Gujarat Festivals

Diwali
In India the fair of Diwali is measured as the leader festival. In Gujarat the Diwali fiesta is connected with the adoration of the "Goddess of Wealth`, Mother Lakshmi. The populaces of this state are of solid conviction that Goddess Lakshmi will come out on this day to sanctify the earth with achievement and good luck.

Kite Festival
This is considered as a countrywide festival in the state of Gujarat and is experiential on the 14th of January. Exactly on the day when the Sun goes into the tropic of cancer this Kite festival is distinguished with glory. On this very day the adolescence as well as the full-fledged is on the pinnacle of their individual homes and soar kites. Both the male and female associates of the family decorate themselves in bright outfits and treat themselves in the conventional dance known as `Dandiya`. Extravagant Gujarati flimsiness is also equipped to rejoice this festival.

Holi
The spring festival of Holi is distinguished in Gujarat in the month of Phalgun or in the months of February and March. The event of Holi is distinguished with colors and people of this state resound with the tunes of the folk-song, "Govinda ala re, zara matki sambhal Brijbala". Fun and gambol is also redefined in diverse forms in the cheerful celebrations here. People welcome each other with colors and thus improve the emotion of harmony. The illumination of beacon also forms a particular trait in the Holi festival when renowned in Gujarat.

Modhera Dance Festival
The Modhera Dance Festival is held during the third week of January every year, after the festival of Uttarayan. This festival is celebrated at the Sun Temple in Modhera. The style in which the temple was built bears a strong resemblance to that of the Jain temples at Mount Abu. The decision to celebrate the annual festival of Indian classical dances was taken by the Department of Culture, Gujarat, and the West Zone Cultural Centre at the Sun Temple. The idea was to present classical dances in an atmosphere similar to that in which these were originally presented.

Kutch Mahotsava
The Kutch Mahotsava is usually organized during February and March each year. This mahotsava is organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited in order to promote tourism in Kutch. In this festival, the visitors are taken on a six day tour of Kutch. This tour is known as a mahotsava, or great festival, because of the great variety of sights and scenes that are offered to visitors. Kutch has everything to offer to its visitors like the colourful people, historic towns and remarkable handicrafts.

Navratri
Navratri, that means ‘nine nights’ is an ancient, colourful and religious festival of Gujarat. This festival is celebrated to honour the one Divine Shakti or Force which supports the entire universe and is personified as the Mother Goddess. The Mother Goddess protects her worshippers, destroys evil and grants boons to her children. Navratri is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm throughout the Gujarat, but in Ahmedabad and Baroda, Garba and Dandia dances are performed. This festival is celebrated with true devotion in the various temples which are dedicated to the Mother Goddess. In this festival, the women perform the Garba dance or the circular dance around an earthenware pot called a garbo which is filled with water.
A betel nut and a silver coin are placed within the pot, on the top of which a coconut is placed. As the dancers whirl around the pot, a singer and a drummer also accompanies them. The participants clap in a steady rhythm. The dance usually starts slowly and gets fast with the music. In large public areas, group of musicians sing the traditional garba songs. The Dandia ras or ‘stick’ dance is also performed during Navratri. Both the men and women perform the dance in circle, holding small polished sticks or dandies. As per the rhythm of the dance, men and women strike the dandies together, adding to the joyous atmosphere. These dances are so popular that sometimes competitions are held and prizes are given to the best dancer. The dancers worn the traditional costumes, alive with colour. The dances usually commence late in the night and continue until early morning. A Bhavai dance is also performed in the Ambaji temple at Baroda, during Navratri.