White salt marsh, mesmerising sunrise and sunset and the colourful hues of Gujarati culture are drawing visitors by yards from India and abroad to experience the Rann Utsav here at the India-Pakistan border.
Kicked off on Tuesday, the two-month long festival presents to the world, Kutch district’s natural and cultural heritage. The festival has already wowed people, young and old, first-timers and frequent visitors, who flock to the seasonal salty marsh year after year.
During summer monsoon, the White Rann flat desert of salty clay and mudflats, which is 15 meters above sea level, fills with standing waters. It dries up from late December, thus offering a breathtaking view of the “white desert” under the open sky, a major attraction for visitors during the festival.
Last time, about eight lakh visitors turned up to witness the White Rann, a State tourism official said, adding that the footfall this time will climb up steadily as the festival progresses. The fair offers an opportunity to people to witness the shining salty desert in its full glory, from sunrise to sunset to moonrise, apart from experiencing the life of camping in well-equipped luxury tents.
Anju Katarmal, a student from Bhuj district, has brought her friends from Surat to the festival. And the Rann has left them spellbound.
