Rain and revelry mark the opening of the Saputara Megh Malhar Festival 2024

Aahwa (Gujarat): Taking a step further to promote tourism and increase local employment, Gujarat Tourism launched ‘Saputara Megh Malhar Parva 2024’ in Saputara, known as Gujarat’s only hill station. Widely popular as Sapurata Monsoon Festival, the event witnessed numerous cultural programmes and various water activities like boat racing and other vibrant festivities. This year, the monsoon extravaganza will enthrall visitors from 29th July 2024 to 28th August 2024, with a host of activities and attractions, instilling a sense of happiness and joy.

At the Saputara hill station, the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Mr. Mulubhai Bera inaugurated the ‘Saputara Megh Malhar Parva 2024’ by lighting a lamp amidst drizzle and a blanket of dense fog. On the occasion, Shri Vijaybhai Patel, Deputy Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and MLA from Dang, Shri Kunvarji Halpati, Minister of State for Tribal Development, Govt. of Gujarat, Ms. Nirmalaben Gain, Chairman, Zilla Panchayat, Mr. Kishorbhai Gavit, President, BJP, Mr. Rajendra Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Tourism, Govt. of Gujarat, Ms. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak (IAS), Managing Director & Commissioner of Tourism and other officials were present.

Expressing his commitment to the development of tourism in the state, the Honourable Minister of Tourism of the state, Mr. Mulubhai Bera proudly said, “Gujarat has set a new record in the tourism sector during the recent summer vacation. More than 1.35 crore tourists visited various places in the state in just two months, a growth of over 17% compared to last year. Over the last two decades, the state government has completely transformed Saputara, a reason why today, tourists flock to this beautiful hill station in large numbers.”

He added that “the state government has also announced a ‘New Tourism Policy’ for the development of the sector, with an ambition to establish Gujarat as a ‘Global Choice for Tourism’ on the global tourism map. Under this policy, along with the development of tourism in the state, a special vision for ecological prosperity has also been adopted. Besides, it has also announced a path-breaking ‘Heritage Tourism Policy’ that promotes the state’s ancient heritage, historical heritage buildings and places as ‘Heritage Tourism Destinations’ to put Gujarat on the global tourism map.”

The much awaited monsoon festival in Gujarat is an annual event celebrated amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Saputara region in Dang district. This year the event kicked off with a colourful parade and grand procession from the Hotel Toran of the Tourism Corporation. Local musical instruments of Dang, actors, entertaining characters, artistes in different costumes, Dangi tribal dance and various activities were presented during the ceremony. After the inaugural programme of ‘Megh Malhar Parva’, the ‘Rain Run Marathon’ of Step Garden Circle was also flagged off by dignitaries including the Minister.

During Monsoon Festival, tourists can also see, learn and enjoy 18 major attractions in Dang district. A special ‘Dahi Handi’ program is also organized here on a grand scale on the next Janmashtami. There is also an opportunity to visit ecotourism campsites Mahal-Kilad and Devinamal, Gira and Girmal Falls, Purna wildlife sanctuary and Vansda National Park, Shabri Dham and Pampa Lake, Pandav Cave and Anjani Kund, Dawn Hill, Mayadevi, etc. Paper art workshops and archery practice, Warli art, handicrafts and photography exhibitions are also organized here for tourists during the month.

The local tourist attractions in the hill station of Saputara include Eco Point, Van Kavach, Rose Garden and Step Garden, Artist Village, Sunrise and Sunset Point, Governor’s Hill, Gira Waterfall, Sabridham, Girmal Waterfall, U-turn Point, a lake known as the heart of Saputara, a museum that gives an overview of the tribal culture and an exhibition centre of the information department. These attractions are also attractions for tourists.

Saputara, known as the ‘Cherapunji’ of Gujarat, receives an average of 100 inches of monsoon rain annually, which supports the thriving natural forest that attracts tourists from outside the state. Situated at an altitude of about 1,100 metres above sea level, Saputara has been developed by Gujarat Tourism as a planned hill station with facilities such as guesthouses, gardens, a swimming pool, a boat club, an auditorium, a ropeway and a museum.

The main dome houses an art gallery that showcases the art of bamboo craft, a characteristic of Dang district. Moreover, their art, which is incorporated into Dang’s way of life, was also exhibited. The exhibition reaffirms that bamboo is the best example of sustainability.