Gujarat Dy CM Inaugurates Saputara Monsoon Festival 2026, Boosting Tribal Tourism Economy

Gujarat Dy CM inaugurates 'Saputara Monsoon Festival 2026', highlights tourism's role in local economy

Dang, Aug 8

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the festival in Saputara on Saturday.

The festival features a range of programmes, including an 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'-themed parade, cultural and musical performances, craft and tribal art workshops, nature trails, outdoor adventure activities, local cuisine, rain dance, selfie points and other family-oriented entertainment and experiential programmes.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Sanghavi said Saputara was more than a hill station and represented the cultural and natural identity of the Dang district.

"Saputara is not only Gujarat's only hill station, but also a symbol of Dang's rich tribal culture, natural diversity and lush green identity," he said, adding that the area's natural beauty becomes particularly prominent during the monsoon and attracts visitors from across the country.

Sanghavi said tourism was being treated as an important component of the state's development strategy under the vision of 'Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat' and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision.

He said tourism was not merely about travel and leisure but also helped strengthen local economies and create employment and self-employment opportunities.

"Tourists visiting Saputara directly benefit the hotel industry, taxi drivers, local guides, women's self-help groups, artisans, farmers and small traders," he said.

He added that the festival provided a platform for local artists, folk singers, dancers and artisans to showcase their work.

According to the state government, around 2.61 lakh tourists visited Saputara during the 2025 Monsoon Festival, while more than 1.43 lakh visitors used boating facilities.

Around 290 stalls selling local handicrafts and traditional products generated approximately Rs 1.57 crore in revenue, providing economic benefits to local traders and artisans.

Sanghavi said the Gujarat government was working to develop Saputara as a world-class monsoon and eco-tourism destination.

"Tourism-related infrastructure, public amenities, beautification works, wayfinding signage and experience-based facilities are being developed," he said.

Sanghavi also referred to ongoing efforts to strengthen basic facilities such as education, healthcare, roads, water supply and electricity in Dang's tribal areas.

Minister of State for Tourism, Jayram Gamit, said the Saputara Monsoon Festival, launched in 2009 under the guidance of the then Chief Minister and now Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had developed into a platform for promoting Dang's tribal culture, folk arts and handicrafts to audiences in India and abroad.

"The festival is generating employment and income opportunities for local artists, women, the hotel industry, transport operators and small traders. Approximately 14.67 lakh tourists visited Saputara during 2025, reflecting the destination's growing visitor numbers," he said.

He further added, "Under the state's 'Gujarat Tourism Year', an allocation of Rs 3,090 crore has been made for tourism, pilgrimage destinations and the civil aviation sector."

He appealed to visitors to travel to Saputara with their families and experience its monsoon greenery, tribal culture and the programmes organised as part of the festival.

Following the inauguration, a cultural programme featured artists from 13 states performing a dance presentation based on National Award-winning choreography. Local performers also presented traditional Dangi dances.

The festival, which runs until August 29, will feature programmes and activities centred on Saputara's natural landscape, tribal heritage, folk traditions and adventure tourism.

— IANS