Rich Traditions & a Vibrant Culture

From day one of the Kachchh Fair, the air is charged with festivity as Bhuj reverberates with a thousand colors. One is surrounded by enthralling tribal lifestyle from the interiors of Kachchh. The artistic creativity of the Bhuga people is visible at every corner; use of vegetable colors to create beautiful designs on walls with mirrors and beads decorating.

The fair grounds at Bhuj resound with festivity and music due to the plethoras of cultural programs organized by the Gujarat Tourism Corporation which carry on late into the night. A variety of dances by tribals that range from brisk acrobatic movements to a single fast beat ending in formation of different kinds of pyramids.

On the last day of the fair that coincides with the Shivaratri festival, a grand fair is organized at Dhang where local people, dressed in colorful traditional costumes, pay homage at the shrine to Mekan Dada. More excitement prevails as competitions are organized; camel, horse and bullock races and the much- loved kushti (wrestling) bouts.

Unique Kachchh Like many regions of Gujarat, Kachchh has its own distinctive character. It has excellent beaches, wild life, palaces, monuments, desert lands, pre-historic sites, museums, handicrafts, etc. A heterogenous population, with 18 different tribes, each with its own language and culture. Some important villages and crafts they specialize in, include, Bhujjodi (wool and cotton weaving), Padhar and Dhaneti (Ahir embroidery), Dhamanka (block printing), Lilpur (embroidery) and Anjar (nutcrackers, block printing, and tie and dye). Banni and Khavda are villages set like jewels in an expanse of desert.

Places of Tourist Interest

The quaint Kachchh Museum - the oldest in Gujarat was founded in 1877 by Sir James Ferguson. It contains a picture gallery, an anthropological section, an archeological section, textiles, weapons, and stuffed animals. An artifact that warrants attention is a cannon that was presented by Tipu Sultan to the Kachchh rulers in exchange for some Kachchhi horses, known for their swiftness and vitality. Lakhpat, a port, stands still in time to remind one of the flourishing trade in its waters. The Wild Ass sanctuary and the Narayan Sarovar bird sanctuary provide unique glimpses of wild life in Kachchh. Nakhatrana the fossil park has dinosaur fossils and eggs from prehistoric times. Kera Shiv Temple is famous for the 10th century Shiva Temple. The present day ruins are indicative of how beautiful this temple must have been centuries ago. Anjar known for the samadhi (tomb) of Jesal Toral, and the bungalow of James Mcmurdo, and is now a veritable museum of Kachchh Art.

Tour circuit by TCGL The festival organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, offers a five day tour into the heartlands of Kachchh. Itinerary for Kachchh Festival 2005 (28/1/2005 to 1/2/2005, 4 nights 5 days). 28/01/05 1st Day Departure from Ahmedabad / Vadodara for Bhuj via Wankaner, Morbi & Lunch on route (at own expense). Check in hotel. Attend the inauguration function and cultural programme. Night halt at Bhuj. 29/01/05 2nd Day EDeparture from Bhuj (8.00 a.m.) for Nakhatrana (Fossil Park), Mata No Madh, Lakhpat, Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar and return to Bhuj. Dinner and night halt at Bhuj. 30/01/05 3rd Day Departure from Bhuj (8.00 a.m.) to visit Kera Shiv Temple, Anjar (Jesal Toral Samadhi), 72 Jinalaya Mandvi Palace & Beach. Lunch & free time. Return to Bhuj Dinner and night halt at Bhuj. 31/01/05 4th Day Departure from Bhuj (8.00 a.m.) to Khavada, Kalo Dungar and Handicraft villages - Lodiya, Bhirandiyara etc. and return to Bhuj. Dinner and night halt at Bhuj. 01/02/05 5th Day Bhuj local sightseeing and shopping after lunch departure for Ahmedabad / Vadodara. Daily tour of Dholavira, the most important archeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization. (Optional) How to reach Kachchh BY AIR - Bhuj, the main town of Kachchh has daily flights from Bombay, which take about 40 minutes to reach. BY RAIL - Kachchh Express is available from Bombay via Ahmedabad upto Gandhidham. From Gandhidham, one can reach this destination by road. BY ROAD - State transport buses & transportation by private travel operators are available from Ahmedabad.