Saputara Monsoon Festival 2019: Date, Venue, Timings, How to Reach

The rainy season is already here and so, is the much-awaited Saputara Monsoon Festival. Organised by Gujarat Tourism every year, this month-long festival, filled with various cultural and fun activities, was inaugurated on 10^th August 2019 by Cabinet Minister, Jawahar Chawda, at Saputara. The aim of this annual festival is to endorse Saputara as a hill resort and create awareness about the numerous natural and cultural attractions that add to the region’s immaculate beauty during the monsoons.

This year’s ninth edition of the Monsoon Festival kick-started with a special inaugural parade during the opening ceremony. A captivating tableau and a flash-mob comprising 25 artistes who performed the traditional Garba dance and folk dances of Gujarat and Rajasthan, played brass bands, and more were all a part of the parade. The local Dangi folk dance was also performed by a team of around 35 artists at the inaugural function. Balloon arches, fire heaters, slit walkers, cartoon characters, jokers, etc. were major attractions for children. In addition, a number of fun-filled activities such as quizzes, painting, interactive games, etc. were organised for locals and tourists attending the annual event.

Rajasthani Folk Dance | Saputara Monsoon Festival 2019

During the festival that will conclude on 9^th September 2019, numerous activities are planned for all tourist groups. Special cultural programmes, arranged every evening after 7, offer tourists a glimpse into the state’s rich heritage through dance and musical performances by regional artists. A light and sound show is also organised every evening to entertain people. Food stalls are set up at the venues, along with other facilities like waterproof domes, help desks, drinking water, healthcare centres and parking and security for visitors’ convenience. Other usual attractions include boat race, camel rides, paragliding, horse riding, air balloons, rock climbing, ropeway and more adventure-filled activities.

Talking about the festival, Jenu Devan, MD, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL), said that it is quite popular in Gujarat and the neighbouring state of Maharashtra. He also shared that a great rise has been witnessed in Gujarat’s tourist footfall in the last few years, especially during the event. Jawahar Chawda, the Minister of Tourism, further added that the state has seen an average growth of 14% per year in tourist inflow, with the total count reaching about 60 million in the year 2018.

Various initiatives are being taken by the Tourism department like special tour packages to Saputara throughout the festival month to provide the best experience to tourists. Nestled in the Sahyadris in the picturesque district of Dang, Saputara is indeed a beautiful place and is in all its glory during the monsoon. With this annual festival, the popularity of Saputara is sure to increase, with more people coming in to revel in its beauty during the rains, making it one of the state’s major tourist places.

Important Details of Gujarat’s Saputara Monsoon Festival 2019: