The Gangaur Festival is a 18-day colourful event that married and unmarried women celebrate. It takes place day after Holi and attracts many tourists. This festival represents perfection and marital love between Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Gangaur Festival Legends
One story is about Lord Shiva, Parvati (also known as Gauri), and a wise man named Narad who visited a village. A poor woman offered them simple food, and Parvati blessed him by sprinkling water and blessing them, “May your husband live a long life.” Later, wealthier women came and offered fancy dishes. Shiva enjoyed all the food, but no water was left for blessings. Parvati Ji cut her finger and used her blood to bless them, too. She gave the same blessing: “May your husband live a long life.” Another story tells how Parvati won Lord Shiva’s love through her devotion. After they married, she visited her parents and blessed the women there
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Why Gangaur Is Celebrated?
Gangaur Mata is worshipped on the Shukla Paksha during the month of Chaitra. There is a belief associated with this day that Goddess Parvati underwent a difficult fast to win Lord Shiva as her husband. When Lord Shiva was pleased with her penance, he said, “O Parvati! Ask for a blessing!” Parvati replied, “O Shiv-Shankar, I have only one desire – to become your better half.” Goddess Parvati’s wish was granted, and she married Lord Shankar. Since then, unmarried girls praying to the Goddess provide good life partners. The women who are already married pray to the Goddess for a happy married life and for the well-being of their husbands.
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How is the Gangaur Festival Celebrated?
The Gangaur Festival is a vibrant celebration that spans for 18 days. Women start celebrations by crafting clay or wooden idols of Gauri and Isar (Shiva) and worship them daily. They often fast, eat one meal a day, and perform rituals to honour the deities. Women also prepare themselves for the festival by applying henna and mehndi to their feet and palms.
During the festival, women sing songs and go from door to door carrying earthen pots with illuminated lamps called Ghudlias. They collect cash, sweets, ghee, oil, and jaggery in these pots. This tradition continues until the last day of the festival when the girls break the pots and dispose of the debris in a well or a tank.
When you visit Jaipur, make sure to attend the festival and experience the local faith and religious beliefs. The festival features a procession with local bands and horses, adding vibrant colours to the event. This makes the festival even more attractive, allowing more people to see the lively side of Rajasthan
If you’re planning a visit, explore Jaipur Packages to make the most of your trip. Gangaur Festival 2025 Date
The Gangaur Festival 2025 will start from Saturday, 15 March 2025, to Monday, 31 March 2025. It is celebrated annually, primarily in Rajasthan.
Where is the Gangaur Festival Celebrated?
It is celebrated annually, primarily in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
