One of the most awaited cultural events of Gujarat started with loud traditional performances and a powerful show of national integration on Saturday, 26 July 2025, the Saputara Monsoon Festival. The festival will be held in Saputara, the only hill station in the state, situated in Dang district and will be running up to 17 August. This is a project organised by the Gujarat Tourism Department, which is an annual project aimed at making tourism more rampant and helping the tribal population.
The present year documentary has gone a more cultural way and concentrated on the rich tribal culture of the state and its legacy to the greater fabric of Indian culture. Several thousands people visited the festival on the first day regardless of the constant monsoon rain, which shows the increase in the popularity of the festival as a local tourist destination.
According to a report from ANI, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel formally inaugurated the event at 9 a.m., joined by Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera and Tribal Development Minister Kunvarji Halpati. One of the main attractions of the first programme was a massive folk carnival procession held under the theme of national integration that was wards to be called Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
There were 354 artists representing 13 states in India who took part in the parade. These artists have done various folk dances; it serves as a visual and cultural treat to the people who are watching. Performances included:
- Maharashtra: Lavani and Dhangari Gaja
- Punjab: Bhangra
- Rajasthan: Kalbeliya
- West Bengal: Chhau
- Assam: Bihu
- Madhya Pradesh: Badhai
- Telangana: Gussadi
- Karnataka: Poojakunitha
- Himachal Pradesh: Nati
- Haryana: Dhamal
Gujarati artists showed native forms including Dangi dance, Rathwa, Chhatri Hudo, Talvar Raas, Mewasi, Garba and 52 Beda and Dobru-Kircha that are less popular. The acts raised awareness to the less-represented tribal voices of the geography.
There was also a variety of culture props and items used in the parade including giant puppets, Ladakhi masks, the Leh Snow Lion, and models that highlighted the traditional Indian fairs which gave a broad scope to those who watch the parade to look closely into the diversity in Indian cultures.
Besides the parade, the 87 performers went onstage to display classical and local dance forms of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyaattam, Yakshagana, Manipuri Raas, Kathakali, Mayur, Dollu Kunitha, Rouf and Kalbelia.
The festival’s first week is themed ‘Tribal Heritage Week’. Visitors will be in the position to experience the displays of indigenous crafts, traditional foods, forest pathways, and interactive selfie areas which will be geared towards tribal art. They have assigned a QR code that makes the entire information about the events and registrations of special activities available.
Leading artists to play at the upcoming shows will be famous Gujarati artists like Geeta Rabari, Parth Oza, and Raag Mehta. On 27 July, the Thekkinakadu Attam Musical band of Kerala fame will perform and the local college bands and youth talent will also give a show.
To broaden its appeal, the festival also includes:
- A mini-marathon on 15 August
- Janmashtami Dahi Handi celebrations
- ‘Sunday on Cycle’ fitness event
- Rain dance zones and traditional games
- A mobile tableau travelling across Saputara with entertainment and prizes
One of the attractions is in the tableau based on the theme of Operation Sindoor to create a conversation regarding the development of recent strategic accomplishments and national defense preparations in India.
The Saputara Monsoon Festival, as per the Gujarat Tourism Department, has several purposes: it is created to give cultural experience, promote tourism during the monsoon season, in addition to generating seasonal employment to the local tribal communities. According to the officials, it is believed that these kinds of events are necessary in bringing out the indigenous cultures of India and at the same time providing viable economic returns.
As more states are being incorporated in the Saputara Monsoon Festival and as a blend of entertainment and cultural education regimes occur, this festival is quickly becoming the outstanding example of inclusive tourism. Even as the rains march on, the unity, tradition and identity in Gujarat is being walked on in the green hills.
