Global Gujarati Awards 2026
Global Gujarati Awards 2026 Sets New Cultural Benchmarks Starting From Rann Of Kutch
Synopsis Of The Article
- Global Gujarati Awards launched on 9 February 2026 to promote Gujarati culture worldwide.
- Organised by AR9 Holidays Pvt. Ltd. with events on 7–8 March 2026.
- The venue selected is Kutch Yatra Resort at Dhorado, near the White Rann of Kutch.
- Cultural Night on 7 March and Awards Night on 8 March.
- Over 40 award categories covering art, culture, film, music, and digital creators.
- An independent jury system to ensure fairness and credibility.
- The event aims to position Kutch as a global cultural destination.
- Strong community support from the local people of Kutch.
- Aligns with the broader vision of Incredible India.
- Designed to connect global Gujarati communities with their cultural roots.
The first edition of the Global Gujarati Awards was officially launched on 9 February 2026 with a clear aim to take Gujarati art, culture, and creative talent to a global stage. Over the last few years, Gujarat has seen a strong rise in cultural showcases that celebrate regional identity beyond state and national borders. Gujarati communities settled across the UK, USA, Africa, Australia, and the Middle East actively follow cultural events through digital platforms, making such initiatives timely and relevant. Cultural experts have often noted that awards dedicated to regional talent help preserve language, art forms, and creative traditions while also encouraging younger generations to stay connected to their roots.
The awards are being organised by AR9 Holidays Pvt. Ltd., with two major events planned at the iconic Kutch Yatra Resort in Dhorado, located near the White Rann of Kutch. The choice of location adds strong cultural and symbolic value. The White Rann has become internationally recognised through tourism campaigns, travel documentaries, and global photography features. Hosting a global cultural event in this region highlights Kutch not only as a tourist destination but also as a cultural centre capable of hosting large-scale international programmes.
The event will feature a Cultural Night on 7 March and a grand Awards Night on 8 March. Cultural nights have increasingly become an important format in Indian events, blending folk traditions with contemporary performances. Such evenings usually include music, dance, storytelling, and visual art that represent both heritage and modern creativity. This approach has been widely appreciated on social media platforms, where audiences prefer experiences that feel rooted yet fresh.
Mr Arvind Rupaliya, Director of AR9 Holidays Pvt. Ltd. and Founder of Kutch Yatra Resort, spoke about the significance of the initiative. His statement reflects a growing belief among tourism and culture professionals that destinations gain long-term value when culture is placed at the centre of development. Studies in cultural tourism have shown that events celebrating local identity help regions gain global recognition while also benefiting local artists, artisans, and service providers.
The awards are being guided and managed by Mr Hetal Thakkar, Mr Jigar Chauhan, and Mr Vivek Thakkar. Industry observers often stress that strong leadership and clear vision are key to the success of any cultural platform. By positioning the Global Gujarati Awards as more than a trophy-based event, the organisers aim to create a shared space for Gujarati pride and global representation. Similar award platforms in other regions have shown that long-term consistency and credibility are what help such initiatives grow into respected brands.
Under the Global Gujarati Awards, individuals will be honoured across more than 40 categories covering art, culture, creators, film, and music. The rapid growth of digital creators, regional cinema, and independent music has made such recognition more important than ever. Many Gujarati artists today gain large followings online but lack formal platforms that acknowledge their work at a global level. Awards judged by an independent and autonomous jury also play a vital role in maintaining trust and transparency, something audiences increasingly expect.
In his special address, Mr Arvind Rupaliya highlighted that the initiative is a matter of pride for Kutch. His remarks align with a wider national trend where regional cultural centres are gaining prominence alongside major cities. Cultural analysts note that decentralising major events helps bring visibility to lesser-known regions while keeping cultural expressions authentic and community-driven.
The organiser, Mrs Mital Patel, shared that the people of Kutch are eagerly awaiting the event. Community enthusiasm is often a strong indicator of an event’s potential success. Local participation not only creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests but also ensures that cultural representation remains genuine rather than performative.
The organisers also expressed hope that the Global Gujarati Awards will support the vision of Narendra Modi’s Incredible India initiative. Cultural showcases have long been recognised as an important pillar of India’s global image. By highlighting regional excellence, such events add depth and diversity to the national narrative.
The core objective of the Global Gujarati Awards is to connect Gujarati talent in art, culture, cinema, music, and digital creation with the global Gujarati community. As migration and digital media continue to reshape cultural exchange, platforms like this help bridge tradition with modern global expression. The official journey of the Global Gujarati Awards has now begun, with expectations that it will grow into a respected global brand celebrating Gujarati pride for years to come.
