In the vibrant state of Gujarat, there lies one of the largest salt deserts in one corner. The salt marsh named the Rann of Kutch remains uninhabited and lonely most of the time in a year. A few endemic and endangered animals live there as a part of their respective ecosystems.

This vast expanse of barren land comes alive during the winter months, between October and February. The vibrant cultural extravaganza of the rest of Gujarat culminates in the Rann then. This extravaganza is called as the Rann Utsav. The festival begins in Bhuj and spreads all over the district gradually. The vast white expanse of the Rann gets colorfully dotted with impromptu musical gigs by the folk singers, small makeshift shops selling the paraphernalia of Gujarati handicrafts and the colorfully dressed people.

The vistas of breaking dawns and the full moon rises over the Rann of Kutch in the clear winter skies are the sights to be beheld and treasured in the memories forever. The reddish hues creating interesting light and shade patterns on the marsh ground or the gleaming sea of salty sand under the bright moon are once in a lifetime experience for the travelers. The magnitude of the scenes described here can only be realized in person. No words are enough to explain it otherwise.

While visiting Rann, during the Rann Utsav these are the following activities you can look forward to doing:

• Slow down to spend time gazing at the stars and the moon shining brightly above you.
• Observe the live folk music and dance performances by the local performers.
• Join in an adventure on a hot air balloon or desert safaris.
• Visit the local villages or markets for sourcing some exquisite Gujarati handicrafts, delicately embroidered fabrics, knick-knacks, silverware, and bandhani fabrics.
• Enjoy local dishes comprising of Bajra rotla, milk, curd, buttermilk, Gujarati farsaans, jalebi, fafra, and ghevars.
• Take a trip to the nearby Mandvi beach kissing the Arabian Sea.
• Take a trip to the nearby Mandvi beach kissing the Arabian Sea.
• Watch the migratory and local birds living here.
• Spot some desert foxes, wild Indian asses running free and camels walking in the own pace and gait.

Visiting the Rann of Kutch during these winter months can also make you feel the spirit of the locals living here. Amidst the shivering cold of the winter months and alternating scorching heat of the sun during the day times, the people living here never lose their lively spirit. The warm hospitability of the people welcoming you to experience the panorama of the Rann with them would surely touch the strings of your hearts.