Gangaur Festival

One of the most rejoiced festivals in Rajasthan, Gangaur is widely celebrated in Jaipur. Celebrated for eighteen days; starting from the first day of Chaitra month of Hindu Calendar, Gangaur is observed in the honour of Goddess Parvati who is considered as an idol of strength, marital love, devotion, courage, and excellence.

Usually celebrated between March and April months, it is a festival for the women, who fasts throughout the festival and eat only once in a day. During this period, women make clay idols of Gauri and Isar and adorn them in the most stunning ways. However, among the Rajput families, women make wooden idols without using any canopies. While the married women observe Gangaur for the well-being of their husbands, unmarried girls above 18 years, also perform these rituals and seek for an eternal life-partner.

The ambience turns livelier with the women wearingtheir traditional and colourful saris, applying henna on their hands and carrying illuminated earthen pots on their heads. Singing the songs of Gangaur is also an important part of this holy festival; women also receive gifts from the elder members of the family.

On the last day of Gangaur Festival, women break the pots and toss them into tanks or wells along with immersing the clay idols. They also participate in a procession that starts from the City Palace complex and ends near Talkatora. Participation of the giant mammoths, palanquins, bullock carts, royal chariots, and folk performances make Gangaur a must to enjoy festival in Rajasthan.

• Celebrated Across: Jaipur
• Celebration Month: Chaitra Month of Hindu Calendar (March to April)
• Last Celebrated On: 09^thto 26^thApril, 2016
• Next Celebration On: 30^th March to 16^th April, 2017