Rann Utsav footfall rises but numbers from abroad drop to 76 from 5,000

DESPITE a spike in tourists at Gujarat’s popular winter festival — Rann Utsav in Kutch’s Dhordo– the number of international tourists fell drastically from nearly 5,000 to 76 between 2020 and 2021.

In a response to a starred question raised by Congress MLA Rajeshkumar Gohil representing Dhandhuka constituency in Ahmedabad district, the data submitted in the state assembly Thursday by the government revealed that in last two years (2020 and 2021) number of tourists visited Rann Utsav increased from 2,06,056 to 2,99,706.

However, during this period, international tourists fell from 4,909 to only 76, with Covid-19 pandemic being one of the possible reasons.

The Rann Utsav, festival of white Rann in Kutch, that has been promoted by actor Amitabh Bachhan, starts from November 1 till end of February. Over the years, various activities for visiting tourists have been added including advetire activities-para motoring, trekking, ATV, trikke, segway among others-to experience toursits traditional dance and music along with traditional handicrafts.