Indulge in the Mesmerizing Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025 Edition

Saputara Monsoon Festival Parade or Megh Malhar Parva 2025

Schedule of Saputara Monsoon Festival (Megh Malhar Parva ) 2025 at Saputara, Gujarat
July 26, 2025 to August 17, 2025

Let us look at this year’s schedule of events at the Monsoon Festival, before reading about our experience afrom the past.

Bouquet of cultural events at Saputara Megh Malhar Parva 2025 (Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025)

As per Gujarat Tourism, the following activities are expected at this year’s Saputara Monsoon Festival or Megh Malhar Parva 2025.

🌧️ Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025: Folk Carnival Parade to Celebrate India’s Cultural Diversity

On July 26 at 9:00 AM, Gujarat’s scenic hill station Saputara will host the grand opening of the Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025, featuring a vibrant Folk Carnival Parade under the theme “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”. This cultural extravaganza will spotlight on over 300 folk artists from 13 Indian states, showcasing traditional dances, tribal heritage, and immersive monsoon experiences.

🎭 Folk Dances from Across India
Visitors can witness iconic performances such as:

• Lavani and Dhangari Gaja (Maharashtra)
• Bhangra (Punjab)
• Kalbeliya (Rajasthan)
• Chhau (West Bengal)
• Bihu (Assam)
• Badhai (Madhya Pradesh)
• Gussadi (Telangana)
• Poojakunitha (Karnataka)
• Nati (Himachal Pradesh)
• Dhamal (Haryana)

🕺 Gujarat’s Folk Showcase
The host state will present a rich tapestry of regional dances including Dangi Nritya, Chhatri Hudo, Rathwa dance, Siddi Dhamal, Talvar Raas, Dobru-Kircha, Garba, 52 Beda, Dangi-Kahadiya, and Mewasi dance—each reflecting Gujarat’s deep-rooted tribal and folk traditions.

🎨 Carnival Props & Visual Spectacle
The parade will feature folk carnival props such as:

• Jumping Kawadi & Giant Puppets
• Ladakhi Masks & Snow Lion from Leh
• Decorative Wings & Face Masks
• Lok Mela tableau representing India’s festive spirit

🌿 Weekend Activities at Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025: Tribal Art, Family Fun & Rainy Day Adventures

The Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025 offers a curated lineup of weekend activities designed to immerse visitors in tribal culture, creative workshops, and family-friendly entertainment. Spanning three themed weekends, each experience is tailored to highlight the monsoon charm of Gujarat’s only hill station.

🗓️ Week 1: Tribal Traditions & Artistic Expression
Ideal for culture lovers and art enthusiasts:

• Tribal Food Festival featuring indigenous flavors and rain-season delicacies
• Tattoo Workshop inspired by tribal motifs
• Art & Craft Stalls showcasing handmade souvenirs
• Tribal Costume Photoshoot for Instagram-worthy moments
• Vintage Games Zone with nostalgic Indian classics
• Folk Fusion Concert blending traditional rhythms with modern beats
• Warli Painting Workshop led by local artisans

🚴 Week 2: Nature, Music & Lakeside Vibes
Perfect for adventure seekers and storytellers:

• Sunday Cycling in the Western Ghats
• Bamboo & Craft Workshop with eco-friendly DIYs
• Vintage Game Arena for playful throwbacks
• Raphe Making Workshop (tribal weaving techniques)
• Puppet Show with folk narratives
• Evening Live Music Band under misty skies
• Lake-side Storytelling Sessions with tribal elders

🍃 Week 3: Family Fun & Monsoon Markets
A treat for kids and weekend wanderers:

• Farmers’ Market with organic produce from Dang district
• Face Painting & Balloon Twisting for kids
• DIY Umbrella Painting—a monsoon keepsake
• Interactive Kids’ Games Zone
• Magic Show to wrap up the weekend with wonder

🌧️ Main Attractions at Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025: Cultural Carnival, Rain Run & Scenic Escapes

The Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025 opens with a spectacular Cultural Carnival themed “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, celebrating India’s unity in diversity through vibrant folk performances and symbolic artistry. The inaugural day cultural program will transform Saputara Hill Station into a living canvas of tribal traditions and festive energy.

