Tourist Footfall in Kutch Drops by 35% This Diwali, Businesses Hope for Christmas Revival

Bhuj,Kutch | Gujarat —  Every year, the Diwali vacation brings a festive windfall for Kutch — from hotels and resorts to lorry operators, shopkeepers, and artisans. The region, known for its white desert and cultural charm, usually enjoys a “double Diwali” with tourists pouring in from across India. However, this year’s scenario has been starkly different.

According to local tourism operators, Kutch recorded nearly 30 to 35 percent fewer tourists this Diwali season compared to previous years. The impact was visible across Bhuj, Mandvi, and the surrounding tourist hubs, leaving many in the hospitality and handicraft sectors disappointed.

“This year, we saw about 30–35% less tourism than usual,” said Anshul Vacchharajani, manager of a leading Bhuj-based tours and travels firm. “Typically, Kutch hotels and resorts display ‘housefull’ signs during Diwali. But this year, only about 50–60% of rooms were booked, and nearly 30% remained vacant.”

He attributed the decline to weather-related fears and the delayed start of the Rann Utsav, which traditionally serves as a major tourist draw for both domestic and international travelers. The annual Rann Utsav, a celebration of Gujarat’s culture held in the salt desert of Kutch, has been postponed this year due to flooding in the white desert.

“Many tourists prefer visiting Kutch when the Rann Utsav is in full swing. Since it hasn’t begun yet, 30–40% of tourists have postponed their trips,” Vacchharajani added. “The administration is working to prepare the Rann as the floodwaters dry up, and we expect the desert to be even more picturesque this time — blooming with sixteen colors as the water recedes.”

During Diwali and New Year’s Day, major pilgrimage sites such as Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar, and Jain temples witnessed good footfall, but popular attractions like Pragmahal, Kutch Museum, and Smritivan saw noticeably fewer visitors than in previous years.

The lull in tourism was also reflected in international travel trends. Usually, a significant number of tourists from Kutch travel abroad during the festive season to destinations like Dubai, Singapore, and Vietnam. However, this year, that number also dropped sharply due to geopolitical tensions and safety concerns related to air travel.

Despite the current slowdown, local businesses remain optimistic. Hoteliers, tour operators, and artisans now look forward to the Christmas vacation, a period that traditionally brings another wave of visitors when the Rann Utsav reaches its peak.

“Christmas and New Year have always been rewarding for Kutch tourism,” said a hotel owner in Bhuj. “We expect full occupancy then. This Diwali might have been slow, but we’re hopeful that the upcoming festive season will make up for it.”