Surat: Saputara, Gujarat’s only hill station, today witnessed the grand inauguration of the “Saputara Monsoon Festival 2026,” positioned as a confluence of nature and culture. The festival was formally opened by Gujarat deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi and will run until Aug 29. The multi-week celebration is designed to offer tourists a distinctive monsoon experience through a blend of natural attractions, cultural showcases, adventure activities, folk arts, local cuisine, and guided nature trails.The major attractions of the inaugural event included an “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” theme-based parade, cultural and musical performances, while during the fest, craft and tribal art workshops, curated nature trails, and a range of outdoor adventure activities will be held. Visitors can also expect local food offerings, rain dance events, selfie points, and other family-oriented, experience-based activities aimed at engaging all age groups.Following the inauguration ceremony, a large cultural event was held featuring a national award-winning choreography-based dance presentation by 110 artists representing 13 states. Local performers added a strong regional flavour with a traditional Dangi dance performance that drew enthusiastic responses from attendees.The state tourism corporation also highlighted ongoing and completed tourism infrastructure initiatives in Saputara. At the hill station’s Sunset Point, tourism facilities have been developed at a cost of Rs 9.85 crore, and the project has been opened to visitors. The upgraded site has quickly emerged as a key attraction, with improvements including Sunset Point development works, a food court and administrative block, parking, basic visitor facilities, landscaping, a sun-dial installation, and broader site development.In addition, redevelopment work at the existing Sunrise Point has been completed at a cost of Rs 4.40 crore, and the site has also been opened to tourists. The upgrades include basic facilities, a food court, a nursery, landscaping, electrification, and site development.Officials further stated that a major project currently in progress is the construction of a new auditorium in Saputara at an estimated cost of Rs 21.36 crore. Planned facilities include a 500-seat auditorium, parking and an event lawn, cafeteria, seminar hall and multipurpose hall, stage and green room, kitchen and utility block, interior and furniture works, site development, and electrification. The project is expected to support destination events, corporate meetings, conferences, and related activities, while also creating local employment opportunities and generating additional govt revenue.
