Rann Utsav 2025-26 will start on 23 October 2025 in Dhordo, Kutch. Rann Utsav is also known as the White Desert Festival. It brings together culture, crafts, adventure, and the beauty of the desert in one grand event.
If you are a cultural lover, an immersive traveler, or someone exploring regional heritage in India, Rann Utsav is a festival you won’t want to miss. This festival will hold in the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, it blends surreal landscapes, folk culture, adventure, and crafts in a way that few places can. Here is everything you need to know to plan a trip for the 2025-26 edition.
Rann Utsav Overview
Rann Utsav is a cultural festival held every year in the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The festival lasts for about four months, from late October to early March, when the desert is cool and pleasant. During this time, the white salt desert turns into a lively festival ground with traditional music, dance, food, crafts, and adventure activities. Visitors can stay in luxury tents, enjoy folk performances under the moonlight, shop for local handicrafts, and experience the unique Kutchi lifestyle.
Rann Utsav History
Rann Utsav started in 2005, an initiative by the Government of Gujarat to promote local culture and tourism in the Kutch region. In the beginning, it was a small cultural event. Over the years, it has grown into an international festival that attracts travelers from all over the world.
The idea behind Rann Utsav was to showcase the heritage of Kutch — its art, crafts, folk traditions, and natural beauty. Today, it has become one of the biggest cultural festivals in India, often called the White Desert Festival, as it celebrates the magical salt desert under the full moon.
What is Rann Utsav / Rann Mahotsav at Kutch
- Definition & Name
Rann Utsav (also called Rann Mahotsav at Kutch or White Desert Festival) is a seasonal cultural festival held in Dhordo, on the edges of the Great Rann of Kutch. “Rann” refers to the salt desert; “Mahotsav” means grand festival. - Rann Utsav Origin & Purpose
The festival was started by Gujarat Tourism to showcase the remote beauty, local culture, handicrafts, and to boost tourism and livelihoods in Kutch. Over time, it expanded from a few days to a multi-month immersive experience involving luxury tents, cultural performances, crafts, adventure, and more. - What is White Desert Festival
This is another name often used for Rann Utsav, because the main attraction is the White Desert (salt flats) which look especially surreal under moonlight and at sunrise or sunset.
White Desert: The Landscape & Why It’s Unique
- Geography / Salt Flats
The Great Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marsh in northwestern Gujarat, India. It becomes a white expanse when the flooded areas dry up, leaving salt crusts that stretch as far as the eye can see. - Visual & Natural Appeal
Under a full moon, the salt looks silver white. The wide flat desert gives unobstructed views of sunrise and sunset. Night skies are very dark and perfect for stargazing. Places like Kalo Dungar (Black Hills) offer elevated vantage points. - Seasons & Changes
The Rann changes: during monsoon it can flood, and then over time the water recedes. During the festival season, the desert is dry enough to walk on, stay in tent cities, and enjoy the expanse.
Rann Mahotsav at Kutch Dates & What’s New in 2025-26
2025-26 Season Dates
The official Rann Utsav season for 2025-26 runs from 23 October 2025 to 4 March 2026.
Special / Full Moon Nights
The most popular time to visit is during full moon nights when the desert glows white under the moonlight. These are scattered across November, December, January, February, and early March.
Other Special Periods
- Diwali week (October 2025)
- Christmas and New Year weeks (December 2025 – January 2026)
Highlights in 2025-26
- Expanded tent city with varied accommodation types
- Enhanced cultural programs and craft markets
- Adventure activities such as ATV rides, paramotoring, and safaris
- Improved transport options from Bhuj
Rann Mahotsav at Kutch
Kutch’s Rann Mahotsav is organized by Gujarat tourism. This festival features the rich culture and traditions of Gujarat. The Rann of Kutch is a wide white salt desert. It is also said, it is bigger than thirty separate countries. Yes, it is too huge and scintillating. People from different parts of the world come to see and part of this. You can see folk dances, handicrafts, live musical performances and camel safari.