🏃‍♂️ On 15th August, visitors can participate in the adrenaline-pumping Rain Run Marathon in Saputara, a scenic monsoon race through misty hills and lush trails—perfect for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking a unique Independence Day experience.

💃 Throughout the festival, enjoy local folk dance performances at iconic Saputara viewpoints like Sunset Point, Main Circle, and Governor Hill, where the rhythms of Dangi, Garba, and tribal dances echo against the backdrop of the Western Ghats.

🎶 Renowned artists will perform every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and on public holidays, while local performers take the stage on weekdays, offering a rich blend of national talent and grassroots artistry.

📸 Selfie Points with monsoon-themed decor will be set up across Saputara, inviting visitors to capture memories amid rain-drenched landscapes, colorful props, and artistic installations.

🌼 On Janmashtami, the festival reaches a joyful crescendo with a Dahi Handi competition, drawing crowds for this high-energy celebration of Krishna’s playful spirit.

🌄 Beyond the festival grounds, explore top monsoon destinations near Saputara, including the scenic Don Hill Station, Gira and Girmal Waterfalls, and the lush Waghai Botanical Garden—ideal for travelers searching for rainy season getaways in Gujarat’s Western Ghats.

Our Experience

We were right in the middle of the festival parade, walking with a contingent of drummers. Our feet involuntarily started to move to the electrifying beat. The drummers were now performing some acrobatic feats synchronized to the rhythm. The mists had just cleared leaving behind cool refreshing atmosphere. There were contingents of Garba Dancers and Tribal dancers. It was heart-warming to see school children participating with parade along with a contingent of foreign students studying in Gujarat.  All this was part of Saputara Monsoon Festival

It was magical and we could not believe that it was only the evening before we had reached Saputara where the monsoon clouds had darkened the sky. The town itself wore a festive look with colored lights along the main streets and the illuminated fountain in the main round-about. 

The mere mention of traveling to Gujarat sets our hearts racing and often conjures up images of folk dances, traditional festivals, colourful dresses, age-old places of worship, intricate jewellery, mouth-watering dishes and more recently, the tall Statue of Unity. 

When we visited Saputara in Dang District of Gujarat, we were pleasantly surprised that lush green mountains with their dense forests and gushing waterfalls, are other characteristics that ought to be added to the above list. Had we not experienced it, we would not have believed it. 

Added to it  was the icing on the cake in the form of monsoon season. Sahyadris in general is best enjoyed during the monsoons. This is when the brown, dry mountains give way to the pleasant green plants and trees. The rain water forms rivulets on the top of the hills and falls along the sides, giving rise to multiple waterfalls.

The cherry on the top is the Saputara Monsoon Festival, a cultural extravaganza lasting a whole month, brought to us by Gujarat Tourism. 

Saputara Monsoon Festival

The ninth edition of this festival was kick-started on the 10th August 2019, with a cultural parade, witnessed by the Tourism Minister, Mr Jawahar Chawda, MD of Gujarat Tourism, Mr Jenu Devan with the famous Bollywood actress, Bhagyashree and the District Collector Shri. N.K. Damor. The parade involved dancers, not only from Gujarat but also from other parts of India. There were folk and tribal dances including the mind-blowing drum dance.

We expect similar inauguration events at Megh Malhar Parva this year as well.

On the opening day dance troupe from a few states performed folk dances,  which were par excellence! 

Check out the various folks dances from other Indian states here.

The low dark clouds which descend to the street level once in a while, make it the ideal place to romance with the monsoon. 
The main street of the town transforms into a one big stage for the parades and market. 

In addition, various programmes are held in many locations. The most important one is at the big white dome, near the main fountain circle. The fountain itself attracts attention as it is beautifully lit with ever changing colored lights. 
The cultural programmes are carefully curated to bring the best of Dang region in one place. The daily program includes Patriotic songs, Terracotta exhibition in Artists Village, comedy show, live orchestra with the dome open for folk, freestyle or garba dancing, special events during religious festivals and so on. On certain days, music and songs will be played by a professional DJ , on popular requests and there are also Karaoke evenings!

