The history and culture of Gujarat has its roots in its religion. The fairs and festivals celebrated here, have religious significance for it's people. Joyous environment, colourful dresses, devotion and love for the deities, this is what signifies festivals for any body residing at Ahmedabad.

There are two important festivals celebrated in the city. One is Uttrayan (Makar Sankranti) or Kite Festival. The other festival is Navratri which is festival of nine nights. An annual Jaggannath Rath Yatra (Charoit Procession) is also conducted by local people on a massive scale.

Kite Festivals
The International Kite Festival is always held at Ahmedabad on January 14, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. People celebrate Uttarayan with a lot of enthusiasm and all business comes to a grinding halt for a couple of days. It is also a celebration to mark the end of winter. 

Rath Yatra
In the month of June / July a massive procession is taken out from the Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad. Amidst the chanting of the sacred and Vedic hymns, the chariot is taken out carrying idols Krishna, Balram and Subhadra. It is very similar to Jagannath Puri's Yath Yatra. The procession starts in the morning from the Jagdish Mandir situated in the Jamalpur area of the city. The chariots of Krishna, Balram and Subhadra, adorned with garlands, are taken around the city amidst much pomp and show.

Tarnetar Fair
The Tarnetar fair is held every year on the 4th, 5th and 6th of the Shukla Paksha (Aug-Sept) at the Trinteshwar (Three-eyed god) Temple of Lord Shiva near Surendranagar. In this unique festival the practice of Swayamvar still persists. Ahmedabad peoples assume that if the girl stops to talk to one of the men, it is a sign that she has found the man of her choice.

Uttarayan in Amedabad
"Kaapyo Chhey" - This is what you could hear on !4th January, in the festival of Makar Sankranti or festival of kites or "Utarayan". The festival marks the end of winter and return of the sun to northern hemisphere and hence is named "Uttar ayan". On this particular day everybody in Ahmedabad start the day through kite flying and continues in the night by driving lamps (Tukkal) attached to kites in the sky. The sky remains through out the day, dotted with colourful kites.

Navratri in Amedabad
Navratri or the festival of nine nights is devoted to Goddess Shakti. The festival also has the famous folk dance of Gujarat "Garba". The festival continues for nine nights, everybody takes part into it with same emphasis.

Each night starts with ceremonial "Aarti" and is followed by Garba till late mid-night. The Garba dance is carried out around the statue of Goddess Shakti. Garba is also played with Dandiyas in hand. During these nights, city is been beautifuly decorated and nights become short.

Saptak Music Festival
Saptak Music Festival is festival of Indian classical music usually held in the first week of January in Ahmedabad every year. The festival is spread over eleven days and is conducted by a public charitable trust, which runs the Saptak School of Music. The festival was started in 1980 and was inaugurated by legendary Sitar player Ravi Shankar.

Leading vocalists and instrumentalists of the country participate in the festival. The highlights of the festival are its instrument and dance ensembles, Tala Vadya Kacheri, Rajasthani and Punjabi folk music. Saptak has also initiated a campaign to keep alive the fading traditions of vocal music like Thumri and Dhrupad, and instruments like Sarangi and Pakhawaj by inviting the older generation of artists specializing in these fields. The event provides an opportunity to upcoming musicians to perform in front of a large appreciative audience.