Kachchh (Gujarat) [India]: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the cultural program organized by Gujarat Tourism Corporation Limited at the White Rann in Dhordo, Kachchh, as the chief guest on Sunday. The event celebrated the vibrant art and culture of Kutch and marked the ongoing Rann Utsav.
The Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, unveiled a special postal cover themed Rann Utsav, issued by the Indian Department of Posts. This initiative was presented as a tribute to the festival’s significance and its impact on promoting Gujarat’s cultural heritage, according to the CM’s office statement.
Paying homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary, CM Bhupendra Patel highlighted the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in uniting India’s diversity through initiatives like Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. He drew parallels between Sardar Patel’s role in unifying the country and PM Modi’s vision of promoting state-level cultural and linguistic heritage to strengthen national unity.
Reflecting on the festival’s origins, CM Patel credited Narendra Modi’s leadership during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister for transforming the Rann from barren land into a global tourism hotspot. The Rann Utsav, launched initially as a three-day event, has evolved into a major international festival that attracts visitors worldwide. Dhordo, the festival venue, was recently honored with the prestigious Best Tourism Village award by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Impact
CM Patel also highlighted Gujarat’s efforts to improve accessibility to the festival. This year, a direct Volvo bus service from Ahmedabad airport to Dhordo was introduced, simplifying travel for domestic and international tourists. Tourist numbers have steadily increased, with over 7 lakh visitors attending the festival last year.
The Chief Minister emphasized the festival’s significant impact on local communities, stating, “The Rann Utsav has not only boosted tourism but also fueled economic and social development in Kutch.”
Remarks from State Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera
Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera underscored Gujarat’s rich tradition of art and literature, praising the festival for providing Kutch artisans with access to global markets.
“Thanks to the PM’s vision, the White Rann has gained global recognition as a leading tourist destination,” he said, adding that the festival has become a model of development and a source of employment for the people of Kutch.
For the upcoming festival season, over 460 luxury tents worth ₹54 crore are being set up to offer middle-class tourists the experience of staying in the desert during the festival.
Distinguished Guests and Attendees
The event saw the presence of Kutch Morbi MP Vinod Chavda, MLA Keshubhai Patel, Panchayat President Janaksinh Jadeja, and officials from the tourism department, police, and Border Security Force (BSF).
Rann Utsav, a celebration of Gujarat’s desert culture, continues to spotlight the state’s rich heritage while driving its global tourism appeal.