Rann Mahotsav was set up in 2005, by the honorable prime minister of India. And we have been following up on that since. The aim is specifically to promote the indigenous culture of the state, both in India and world over. For 2025, the dates are out already. Rann Mahotsav of Kutch started from October 23rd, 2025 to March 4th, 2026. The venue is Rann Utsav tent city.
Also, there is a wide range of activities starting from trying out local cuisines to adventurous sports. Furthermore, you can do an ideal photoshoot here under the moonlight. You can also go for a stroll on Manvi beach or a camel ride. Besides, you could go on neighboring village tours to Hodko, Dhordo, etc.
- Prime minister Narendra Modi’s initiative.
- Dates: 23rd Oct 2025 and to 4th March 2026.
- Location: Rann Utsav tent city
- Explore nearby kutch.
How to Reach & Where to Stay
- Getting Here
- By Air: Nearest airport is Bhuj Airport. From Bhuj, taxis and festival transfers are available to Dhordo.
- By Train: Bhuj is well connected by train to other cities. From the station, you can take taxis or buses to the Rann.
- By Road: Ahmedabad to Dhordo is 400 km (~8 hours) by car or bus. Other Gujarat cities are also well connected.
- Where to Stay
- Tent city in Dhordo is the main stay option. Options include luxury suites, AC tents, Swiss cottages, budget tents.
- Some nearby villages and towns also have homestays or smaller camps.
- Booking in advance is a must, especially for full moon nights and holiday weeks.
What to Experience: Activities & Events
- Cultural Performances & Craft Markets
Folk dances, music shows, puppet plays and bazaars with embroidery, mirrorwork and traditional pottery. - Nature & Photography
Sunrise and sunsets, full moon nights and starry skies make the desert a photographer’s paradise. - Adventure & Thrills
Camel rides, jeep safaris, paramotoring, ATV rides and rope activities. - Local Experiences
Village visits, handicraft workshops and interactions with artisans to get a glimpse of Kutchi life.
Cost, Budget & Booking Tips
- Costs
Prices vary greatly depending on tent type and travel style. More during full moon nights and festivals. - Budget Options
- Basic tents and shared stays are cheaper
- Mid range options are more comfortable
- Luxury tents and rajwadi suites have premium services
- Booking Tips
- Book in advance for popular dates
- Book through official sources or verified tour operators
- Check refund and cancellation policy
Conclusion
Rann Utsav 2025-26 starts on 23 October 2025 and runs until 4 March 2026. It is not just a festival; it’s a blend of nature, culture, craft, and community. From walking on a salt desert under a full moon to tasting Kutchi food and buying handmade crafts, it’s an immersive experience.
If you’re planning for 2025-26, book early, pack smart, and get ready for an unforgettable journey to the White Desert of Kutch.
Are you ready to experience the wonder of the White Desert? Then, book your Rann Utsav package for 2025-26 with Japji Travel for the best deals, comfortable accommodation, and hassle-free travel. We’ll plan your trip so you can soak in the culture, colors, and charm of Kutch without the hassle.
👉 Contact Japji Travel today and save your spot for Rann Utsav 2025-26!
Frequently asked questions
Rann Utsav 2025-26 will start from 23 October 2025 and will go on till 4 March 2026. The festival will be more than 100 days long in Dhordo, Kutch, Gujarat.
Kite Festival during Rann Utsav will be in Dhordo, in the Great Rann of Kutch. This happens in January when the sky is full of kites.
Best time to visit is from November to February. Weather is cool and you can enjoy Full Moon Night, New Year celebrations and Kite Festival in January.
In March the Rann of Kutch starts to get warm. Day time temperature can go up to 28-32°C but mornings and evenings are still pleasant. This is usually the last month of Rann Utsav before the desert gets too hot.
You must be logged in to post a comment.