Gangaur Festival 2024: Date, Time, Rituals, & Festival Significance

Gangaur is an important festival celebrated throughout Rajasthan in various forms. The term "Gan" refers to Lord Shiva while "Gauri" or "Gaur" represents Goddess Parvati, Shiva's heavenly consort. Gangaur is celebrated to commemorate their union and symbolizes happiness in marriage.

About Gangaur

The festival is observed during Chaitra (March-April), which is the first month of the Hindu calendar, marking the transition from winter to spring. 

Women play a significant role in the festival by worshiping clay idols of Gan and Gauri in their homes. Unmarried girls seek blessings from the deities for finding a good husband, whereas married women pray for their husband's good health and longevity.

Time of Gangaur

During the first day of the Chaitra month, a worship ceremony begins that culminates on the 18th day into the Gangaur festival, celebrated with great religious fervor. On the eve of the Gangaur festival, women decorate their palms and fingers with henna. 

The idols of Gana and Gauri are immersed in a pond or nearby lake on the last day of the festival. 

Gangaur in Jaipur

A traditional procession of Gangaur starts from the Zanani-Deodhi of the City Palace, passes through Tripolia Bazar, Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazar, Chaugan stadium, and finally converges near the Talkatora. 

The procession is led by a colorful pageantry of old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts, and performing folk artists.

Gangaur in Udaipur

Udaipur has a dedicated ghat named after Gangaur, called Gangaur Ghat or Gangori Ghat. It is located on the waterfront of Lake Pichola and serves as a prime location for the celebration of multiple festivals, including the Gangaur festival. 

Traditional processions of Gangaur commence from the City Palace and other places, passing through various areas of the city. The procession includes old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts and performances by folk artistes. Once the processions are complete, the idols of Isar and Gauri are brought to this ghat and immersed into Lake Pichola.

NOTE: "Gulabi Gangaur" is celebrated in Nathdwara, Rajasthan on Chaitra Shukla Panchami.

In Jaisalmer Gangaur is celebrated without the idol of Isar.

Religious and cultural significance of Gangaur festival

Gangaur festival is celebrated in honor of Goddess Gauri, Lord Shiva's wife, who exemplifies strength, bravery, and conjugal loyalty. Women pray for their spouse's well-being and single women seek a compatible husband. The festival showcases Rajasthani culture and the devotion of women towards their husbands.

Reason of Gangaur festival 

Gangaur is a festival celebrated by ladies with fervor and dedication. They pray to Goddess Parvati/Gauri for crop and marital peace. It's meaningful for married ladies, but unmarried females also participate in the hopes of finding a spouse. Parvati is said to have endured days of penance to convince Lord Shiva to take her as his wife, which moved him greatly.

Process of Gangaur Festival

The Gangaur festival of Rajasthan is an 18-day celebration widely celebrated by women. The festival is mainly focused on honoring Gauri (Parvathi). Women fast and eat only once a day during the festival. They create clay or wood idols of "Ghana" (Shiva) and "Gauri" (Parvathi) and worship them during the event.