Jal Utsav | |
---|---|
Genre | Cultural festival focusing on water conservation |
Dates | November 15-25, annually |
Venue | Het Ni Haveli, Dudhala |
Location(s) | Dudhala, Amreli district, Gujarat, India |
Coordinates | 21°41′N71°22′E / 21.68°N 71.36°E |
Country | India |
Inaugurated | 2023 |
Founders | Dholakia Foundation & Government of Gujarat |
Attendance | 125,000 |
Website | Official Jal Utsav Website |
Jal Utsav is an annual cultural and environmental festival held at Het Ni Haveli, Dudhala, Amreli district, Gujarat, India, focusing on water conservation and sustainable practices. It is India's first carbon-neutral festival. [1] The festival is a collaboration between the Government of Gujarat and the Dholakia Foundation, aiming to promote environmental awareness and celebrate the region's cultural heritage. [2] [3] [4]
Initiated in 2023, Jal Utsav was inaugurated by the Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, and the Chief minister, Bhupendrabhai Patel. The festival is held at Het Ni Haveli, a significant location near Dudhala. [5] [6]
Jal Utsav was first held from November 15 to 25, 2023, with the aim of raising awareness about water conservation. The festival offers a variety of activities designed to educate and engage visitors in a festive atmosphere, emphasizing sustainable practices. [7] [8]
The festival includes:
Jal Utsav has made significant contributions to environmental conservation through its water conservation and ecosystem restoration initiatives. The festival has facilitated the development of over 140 lakes in Gujarat, collectively storing more than 15 billion liters of water to alleviate regional water scarcity. The United Nations has recognized the Dholakia Foundation's contribution to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. [1] [9]
Additionally, 'Amrit Van,' a botanical garden created as part of the festival, features over 26,000 plantations of 70 different species, serving educational and ecological purposes. [10]
The festival attracts over 125,000 visitors annually, highlighting its role in promoting environmental awareness and community engagement in sustainability efforts. Jal Utsav also serves as a model for water conservation initiatives in India. [11] [2]
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