There are also art and crafts display on the walls of the dome. The display of larger than life masks made of papier Mache, is not to be missed. For kids, there are magic shows, Aquarium, painting workshops, quiz programs, interactive games, fire eaters, mask wearing cartoon characters and people on stilt for those funny selfies. 

Other activities in the Megh Malhar Parva include exhibitions, adventure activities, food festival, interactive games, competitions, flash mobs and much more.
On the last days there will be special programs on monsoon, Antakshari  and a closing ceremony on 9th September 2019.

What else to do in and around Saputara?

Saputara being the only hill station, Gujarat offers a lot more for those who want to experience monsoon to the fullest.

Read this Complete Guide on Saputara, the hill station, Gujarat including activities, tickets, shopping etc.

The nature lovers may drive to the nearby viewpoints or drive out on the hilly roads,  criss-crossing the River Ambika, to nearby villages, nature parks, botanical gardens and several scenic waterfalls, which become more spectacular in the monsoon. There are also religious places like Shabari Dham and Pampa Sarovar where Shabari waited for Shri Ram, as per Ramayana.

Within Saputara there is a nice museum displaying tribal artifacts which is quite interesting and also an Artist Village, where a few artists and sculptors have made their home and also display their creations. There are also a few well-manicured gardens to relish when the weather is clear. 
Last but not the least, a walk around the Saputara lake in the morning is so invigorating and leaves one with the right mood to enjoy the day. There is also boating on the lake and ropeway in the hills, but these were closed for the monsoon. These are for another day! 

Click for a more detailed article on Things to do in Saputara a hill station in Gujarat.

Useful Information about Saputara Monsoon Festival

Where to Stay in Saputara?

There are many hotels in and near Saputara to suit every pocket. Toran chain of hotels run by Gujarat Tourism are well located. They have added to their group a dormitory hotel for youngsters providing clean place to stay the night.

For best accommodation in Saputara booking and offers click here

Tips, Tidbits and Snippets about Saputara Monsoon Festival

• Saputara Weather. It is monsoons in Gujarat, and the rains in Saputara are intermittent but heavy. So carry umbrellas and raincoats.
• We recommend an early start, if you are planning to travel from Mumbai by road.
• On weekends there are many more events for the visitors. While it may become crowded, but it is definitely worth visiting during weekends.

FAQ On Saputara Monsoon Festival

When is the Saputara Monsoon Festival or Megh Malhar Parva this year?

The festival is open to public from July 26, 2025 to August 17, 2027

How to reach Saputara?

Even during monsoon in Saputara, it is reasonably well connected by Air, road and rail.
The nearest airport is Surat and Saputara to Surata distance is 165 KM .
The nearest railway station is Nashik Road, about 85 KM. 
Mumbai is about 250 KM by road. Vadodara is 290 KM by road and from Ahmedabad  it is about 400KM. 

What is the venue for Saputara Monsoon Festival

There are multiple parallel events held Near and around the Lake Area of Saputara Gujarat

Is the Saputara Monsoon Festival suitable for families with children?

Yes, the Saputara Monsoon Festival is a family-friendly event with activities and attractions suitable for all age groups. Children can enjoy cultural performances, participate in art and craft workshops, and indulge in local cuisine. The festival also offers a serene and picturesque environment for families to spend quality time together.

What are the charges for Saputara Monsoon Festival?

The entry to various evens are totally free. However you will incur transportation, stay and accommodation costs.

Where is Saputara?

Saputara is in Gujarat and is right on the border with Maharashtra on Sahayadri hills North of Maharashtra.

How many days are sufficient for Saputara?

If you are unhurried and wish to experience everything then 2 days for the festival and 2 days for sightseeing in and around Saputara is enough. Please contact us if you wants to draw up your itinerary.

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