The Walk On White

Heer Paresh Kothari explores the festive notes on soft sands as she gives her views on the Rann of Kutch festival

Consumed by the pristine beauty of white, we take a walk in the largest salt desert of the world. Walking on this desert on a full moon night will simply sweep you off your feet. The luminous light from the full moon delightfully flirts with the crystals of salt, leaving a shimmering lasting impression in the eyes of the beholder. The White Rann is a seasonal salt marsh, which is part of the Thar Desert, located deep in the heart of the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. This region spreads across the Sindh region of Pakistan where visitors can watch the border proceedings at the crack of dusk. Primarily occupied by people of Kutchi origin (a subcast of Gujarat who generally people of Kutchi origin (a subcast of Gujarat who generally communicate in Kutchi language as well as Gujarati), this region comes alive with festivities in the winter months, beginning early December and ending in March. communicate in Kutchi language as well as Gujarati), this region comes alive with festivities in the winter months, beginning early December and ending in March.

The festival
The festival started in 2008 and is now in its seventh season. Initially, the festival lasted only for a few days, but with the overwhelming response from tourists, it now goes on for a little over three months. Last year, the festival saw over 12,000 visitors from various parts of the world. This year it commenced on 1 December 2014 and will go on till 5 March 2015.

 

The initiative
The Government of Gujarat has taken the initiative to invite people from various parts around the country to witness the environmental beauty of this part of India especially during the winter months. Over the years, the festival has garnered much clout in international circles as well. Today, the White Rann has become a hub for travel enthusiasts from around the world to come and witness the charms of Gujarat unfold right in front of their eyes.

The proceedings
A hoard of cultural activities showcased by the locals and tribal people of this region captivates travellers and cultural enthusiasts alike. You can spend the night in the tents set up at Dhordo. Relish a typical Kattchi meal of rotla (chappati made out of black millet flour), chilly pickles, khichdi (a rice and lentil amalgam), kadhi (sweetened yoghurt tossed in gram flour and spices), chaas (creamy and lightly salted butter milk). All of this is then topped off with sweet jalebi or dudhpak (spiced milk and rice). Tourists are regularly ferried in luxury buses from Bhuj Airport and the Bhuj railway station to the campsite. The campsite offers visitors four categories of tents for accommodation, varying in price and standard of luxury. It is better to book a tent well in advance as they fill up really fast. The government also offers travellers the provision to book online in advance on the festival’s official website – www.rannutsav.com.

To-do list
take the camel cart ride that cruises to various parts of the desert in the wee hours of the night to enjoy magical moments under the moonlight. You can also enjoy the brilliant warm hues of sunset in the winter skies of Kutch. The campsite too comes alive with a riot of colours and folk music. Watch the local women create bed sheets using tie and dye, patchwork, mirror work, or shell work. Take a trip to Kala Dungar (the highest point in Kutch) to enjoy the panoramic view of the White Rann. Don’t forget to visit the Dattary Temple located on Kala Dungar, especially when jackals are heralded in the evenings to accept offerings. A visit to the border outpost is another important highlight of this trip. The villages dotting the Banni Scrub and grassland areas, like Bhirendiaro, Hodka, Gorewali, Dhorodo and Ludia can give you a great insight into the local lifestyle. Also check out the numerous forts, palaces and temples around the area. Adventure enthusiasts must take a trip to the exciting Little Rann, which was once the arm of the Arabian Sea separated by geological forces. Spot the Asiatic ass in the wild as you scour along the white crevasse sands in Little Rann. The region is also teeming with flamingos during season time. You can also spot jackals, hyenas, Indian foxes and amphibians like rat snakes and cobras.

CATEGORIES OF TENTS

PREMIUM TENTS: these are the most luxurious and include a double bed, wooden flooring, and tile flooring in the bathroom areas. The tent covers an area of 44 sq. meters and comprises of basic amenities, including an air conditioner and heater.

THE DELUXE A/C SUITE COTTAGES: they covers an area of 36 sq. meters, and offers facilities similar to those of the Premium tents.

THE NON-A/C DELUXE COTTAGES: these cover an area of 36 sq. meters. The flooring is finished in ‘Mati Lipan’. Though the basic amenities are provided for, there is no air- conditioning or heater facility.

THE DARBARI SUITE: these suite is ideal for a big family, a group of friends or a couple. The tent covers a large area of 1600 sq. meters, and the interiors are decorated with cultural elements that speak volumes on the culture of Kutch. The inner spaces of the tent are luxuriously designed too.