Dhordo: A Global Icon of Gujarat’s Border Tourism

New Delhi, January 26, 2024
On the momentous occasion of the 75th Republic Day, January 26, 2024, the tableau “Dhordo: A Global Icon of Gujarat’s Border Tourism” took centre stage in the National Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. A grand performance marked the inaugural Republic Day of Amrit Kaal.
Dhordo, recently enshrined in UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village, symbolizes strength and the vision of a ‘Developed India,’ promoting border tourism within the state and the nation. The kaleidoscopic tableau, adorned with exquisite artifacts, mesmerized the audience along ‘Kartavya Path.’
Nestled in the arid expanse of Kutch, the border village of Dhordo, resilient against adversities, stands as a premier tourism destination, showcasing ecological, geographical, and natural wonders.
Included in the UNWTO: Best Tourism Village list for its harmonious blend of Tradition, Tourism, and Technology, Dhordo authentically embodies the concept of “Developed India.” The tableau featured Kutch’s iconic ‘Bhunga’ houses, the vibrancy of Ranotsav, the allure of Tent City, and an array of handlooms, complemented by demonstrations of the digital revolution.
Further enhancing the pride, UNESCO recently bestowed recognition upon Gujarat’s Garba, incorporating it into the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage-ICH,’ thereby elevating the overall presentation.
The Republic Day event were graced by Her Excellency the President of the country, Mrs. Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest. In attendance were senior ministers of the Union Cabinet, chiefs of the three wings of the army, and numerous distinguished guests from various states. The Republic Day parade featured a total of 25 tableaus, including 09 representing 16 states and union territories, as well as various departments of the central government.
The creation of this remarkable tableau, presented by the Information Department of the Government of Gujarat, saw invaluable contributions from Mrs. Avantika Singh Aulakh, Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, Government of Gujarat, Shri Dheeraj Parekh, Director of Information, Shri Arvind Patel, Additional Director, Shri Pankajbhai Modi and Dr.Sanjay Kachot, Deputy Director of Information. Siddheshwar Kanuga of Smart Graph Art Advertising Pvt Ltd was the artistic mind behind this splendid overview.