Kutch plans 'value-added' festivals to attract tourists

The Kutch district collectorate - jointly with the state government enterprise, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) - is adding one more attraction to the desert of Kutch mainly for foreign tourists. The district administration is busy in organising the event called 'Kutch Sarodutsav'.

To attract more and more tourists in the Kutch region, the district collectorate officials have organised a series of programmes during this year highlighting achievements of the district in the state.

The three-day long Kutch Sarodutsav will be held from October 16 to 18 this year in a place called Banni in Kutch district. The Central government has decided to support the event by providing Rs 1 crore to organise the programme in the district.

"This festival can be called 'Mahotsava' or a great festival as this would be different from Kutch festival because of the great variety of sights and scenes that are offered to visitors this time. The festival will include a three-day tour to Kutch, which will cover adventure sports like para driving and a visit through three hot air baloons," Pradip Sharma, district magistrate, Kutch, said.

According to Sharma, over 10,000 tourists visit Kutch every year, 50 per cent of which are locals from Kutch, 25 per cent come from other areas of Gujarat, another 20 per cent from other states and only 5 per cent from abroad. The district expects a substantial increase in tourist flows into the region this year, especially in terms of foreign tourists. "I feel the tourism of the region will generate more revenue and employment, resulting in development of the district in future. I hope the festival, which is also supported by the government of India, will help the district prosper," Sharma added.

Villages of Kutch are known for their expertise in handicraft. Similarly, other villages like Bhujodi specialise in wool and cotton weaving, Padhar and Dhaneti villages in Ahir embroidery and Dhamanka for block printing and Anjar for nutcrackers, block printing, etc.

"The Kutch Sarodutsav is an embodiment of Kutch's beauty, nostalgia, ethos, traditions, culture and spirit. Usually, the Sarodutsav is organised in February. The collectorate has taken initiatives to attract more tourists to the district," said Kirti Thakkar, manager - fairs and festival, TCGL.

The collectorate is also going to organise a 'Rann Mela' during the festival, which will provide the villagers of the region with a platform to interact with tourists and organise a sale exhibition.

"Kutch's festivals and culture are not highlighted to foreign tourists as those of states like Rajasthan or Kerala are done. I feel tourism plays a big part in attracting more and more foreign tourists and hence, foreign currencies. The initiative taken by the district collectorate will no doubt help the district to get more foreign tourists this year," said Sharma.

He said, "the basic infrastructure"�roads and railways"�with good quality hotels for local as well as foreign tourists, have to be built.