Gangaur is a vibrant festival celebrated in Jaipur, the pink city of Rajasthan, apart from some other parts of India. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, wife of the Hindu god Shiva. On this day, women folk, both married and unmarried, get dressed in red traditional attires to please the deity. As Goddess Parvati represents connubial love, women of Rajasthan worship her with all the love and dedication. While married women pray for the long life of their husbands, unmarried girls pray for good life partners.
This flamboyant festival lasts for 18 days filled with cultures and traditions. Women enjoy this festival by applying heena on their hands and feet which is an integral part of Indian traditions. Thereafter, they sing religious songs and visit door to door with earthen pots in which they collect sweet, ghee, and jaggery. It continues till the last day when girls finally break this pot and carry the destroyed pots into a well.
Gangaur Festival beautifully brings out the faith and religious beliefs of Rajasthani people. Fasting is also an important part of the festival wherein women eat only one meal a day for 18 days. As the festival reaches to its conclusion, idols of Gauri and Isar are adorned with new attires and are taken out for a procession which starts from the City Palace and ends at the Talkatora.
Gangaur Festival is a beautiful celebration which underlines the vibrancy of Rajasthani cultures and traditions. Partaking in this festival is a must if you wish to cherish the royalty of Rajasthan closely.
By Air: The Jaipur airport is the primary airport serving the city.
By Rail: The city has great rail connectivity too.
By Road: Numerous buses are available from Jaipur to all parts of India. A self drive road trip to Jaipur is a lot of fun.
