Gangaur
is the colourful and the one of the most important festivals of people of
Rajasthan. This festival is dedicated to Lord Siva and his wife Parvati. “Gan”
resembles Lord Shiva and “Gaur” resembles Goddess Gauri. he festival commences
on the first day of hindu calender month “Chaitra“. Newly wed girls fast for 18
days which is considered the full process of the puja and have one meal at a
day. Many unmarried girls also keep the fast in belief of getting a good
husband in their life. Women put mehandi on their hands and feet and make
delicious sweets like ghevar and distribute it among their friends and
relatives. Ghevar, a sweet dish of Rajasthan is popularly shared with friends
and relatives.
Gangaur
is consider to be the best time of year to select a life partner. Men and women
from different places get the opportunity to meet and interact. Many pick there
partners and marry. Gangaur is celebrated all over Rajasthan at the end of
winter and the onset of spring most probably near holi. The Gangaur
grand celebrations take place in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner,
and Nathdwara. In Udaipur, Gangaur coincides with the Mewar Festival.
On the
final day of this festival, a procession with the image of Gauri, commences
from the Zanani-Deodhi of the city Palace. This procession then pass through
Tripolia Bazaar, Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan stadium and finally
converge near the Talkatora.
Though
celebrated throughout Rajasthan, the festival is a treat to watch in Jaipur and
Udaipur. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in Bikaner,
Jodhpur and Jaisalmer also. The procession to Pichola Lake is the spotlight of
the Gangaur
festival in Udaipur whereas the city of Jaipur wears a festive look all the
time. The shops, houses and streets are beautifully decorated during this
festival. The fair of 'lotias' is a distinctive feature of the Gangaur
celebrations in Jodhpur. In Nathdwara, the procession of Gangaur lasts 7
days. The Girasia tribe, who live in Sirohi-Mount Abu region, celebrate Gangaur
as a prolongation of festivities from Holi to Akshaya Tritiya - lasting for
more than a month. In Banswara, the procession is taken out from the Zenana
Deorhi to Singhvashi Chowk, both are areas within the palace compound. So, in
this way its celebrated differently in various parts of Rajasthan.
Holding
a special meaning to the Rajasthanis, this festivity is celebrated in honour of
Gauri, the goddess of abundance. Young girls embellished in their best clothes
pray for a spouse of their choice. The married ladies pray for the welfare and
long-life of their husbands. Singing and dancing is the main part of the
festival. Girls worship the goddess right through the fortnight.
The above mentioned are just a few
glimpses of the festivities which take place in the magnificent state of
Rajasthan. Rajasthan
Tourism ensures merriment and care for all the tourists who
participate in the fairs
and festivals. There are plenty of more festivals that you shall
discover when you plan your own Rajasthan Tours.
