Gangaur is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in Rajasthan, especially in the pink city of Jaipur. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Gauri, who is considered to be the embodiment of marital bliss, purity, and prosperity. The festival falls in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and is celebrated with great passion and enthusiasm by the people of Rajasthan.
This year, Gangaur will be celebrated in Jaipur on 24th & 25th March 2023, and it is expected to be a grand affair. The city is already abuzz with preparations for the festival, and people are eagerly waiting to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
The festival is celebrated by both married and unmarried women, who fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands or for getting a suitable partner. The celebrations last for around 16 days and culminate with a grand procession on the last two days.
On the first day of the festival, women dress up in traditional attire and decorate their hands and feet with henna. They then carry pots filled with water and clay to the nearest temple of Goddess Gauri. The pots are decorated with intricate designs and symbols, and are meant to symbolize prosperity and fertility.
The second day of the festival is the most important day, as it marks the procession of beautifully decorated idols of Goddess Gauri and Lord Shiva through the streets of Jaipur. The procession is accompanied by music, dance, and fireworks, and people from all over the city come out to witness the spectacle.
During the procession, women carry the decorated pots on their heads, and the idols are placed on beautifully decorated palanquins. The procession stops at various places along the way, where people offer prayers and sweets to the deities.
The festival is not just about religious rituals, but also about cultural traditions and social gatherings. People decorate their homes with colorful lights and rangolis, and organize feasts for their friends and family. The streets of Jaipur come alive with the sounds of music and dance, and people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the festival.
In conclusion, the Gangaur festival is a wonderful celebration of love, devotion, and culture, and it is an experience not to be missed. If you happen to be in Jaipur on 24th & 25th March 2023, make sure to witness the grand procession and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Rajasthan.