Festival - Dangs Darbar

Dangs Darbar is a yearly festival celebrated in the Dangs district, which is situated in the Saputara Hills of India. The region is inhabited by, the tribal people who have lived in the area since ages. Thus, Dangs Darbar is a tribal festival of Gujarat. The exact site of the festival is Ahwa, which is a small town in Dangs.

Dangs Darbar is celebrated a few days prior to Holi. It is a very special festival and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Hundreds of tribal people travel from all parts of the district to Ahwa to participate in the festival. They carry drums and shehnai and play those on their way to the town. They are dressed in brightly colored clothes.

I was lucky to witness the Dangs Darbar fair of Gujarat. I had the opportunity of seeing the interesting art and culture of the local tribes of the Dang area. Thousands of tourists visit Gujarat to attend Dangs Darbar every year from all over the world.

The fair owes its name to the “Darbar” or court that used to have the throne of the king and was filled with his courtesans. The Dang region still carries the essence of the British era.

Dangs Darbar displays a wide panorama of dances, folk arts and musical programs. It is the perfect place to experience the social and cultural life of the local tribes of Gujarat.

Thanks to Jaya and Ragini for sharing about Dangs Darbar with all of us. I have been lucky to witness Dangs Darbar on two consecutive years. On both occasions, it was a memorable and enriching experience.

Traveling to Ahwa in the month of March to experience the annual event of Dangs Darbar is worthwhile. Dangis flock to Ahwa, during the fair, to celebrate this colorful fair of songs and dances.

Women flaunt traditional dresses and wear heavy silver jewellery. Fascinating dances, dramas and songs symbolizing animals or birds are performed.

One gets to buy ethnic items from merchandisers who come from all over Gujarat.