Gangaur Festival
Gangaur festival is celebrated in the state of Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The beautiful desert land of Rajasthan has a rich plethora of celebrations. Festivals and fairs, music and dances are evidence of culture's creativity and rich imagination. It is the most colorful and important festival in Rajasthan. In Jaipur, the festival is celebrated with great passion and is famous all over the world. A great procession, with the image of Gauri, originates from the Zanani-Deodhi (female section) of the City Palace. It then passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan stadium and finally ends near Talkatora.
Gangaur festival is especially meant for women both married and unmarried. The word Gangaur is derived from two words, Gan meaning Shiva and Gauri meaning Parvati. Therefore this festival is celebrated by the couple the women. The unmarried women worship for being blessed with a good husband, while married women do it for the welfare, health and long life of their husbands and happy married life.
The festival starts on the next day of Holi and is celebrated for two weeks. Traditionally, the festival commences on the first day of Chaitra, continues for 18 days. Gangaur is celebrated in the honor of Goddess Gauri, who is considered the symbol of virtue, devotion, fertility and a perfect married woman. It is the celebration of spring, harvest and marital fidelity.
