NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged people to visit Gujarat’s Kutch during the ongoing Rann Utsav, describing it as an “unforgettable experience.”
In a series of posts on social media, the Prime Minister showcased Kutch’s unique offerings and remarkable transformation over the past two decades.
“The White Rann beckons! An unforgettable experience awaits! Come, immerse yourself in a unique mix of culture, history and breathtaking natural beauty!” PM Modi wrote in a post.
The festival, which began on December 1, 2024, will run until February 28, 2025, with the Tent City remaining open until March.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the region’s thriving arts and crafts, warm hospitality, and its role as a beacon of India’s cultural and historical richness.
PM Modi encouraged travelers to explore the ancient Indus Valley site of Dholavira, a Unesco World Heritage Site that provides a glimpse into India’s prehistoric past. He also pointed to other iconic landmarks such as the Vijay Vilas Palace and the “Road to Heaven,” a scenic route connecting Khavda to Dholavira.
He also recounted Kutch’s challenging past. Devastated by a super cyclone in 1999 and a massive earthquake in 2001, the region was also plagued by recurring droughts. Over the years, however, the region has transformed to become synonymous with agricultural innovation, industrial growth, and sustainable tourism.
The Rann Utsav, launched in 2005 to harness the untapped tourism potential of Kutch, has since drawn visitors from far and wide.
Dhordo, the festival’s host village, was recently named the 2023 Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization for its cultural preservation and sustainable tourism initiatives.