The festival is famous all over the Rajasthan, and is one of the most momentous festivals in Rajasthani tradition. The term ‘Gangaur’ is a compilation of two words, 'Gan' and 'Gauri' which means of 'Shiva' and his spouse 'Parvati'.

The festival is celebrated by women in Jaipur, and is unique and brilliant. This festival is mainly honoring the reunion of Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, after a long penance. The festival is commemorated on the fortnight following Holi and the celebration is carried on till sixteen days.

This festival is celebrated for a long period of eighteen days. Ladies observe a fast and pray during these days. Morning and evening prayers can easily be heard in each house.

The experience is one of a kind. The celebration is based on amalgamation of souls. There are two forms of celebrating and praying. The unmarried girls pray to find a suitable consort. And married women pray for marital bliss.

The effigy of Issar (Shiva) and Gauri (Parvati) are beautifully decorated. The effigies are then taken with a huge procession formed by women.

The procession is grand, and people from all over the world come to experience the grandeur of the festivity. The procession embraces numerous beautifully dressed ladies with decorative pots on their heads. Specially, women dress themselves like it’s their wedding day. They apply mehndi on their hands, and a lot of makeup, beautiful dresses, jewelry, etc.

The magnificence of the procession is the melodious music of bands- trumpets, drums, and perfectly adorned animals like horses, camels, and elephants. Chariots and palanquins add that extravagance to the procession. The procession escorts from Gangauri Bazaar and rest at Chaugan Stadium where the final rituals takes place.

GANGAUR FESTIVAL

Time of the year : March/April
Places to Visit : In and around Rajasthan
Duration : 18 days
About : Honor of deity Parvati (Wife of Lord Shiva)
Attraction : Procession