Femina Miss India Queens Shine at Rann Utsav

The vast, shimmering white expanse of the Rann of Kutch recently welcomed two radiant faces of Indian beauty and grace: Shreya Poonja, Femina Miss India 2023 1st Runner-Up, and Rekha Panday, Femina Miss India 2024 1st Runner-Up. Their visit to the iconic Rann Utsav brought together glamour, cultural immersion, and a powerful message of responsible travel in one of India’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Set amid the endless salt flats that stretch toward the horizon, the journey captured the essence of Gujarat’s evolving tourism story—one that balances awe-inspiring natural beauty with thoughtful preservation. The duo’s adventure began away from the festival crowds, on quiet desert roads less traveled by most visitors. Riding through open stretches under dramatic skies, they experienced the raw serenity of the terrain, where silence and scale create a profound sense of freedom.

Shreya Poonja reflected on the ride with genuine wonder: “I biked through some of the lesser-known desert routes in Kutch, and it honestly felt like the road through heaven. There’s so much openness and calm around you that it allows you to slow down and really take in the landscape. Anyone travelling this route would feel that same sense of freedom and stillness.”

This off-the-beaten-path exploration highlighted Kutch’s rising popularity as a destination for immersive, slow-travel experiences, particularly appealing to those who prefer biking journeys that encourage mindfulness over rushed sightseeing.

The trip gained deeper historical resonance with a stop at Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its extraordinary contributions to ancient urban planning. As one of the largest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilisation, Dholavira showcases sophisticated water harvesting systems, reservoirs, and drainage networks—remarkable examples of sustainable engineering from thousands of years ago. The visit served as a quiet reminder of India’s long-standing legacy of ecological innovation and harmony with nature.

The heart of the experience unfolded at Dhordo, the vibrant hub of Rann Utsav and a village honored as a UNWTO Best Tourism Village in 2023. This recognition celebrates destinations that successfully integrate heritage protection, community empowerment, and eco-conscious practices. At the festival, the stark white desert comes alive with color: traditional Kutchi music and dance performances, intricate handicrafts on display, and authentic regional cuisine draw visitors into a living celebration of local culture.

What sets Rann Utsav apart is its commitment to sustainability. The Tent City functions as a no-plastic zone, backed by efficient waste management and environmentally sensitive operations. These measures ensure that large-scale tourism enhances rather than harms the fragile desert ecosystem.

Rekha Panday captured the thoughtful spirit of the event: “I experienced the festival knowing that every aspect of it has been planned consciously. From the no-plastic zones to the way waste is managed, it makes you feel that celebration and responsibility can go hand in hand — something visitors genuinely appreciate today.”

Beyond the main festival site, the cultural richness of Kutch shines through in artisan communities like Gandhi Nu Gam. Here, time-honored crafts—Ajrakh block printing, detailed Kutchi embroidery, and the unique Rogan art—continue to thrive, preserving stories of resilience and generational skill. Supporting these villages allows travelers to connect directly with living traditions that define the region’s identity.

As night falls, the Rann takes on a magical quality. Moonlight bathes the salt plains in silver, while folk tunes float through the cool air, blending ancient rhythms with contemporary appreciation for mindful travel. Gujarat’s ability to host an internationally admired festival while prioritizing environmental care positions the state as a forward-thinking leader in responsible tourism.

Through this elegant yet grounded visit, Shreya and Rekha illustrated how beauty pageantry can intersect meaningfully with cultural promotion and sustainability. The White Rann stands not only as a visual marvel but as an inspiring example of tourism that uplifts communities, honors heritage, and safeguards the environment for future generations. In this luminous desert, timeless elegance finds its truest reflection.