Gangaur, celebrated with fervour in Rajasthan, is a festival epitomising love and devotion, particularly among married couples. Derived from 'Gana' for Lord Shiva and 'Gaur' for Goddess Parvati, it holds significance for both married and unmarried women. Married women partake, seeking longevity for their spouses, while unmarried ones observe a fast, praying for a suitable life partner. This festival, occurring on the third day of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month, also honours bountiful harvests.
Commencing after Holika dahan and concluding on Shukla Paksha Teej, it centres around prayers for husbands' well-being and enduring marital bonds. The celebration stems from Goddess Parvati's devoted penance to win Lord Shiva as her spouse, culminating in a grand 18-day affair symbolising Shiva accompanying Parvati to her parental home after marriage.
Gangaur Festival 2024 Date, Venue & Tickets
This popular festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is celebrated on Tritiya tithi, Shukla paksha, Chaitra month as per the Hindu calendar. The Gangaur Festival 2024 is falling on the 26 March 2024. Although the festival is celebrated in every Hindu household with married women, the festival is also marked with a royal procession taken out in the Old City of Jaipur with utmost pomp and pageantry. Jaipur and Udaipur are two Rajasthan cities that witness royal processions. In Jaipur, the procession passes through Janani-Deodhi and goes through the famous City Palace, Choti Chaupar, Tripoliya Bazaar, Gangauri Bazaar, and Talkatora stadium. A similar procession is also carried out in Udaipur, but the scale of celebrations is massive in Jaipur. This event attracts many tourists who are left stunned by the grandeur of the festivities. No tickets are charged for this event.
History of Gangaur Festival
Gangaur festival and processions started in Rajasthan in pre-historic times. The erstwhile royal family started celebrating this festival which is followed to date. This festival of saubhagya or marital bliss has an endearing story associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As the story goes, Goddess Parvati observed strict penance and prayed to get Lord Shiva to marry her. Considered to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva, her dream came true and she got married to Lord Shiva with a lot of fanfare. The Gangaur festival marks her going back to her parents’ home after marriage to seek their blessings and spend a good time with them. After a royal feast, she was given a grand farewell to go back to her husband’s home. Gangaur is also considered a very auspicious day, perfect to fix marriage dates.
Major Highlights of Gangaur 2024 Festival
On the day of Gangaur, married and unmarried women perform elaborate Gangaur Pooja. This pooja is done to seek blessings of the Gods and for conjugal happiness of the couples. Married women ask for long life, good health, and happiness for their husbands. Unmarried women pray for a good soulmate. Here are the major highlights or attractions of the Gangaur Festival.
Sinjara
A day before Gangaur, married women receive gifts from their parents, comprising jewelry, clothes, sweets like ghevar, and more. It is referred to as sinjara. A lot of sweets and savories are prepared at home. Women gather together to sing songs and apply henna on their hands.
Making Clay Idols
The ashes from Holika Dahan are collected and brought home. It is mixed with clay to make idols of Gangaur and Isar Ji. In some places, wooden figurines of the deity are worshipped. These figurines or idols are placed in a basket full of flowers and grass, signifying a good harvest.
Pooja Preparations
Married women get ready to celebrate this festival in their bridal finery or traditional costumes, wear heavy jewelry, apply henna on their hands, wear makeup, and look their best for the puja.
Gangaur Puja
As part of the elaborate Gangaur Puja, ladies sit together in a circle with the idols of Gaur and Isarji in the front. The story of Gangaur is narrated which is considered to be very auspicious. Taking doob or grass in both hands, they chant traditional Gangaur prayers. The chants of ‘gaur gaur gomti, isar puje parvati’, reverberate and create a positive vibe. Sweets like Ghevar are offered to the deity. Women keep a fast on this day.
Major Attractions of Gangaur Festival 2024
Gangaur Festival is celebrated with a lot of joy and excitement. During this festival, a lot of cultural programs are organised by the Department of Tourism, Rajasthan Government. These programs are a major crowd puller for both, international and local tourists. Have a look at some of the major attractions of the Gangaur Festival.
Traditional Parade. The festivities of Gangaur begins with a traditional parade in Jaipur, carrying bejewelled idol of Goddess Parvati through the old city. The royal procession starts from the City Palace and passes through various parts of the city. Bullock carts, elephants, chariots, palanquins, and bands playing folk music are a part of this procession. Folk performances are given by the local artists. The sight of this procession is worth enjoying.
Boat Procession. In Udaipur, a colourful boat procession is carried out over Lake Pichhola. Women, wearing vibrantly colored dresses carry brass pitchers filled with water or idols of Gaur or Isar ji on their heads. These idols are then immersed in the water, giving a grand farewell to Gaur and sending her off to her husbands’ home. Dances and folk music is a part of the procession. The melodious sounds of popular Rajasthani folk song, ‘poojan do gangaur, bhanwar mhane khelan do gangaur’ can be heard from afar. The event culminates with a spectacular display of fireworks.
