One of the most pompous festival of Rajathan is the Gangaur festival. Predominantly celebrated by the women folk of the state, Gangaur festival is dedicated to goddess Gauri , the consort of Lord Shiva. It is a festival that celebrates the sacred institution of marriage and the holy communion of a man and a woman. On the occasion, the married women worship goddess Gauri for the prosperity and well being of their husband. Even the unmarried women celebrate the festival and pray for husband with traits like that of Lord Shiva.
Places of festival
Gangaur is counted amongst the famous colorful fairs and festivals of Rajasthan. The festival can be enjoyed in its full fervor in the major cities of Rajasthan which are Jaipur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner. The tourist companies of the country offer varied tour packages to let you explore the destination at the time of festival.
Rituals and celebration
The festival commences on the first day of Hindu month of chaitra, the day following Holi and continues for sixteen days. For newly-wed it is mandatory to observe the festival for full 18 days for success of their married life.
On the occasion of Gangaur, the women folk dress up in traditional attires and decorate themselves with jewelry and flashy clothes. Before the festival they purchase the idols of Lord Shiva and his consort goddess Gauri and on the day of festival these idols are decorated and placed in a wicker basket filled with flowers and green grass. Another important element of the festival is wheat grass which is sown in small earthen pots.
For 18 days the women fast and pray to the goddess for the well being of their husband and married life. Some unmarried women also take up fasting to attain good husband in future but do take one meal in a day unlike the married one you do not eat at all during the fasting process. Elder family members bless them and offer gifts to them. Parents of married women send gifts, clothes, jewelry and other items to their daughter’s house as a blessing to their daughter.
Fairs are held, folklores are recited, women apply henna and women folk rejoice and enjoy amidst the festivities during the period.
On the last day a grand procession is conducted and idol of goddess Gauri is taken through the city. The entire population of pilgrims follows the procession along with local bands. Several tourists flock to the city to witness the procession and be a part of these joyous festivities.
Top activities to enjoy during the festival
