|
 Gangaur is one of the most important
local festival in Rajasthan. In some form or the other it is
celebrated all over Rajasthan. “gan” is a synonym for Lord
Shiva and
“gauri” or “gaur” stands for goddess parvati, the heavenly consort
of lord Shiva. Gangaur celebrates the union of the two and is a
symbol of conjugal and marital happiness.
Gangaur is celebrated in the month of chaitra (March-April), the
first month of the Hindu calendar. This month marks the end of
winter and the onset of spring.
This festival is celebrated especially by women, who worship clay
idols of “Gan” & “Gauri” in their houses. These idols are worshiped
by unmarried girls who seek the blessings of Gan and Gauri for a
good husband, while the married women pray for the good health and
long life of their husbands.
 This worship which starts form the
first day of the chaitra month culminates on the 18th day into
Gangaur festival with a great religious fervor. On the eve of
Gangaur festival women decorate their polms and fingers with henna.
The idols of Gan and Gauri are immersed in pond or in a near by lake
on the last day of the festival.
A traditional procession of Gangaur commerces form the Zanani-
Deodhi of the City Palace, passing through Tripolia Bazair, Chhoti
Chaupar, Gangauri Bazar, Chaugan stadium and finally converges near
the Talkatora. The procession is headed by a colorful pageantry of
elephants, old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts and performance
folk artists. |