How to Reach Jaipur for Gangaur Festival
Jaipur, the magnificent royal city of Rajasthan is known for its indomitable forts, stunning palaces, and incredible temples is also known for a lot of festivals that are organized here from time to time. Gangaur Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated with great exuberance, attracting a lot of visitors from all over the world, who love watching the royal spectacle on display. Jaipur is one of the major tourist cities in India, making it easy to access from different parts of the country. Have a look at diverse modes of transportation using which one can reach Jaipur to attend the famous Gangaur Festival.
- Nearest Major City. Delhi
- Nearest Airport. Sanganer or Jaipur International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Jaipur Railway Station
- Distance from the Major City. 272.9 km
By Air. The nearest airport to reach Jaipur for Gangaur Festival is Sanganer or Jaipur International Airport in Jaipur. A large number of domestic and international tourists arrive at the destination to enjoy the amazing festival organised during Gangaur. Hire a taxi or a cab to arrive at the venue from where the royal processions begins.
- Distance from Jaipur International Airport. 7 km
Click Here to Book Flights at a Reasonable Price
By Train. There is good connectivity of train routes from Jaipur Railway Station to all parts of the country. From the Railway Station, tourists can take a cab or an auto to the destination.
- Distance from Jaipur Junction or Railway Station. 4.5 km
By Road. Depending on your geographical location, you can consider traveling to tJaipur by road as well. The overall road network which includes national highways is well-maintained and easily accessible. As per your convenience, you can choose to travel by state-run buses, cabs, or by your personal vehicles as well.
- Distance From Udaipur. 397.8 km
- Distance From Jailselmer. 558.5 km
- Distance From Bikaner. 335.3 km
- Distance From Jodhpur. 355.4 km
- Distance From Ajmer. 139.4 km
- Distance From Kota. 252 km
- Distance From Delhi. 267.3 km
- Distance From Ahmedabad. 681.3 km
- Distance From Mumbai. 1149.8 km
- Distance From Kolkata. 1576.1 km
- Distance From Bengaluru. 1916.6 km
Conclusion
Gangaur festival in Rajasthan is a colourful celebration of love, devotion, and cultural traditions. It marks prayers for lasting relationships and embraces the richness of harvest traditions. Rooted in Goddess Parvati's story, it symbolises enduring bonds and family ties. The joy and reverence during the festivities make it a special time in the state.
To experience this cultural spectacle, book your travel with Adotrip. Begin your journey to explore the heart of Rajasthan's traditions and festivities. Start your adventure now! #ExploreWithAdotrip
With us, nothing is far!
Frequently Asked Questions About Gangaur 2024 Festival
Ques 1. Why is Gangaur celebrated?
Ans 1. Goddess Parvati observed strict penance and prayed to get Lord Shiva to marry her. Considered to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva, her dream came true and she got married to Lord Shiva amidst a lot of fanfare. The Gangaur festival marks her going back to her parents’ home after marriage to seek their blessings and spend a good time with them. After a royal feast, she was given a grand farewell to go back to her husband’s home.
Ques 2. When is Gangaur Festival organized?
Ans 2. This popular festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is celebrated on Tritiya tithi, Shukla paksha, Chaitra month as per the Hindu calendar. The Gangaur Festival 2024 is being celebrated on the Tue, 26 Mar, 2024 – Thu, 11 Apr, 2024.
Ques 3. Which is the closest airport to use to attend Gangaur Festival?
Ans 3. The nearest airport to reach City Palace to attend Gangaur Festival is Jaipur International Airport or Sanganer Airport.
Ques 4. What are the major attractions of the Gangaur 2024 Festival?
Ans 4. The festivities of Gangaur begins with a traditional parade in Jaipur, carrying bejewelled idol of Goddess Parvati through the old city. The royal procession starts from the City Palace and passes through various parts of the city. Bullock carts, elephants, chariots, palanquins, and bands playing folk music are a part of this procession. Folk performances are given by the local artists.
Ques 5. How does Gangaur connect with agriculture and harvest traditions?
Ans 5. Gangaur is associated with bountiful harvests, emphasising the festival's agricultural roots and the importance of nature's blessings.
Jaipur during the Gangaur festivities don a royal look. It is a must-visit city for those who wish to enjoy experiencing rich cultural heritage of the state. Trust Adotrip to take care of your travel bookings, holidays, Tour Packages, bus tickets, and more for an enjoyable trip. Download the app or visit the site to book your tickets and enjoy amazing deals and discounts. We ensure the best price and services for a memorable vacation for all our clients.
With us, nothing is far!
