CM Bhupendra Patel Graces Vibrant Cultural Program Showcasing Kutchi Culture at Rann Utsav, Dhordo

460 tents will be set up for middle-class families at Dhordo White Rann, with an investment of ₹54 crore

Gandhinagar : Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel graced the cultural program organized by Gujarat Tourism Corporation Limited at White Rann, Dhordo, as the chief guest today. He watched various performances that showcased the vibrant art and culture of Kutch. During the event, the Chief Minister, alongside other dignitaries, unveiled a special postal cover themed ‘Rann Utsav’ issued by the Indian Department of Posts. Paying homage to Shri Sardar Patel, the architect of a united India, on his death anniversary, the Chief Minister mentioned that just as Sardar Saheb unified the country by integrating princely states, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has built ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ by focusing on the language, culture, and tourism of every state. He noted that today’s Rann Utsav, which celebrates desert culture and tourism, is an opportunity to realize this vision.

Reflecting on Gujarat’s growth, the Chief Minister pointed out that when Gujarat was separated from Maharashtra, many believed that with its sea, desert, and hills, the state had limited potential for development. For decades, progress was concentrated in the Vapi-Tapi belt, and development in areas such as electricity, water, roads, and infrastructure was sluggish. However, when Shri Narendra Modi became the Chief Minister, he made it his mission to elevate Gujarat’s development to global standards. His leadership turned the challenge of rehabilitating Kutch after the devastating earthquake into a remarkable opportunity, earning admiration both nationally and globally. The Chief Minister mentioned that by combining Jal Shakti with Jan Shakti, the waters of the Narmada River have reached the remote Modkuba village in Kutch through an extensive network of canals and pipelines, demonstrating the best water management. He also pointed out the creation of the world’s largest hybrid Renewable Energy Park, with a 30-gigawatt capacity, driven by the Prime Minister’s vision to harness the abundant sunlight in this desert region.

Reflecting on the development of Kutch under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister recalled that in 2005, as then Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched ‘Rann Utsav’ with just three days of planning. What started as a small initiative has now become a globally celebrated festival. He emphasized that the Rann, once seen as barren land, has now become a gateway of global tourism through the Rann Utsav, a testament to the Prime Minister’s foresight. Dhordo, the venue of the festival, has also been honoured with the ‘Best Tourism Village’ award by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

The Kutch Rann Utsav has not only provided a significant boost to Gujarat’s tourism industry but has also driven economic and social development for many communities. The arrival of lakhs of tourists has created a major source of income for the local population, especially for those involved in the handicraft sector, with traditional artefacts now finding a global market. The craft market at the festival has been a platform for the economic empowerment of rural women. Additionally, the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum, dedicated to the victims of the 2001 earthquake, has earned recognition as one of the top three most beautiful museums worldwide this year. The Chief Minister noted that this global acclaim for Kutch marks a remarkable achievement in the state’s proud history.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the state’s efforts to improve tourism infrastructure, making Kutch easier to reach. This year, direct Volvo bus services have been introduced from Ahmedabad airport to Dhordo, providing tourists with a direct route to the Rann Utsav. This initiative lets both domestic and international visitors easily reach the White Rann from the airport. Since the festival’s beginning, tourist numbers have risen steadily, with over 7 lakh visitors last year. Besides, the introduction of Volvo bus services ensures that tourists can explore nearby attractions such as Mata No Madh, Mandvi, Kalo Dungar, and Narayan Sarovar. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the tourism sector’s prioritization plays a crucial role in realizing the goal of Viksit Gujarat for Viksit Bharat. The Chief Minister conveyed that the Rann Utsav, which combines development with heritage, will serve as a guiding force for this vision.

State Tourism Minister Shri Mulubhai Bera, in his address at the program, highlighted that Gujarat has always been a hub of art and literature. Thanks to the Prime Minister’s vision and the Gujarat government’s efforts, the White Rann of Kutch has gained global recognition as a top tourist destination. Rann Utsav has evolved into more than just a festival; it has become a source of employment for the people of Kutch. Today, it stands as a model of development for Gujarat, especially for Kutch. The Tourism Minister further highlighted that the influx of lakhs of tourists to Kutch has brought local arts into the limelight. Through Rann Utsav, Kutch artisans have gained access to a global market. The Minister also shared that over 460 tents, worth ₹54 crore, will be set up for the upcoming season, allowing middle-class visitors to enjoy the unique experience of staying in tents during the festival. He added that, under the Prime Minister’s vision, the rich culture of Kutch has reached both national and global audiences.

At the cultural program, the Chief Minister was deeply moved by a dance drama that illustrated the geography, history, and culture of Kutch, as well as the eternal story of ‘Vrajvani Ni Ahiranio and Dholi.’ The performance ‘Kachchhdo Baremas,’ which highlighted the historical sites and royal heritage of Kutch, captured the attention of the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. The artists mesmerized the audience with a vibrant portrayal of Kutch’s culture and journey through dance, music, and song. A live rendition of the song ‘Maru Man Mor Bani Thanganat Kare’ by the singers and dancers enchanted the tourists, while the performance of ‘Bhole Nath Shankara’ under the full moon created a spiritual atmosphere. Besides, the Chief Minister also enjoyed various other performances showcasing Kutch’s folk music and arts.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Kutch Morbi MP Shri Vinod Chavda, District Panchayat President Shri Janaksinh Jadeja, Leader Shri Devjibhai Varchand, MLA Shri Keshubhai Patel, Shri Trikambhai Chhanga, Shri Pradyumnasinh Jadeja, Smt. Maltiben Maheshwari, Shri Virendrasinh Jadeja, Dhordo Group Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Shri Miya Hussain, Gujarat Tourism Secretary Shri Rajender Kumar, Gujarat Tourism Corporation Limited Commissioner and Managing Director Smt. S Chhakchhuak, Kutch Collector Shri Amit Arora, Kutch Superintendent of Police (West) Shri Vikas Sunda, District Development Officer Shri S. K. Prajapati, Post Master General of Saurashtra Kutch Region Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav, BSF DIG Shri Anant Kumar, TCGL General Manager Shri Chetan Misan, Bhuj Provincial Officer Shri Anil Jadhav, and local residents.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat