Jal Utsav

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. 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.

Overview
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.

Background and objectives
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.

Main features
The festival includes:


 * Water sports and activities
 * Cultural evenings with music and dance performances
 * Educational workshops on water conservation
 * amusements in carnivals

Conservation Impact
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.

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.

Significance and impact
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.