most vibrant celebrations of Gujarat. It is celebrated with colours of joy and life. The festival denoted the cultural strength of the state of Gujarat. The blue sky is filled with colours of this festival during the month of January.
Shivaratri
This festival is celebrated throughout Gujarat on the 6th night of the dark Hindu month of Phalgun, which comes around the months of February or March every year. The celebrations include fasting and offering milk and bili leaves to Lord Shiva; and is observed with utmost divinity.
Holi
Holi is enjoyed with great fanfare in the state of Gujarat. It is celebrated in the Hindu month Phalgun on the full moon day.
Janmashtami
Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or the birth of Lord Krishna is observed during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada on the eighth day of the dark half, which is known as the Krishna Paksha. The celebrations start from the seventh day or Saptami by observing fasts and night long vigil to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna and the incidents that followed. The Dahi Handi custom is one of the major attractions of this festival where earthen pots filled with buttermilk and tied high up on ropes are broken by hundreds of people by forming a human pyramid. Devotional songs and dances also mark the celebrations of this festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the birthday of Lord Ganesha and is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, starting from the fourth day of the waxing moon period known as Shukla Chaturthi i.e. during the months of August or September and lasts for 10 days.