Festivals and Events in Ahmedabad

Festivals and Events in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is the center of Gujarati cultural activities and diverse traditions of different ethnic and religious communities and enjoys a thriving cultural tradition. As such a large number of festivals and events in Ahmedabad are held every year to commemorate a whole lot of ceremonies. The most popular celebrations in this city include Uttarayan and Navaratri.

Uttarayan is the time for kite festival in Ahmedabad. This event is always held on January 14 to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. Though Ahmedabad weather is unpredictable, this day of the year generally experiences a sunny day with some clouds and wind. Kite flying starts at dawn and continues throughout the day without pause. Friends, neighbors and total strangers battle one another for supremacy and triumphant cries render the air heavy when one's line is cut by another. This day sees a tremendous variety of kites and experts can choose whatever they want. Preparations for this mega event of Kite Festival start quite a few days in advance. Cries of Kaapyo Chhey can be heard in a million voices throughout the day. It continues long into the nights when driving lamps (Tukkal) are attached to the flying kites. A journey to Ahmedabad on this day rewards you with a sky dotted with colorful kites.

Navaratri is another of the festivals and events in Ahmedabad which has gained nation-wide reputation. The festival consists of nine nights devoted to Goddess Shakti, when each night experiences celebration of a different form of the deity. The famous Garba folk dance continues throughout the nine nights with everyone taking part with same gusto. Each night starts with a ceremonial aarti and is followed by Garba dance around the deity till late night. It is a colorful sight to see the graceful Gujarati women in their best attire dancing the night away with dandiyas in their hand. The short nights experience a brightly decorated city during this time of the year.

Other festivals and events in Ahmedabad which are celebrated enthusiastically and colorfully include Deepavali, Holi, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Christmas. The annual Rath Yatra carrying deities on a rath with hundreds following behind, and the Muharram are also popular festivals. Arrive on Ahmedabad during any of the festivals and your vacation is rewarded with a glimpse into the colorful western Indian people, culture and lifestyle.

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