Ahmedabad, December 3 (IANS). Rann Utsav has started in Gujarat, for which people have been waiting for a long time. This festival attracts travelers from all over India and the world to the beautiful white desert of Kutch. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted the global appeal of the festival and briefed on the preparations for its main event in Dhordo. The vast white desert creates a spectacular stage to showcase the unique culture and experience of Gujarat. This year’s Rann Utsav brings together the best of Kutch, traditional mud huts, exquisite handicrafts, local cuisine and adventure activities. Cultural performances, light and sound shows and special children’s play areas add to the festive atmosphere, making it an inclusive destination for families and travelers alike. Besides Dhordo, visitors can also visit the famous places of Kutch like Dholavira, Road to Heaven, Lakhpat, Mata No Madh, Narayan Sarovar, Kalo Dungar, Smritivan and Mandvi. All these places are full of history, culture and natural beauty. Running until February 20, Rann Utsav is a celebration of Gujarat’s heritage, craftsmanship and hospitality. It not only gives an opportunity to see Kutch but also to feel its soul. Rann Utsav started as a state government initiative in the 2000s. Its aim was to bring the rich culture, craftsmanship and natural beauty of Kutch to the world. Earlier it was just a small cultural festival, but now it has become one of the most famous tourist events of India and attracts millions of visitors every year. Rann Utsav promotes the artisans, musicians and traditional communities of Kutch and strengthens local employment. In this way this festival has become a symbol of culture, hospitality and economic strength of Kutch. Today, the festival not only preserves the heritage of folk arts and crafts of Kutch, but also establishes the region as a global destination, giving a new identity to the once isolated salt desert by strengthening and celebrating it. –IANS amt/dkp