Rajasthan Tour Package

Gangaur Festival

The Gangaur Festival is one of the most vibrant and colorful festivals celebrated in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, and other parts of the state. It is dedicated to Gauri, the Hindu goddess of marital bliss and fertility, and is primarily observed by married and unmarried women to seek her blessings for a happy married life and the well-being of their husbands. The festival takes place in the month of Chaitra (March-April), following the festival of Holi, and lasts for around 18 days. It culminates on the day of Chaitra Shukla Purnima (full moon day), which is considered the main day of celebration.

The festivities of Gangaur begin with the arrival of spring and involve various rituals and ceremonies. Women dress in traditional attire, usually in colorful Rajasthani sarees or lehengas, and adorn themselves with jewelry and mehndi (henna). They carry beautifully decorated clay pots (known as Gangaur) on their heads, containing idols of Gauri and Isar (Lord Shiva), and proceed in procession through the streets, singing folk songs and chanting hymns in praise of the deities.

During the festival, women observe strict fasts (known as vrat) and offer prayers to Gauri for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. They also create intricate designs (known as rangoli) outside their homes using colored powders, flowers, and grains as a form of decoration and to welcome the goddess into their households. One of the highlights of the Gangaur Festival in Jaipur is the procession known as the Gangaur Teej, which features elaborately decorated elephants, horses, camels, and palanquins carrying the idols of Gauri and Isar. The procession winds its way through the streets of Jaipur, accompanied by music, dance, and enthusiastic crowds of spectators.

The Gangaur Festival also includes various cultural events, folk performances, and exhibitions showcasing Rajasthani art, music, and handicrafts. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and immerse themselves in the festive spirit of Gangaur. Overall, the Gangaur Festival is a joyous celebration of love, devotion, and marital happiness, and is an integral part of Jaipur's cultural identity, attracting tourists and locals alike with its vibrant colors, traditional rituals, and festive fervor.

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