Gangaur is a festival that is widely celebrated in Rajasthan. This 18-day celebration is also observed in some parts of UP and Gujarat.
It starts on Chaitra Teej just after Holi (the third day of Vikram Samvat month, Chaitra) and continues for the next 18 days.
What is Gangaur Festival?
It is a festival to celebrate Goddess Gauri, wife of Lord Shiva. It is considered the celebration of marital fidelity, spring, and childbearing.
Gana is used for Lord Shiva, and Gauri is used for Parvati. Gangaur is used for happy married life and the long life of the husband.
Gangaur Festival in Rajasthan
This festival starts from the day next to Holi and continues till the next 16 days for married women and 18 days for unmarried women.
If you are wondering when is Gangaur festival in Rajasthan is this year, here is the answer. It is observed from the first day of the Chaitra month to the next 18 days.
People from Rajasthan migrated all over India, and hence it is celebrated across many states, including West Bengal.
Gangaur 2022 Date
- Start date: 18 March, Friday
- End date: 4 April, Monday
Rituals in Gangaur Festival
Gauri is the symbol of marital bliss, and this is the reason married women celebrate this festival. They believe that the Gauri will bring love, prosperity, and long life to their husbands.
The unmarried girls celebrate this festival to get a good husband in the future. They eat one meal a day and perform fast for 16 days to please Parvati. According to rituals, girls will be blessed with a good and caring husband if they perform this fasting.
1. Paintings
Isar (Lord Shiva) and Gauri (Parvati) paintings are made during the celebrations. The idols of Teej have a canopy, and the Gangaur idol has no canopy.
2. Mehandi
The ladies draw designs with Mehandi on their hands and feet. They paint and create designs on the pots as well. They keep the pots for ten days, and then they break them by throwing them into a tank, pond, or well.
3. Gangaur Pooja
You can see the Gangaur Pooja in multiple cities of the state. Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur are big names in the Gangaur celebration.
Gangaur Pooja is done with the idols of Isar and Gauri. The mythological story is the major part of the process.
4. Gangaur Katha
The women perform the Puja with Gangaur Katha (story). It is an ancient mythological story that is based on Parvati and her Suhaag.
5. Gauri Departure
Gauri is made ready for departure, and the married women and unmarried girls sink the pots in water and bid farewell to Gauri. This tableau is done with folk songs of departure by women.
Interesting Facts About Gangaur in Rajasthan
- Gangaur of Jaipur is famous all around the globe. The sweet dish called Ghevar is distributed in Jaipur during the tableau.
- Gangaur in Udaipur is very special as they named a Ghat after it. Gangaur Ghat is situated on the waterfront of Pichola Lake.
- Gangaur is Barmer and Jaisalmer is also popular as the idols of only Gauri are involved in the celebrations. Idols of Lord Isar are not involved, and the Gangaur is called Gawar. There are also mythological stories behind these celebrations.
Enjoy Gangaur with Royal Rajasthan
Women have always been appreciated in Rajasthan culture, and Gangaur is the best example of it. You can witness this amazing festival in Rajasthan near Holi.
You can book the best cab service in Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer to enjoy the Gangaur Pooja and other rituals. We provide one-way and two-way trips to your city with the best services.
Leave a Reply