We head to the western tip of India to visit the celebrations of the white Rann-yes,the mystical and exotic Rann of Kutch. Best bet to visit the Rann is on a full moon night where the whole place transforms into a beautiful white canvas filled with diamonds.
You can choose to stay in Bhuj city and hail a cab to visit Rann in case you do not wish to live in tents.
Rann is 2 hour drive from Bhuj, where we see this magical place unravel its beauty, after taking necessary permissions from Border Security Force as Dhordo is around 35 kms from Pakistan.Its a proud moment to see the tri-color in its full glory, at the check-post where the taxis have a stoppage to register their visit.
Key dates : Rann utsav starts in Nov 2015,ends Feb 16 in this winter.
We then reach our destination to see the magic of nature, enthusing romance in even the most cynics. On one hand is the majestic sun fading away and setting the whole environment in hues and shades of bright orange and red, like a new bride while the moon rises like her groom, awaiting her bashfulness in his arms in his calm fairness. Sun soon melts down this wide canvas and you are lost at the painting nature paints replacing heat with calm winds.Stars arise and on a full moon night, white Rann looks like a bed of diamonds made of crystalline salt deposits extending its influence across horizon. Its now time to head home.
Must mention a tiny hamlet on our way back, Bhirandiyara which has the best mawa you can taste in the whole world.Most people here are shepherds ase vegetation is sparse.You will see herds of camels,sheep and goats crossing your vehicles many a times.
Our next destination in this desert town,next morning, as we leave our hotel KBN in Bhuj city is the sparsely populated town of Lakhpat. It is situated at the northwest of Bhuj and is know for the historic ruins of ancient India.In the ancient past, before the Sindhu river changed its course,Lakhpat was the city of millionaires as it was a famous port at the mouth of Kori creak but the present scene is very different from history.Also, known for its Gurudwara Lakhpat saheb , Hatkeshwar temple and Pir Ghaus Muhammed tomb, it holds significant importance for all 3 communities Sikhs,Hindus and Muslims.Seaside side of the fort is guarded by BSF as it is very close to international border in the salt marsh land.
Gurudwara Lakhpat Saheb was visited by Guru Nanak when he was on his way to Mecca.It has been awarded UNESCO Award for the rehabilitation work post earthquake which shattered Bhuj in 2001.Pir Ghaus Muhammed tomb is revered by both Hindus and Muslims and water tank opposite to his tomb is said to have healing properties.Hatkeshwar Mahadev and Ambika temples were badly damaged in earthquake in 2001 but were rebuilt by Nagar community and other devotees
Tip: If you want to visit Lakhpat, start early.It is advised you leave the fort before sunset.
Another place worth visiting is the block printing small scale industry at the outskirts of Bhuj and near by town 8kms from city centre,Bhujodi and Ajrakhpur.It is really marvellous to see how nature’s harsh weather in summer actually helps the artisans here.All the heat and barren land does provide a perfect landscape for the vibrant colors of Gujrat. These hamlets are frequented by all major designing studios from India and abroad and they very proudly showcase their talent to anyone who wants to visit them. We here meet locals men women and children, who very warmly share how each vegetable dye is made and its heaven to anyone who loves clothes dyes and fabrics.
You can see the blank cotton sheets being block printed to various hues of maroon yellows and indigo. Name any color and you shall find. Many of these artisans are those people who were worst affected when earthquake struck Kutch region and had lost their everything. Many NGOs along with Gujrat government worked to rehabilitate them. It is a remarkable story to hear from them and what a turnaround it has been.You can hire a taxi or an autorickshaw and visit the craftsmen by road. Whether its hand-painted goods or embroidered bedsheets,sarees,clothing, block printing or bead-work you will find hardworking souls earning their living from the real gift from God -art.
Another place worth a visit is the Hiralaxmi crafts village which has monthly exhibition for any craftsmen artisans who would want to display and sell his/her craft. Many people have got a benefit of this textile park and you can get everything from Kurtis to Paintings from bandhani tie and dye sarees to local handicrafts which showcases the talent of the region.It is similar to Pragati Maidan at Delhi.Every month the people showcasing their craft change and this provides a platform to one and all. If spending time with family is on your mind or some good shopping at dirt cheap price, this is one place which will not disappoint you!