History of Gangaur Festival:
In a small forest, Lord Shiva, Parvati (Gauri), and Sage Narad embarked on a divine visit. As news of the Gods' presence spread, the women prepared a feast to honor their arrival. The women of higher social standing presented their dishes first and received the Gods' blessings through the sprinkling of holy water. However, when the women of lower social status arrived with their offerings, the Gods had exhausted the holy water. In a gesture of compassion, Goddess Parvati cut her finger and used her own blood as a substitute for the sacred water, showering her blessings upon the humble women.
Importance of Gangaur Festival:
The Gangaur festival is a celebration dedicated to Gauri, the beloved wife of Lord Shiva. This vibrant festival signifies both marital fidelity and the bountiful harvest. The term "Gana" represents Lord Shiva, while "Gaur" symbolizes Goddess Gauri. Unmarried women participate in the rituals, seeking blessings for a suitable life partner. Married women observe fasting and perform rituals to invoke blessings for the well-being, prosperity, and affection of their husbands.
Where Gangaur Festival Celebrated?:
In Jaipur, the Gangaur procession commences at Zanani Deodhi in City Palace and proceeds through Tripolia market, Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri market, and Chaugan stadium before reaching Talkatora. The festivities are not limited to Jaipur, as cities like Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bikaner also join in the celebrations of this auspicious festival.
Rituals Performed during Gangaur Festival:
The Gangaur festival marks its beginning on the first day of Chaitra, which follows the vibrant festival of Holi. It is during this auspicious occasion that women observe a rigorous fast for 18 consecutive days to fulfill the ritual. Throughout this period, women adhere to a single meal per day. The festival culminates on the third day of Shukla Paksha, bringing an end to the vibrant celebrations and religious observances.
How Gangaur Festival Celebrated?:
During the 18-day period, the city comes alive with a vibrant fair offering a wide array of souvenirs, exquisite artworks, and engaging activities. Clay idols of the God and Goddess are crafted for the rituals, while some families use traditional wooden images painted on the eve of the festival. These idols become the focal point of the fasting rituals. Women adorn their hands and feet with intricate myrtle paste designs, featuring flowers, geometric patterns, and more.
On the seventh day following Holi, unmarried women carry small earthen lamps and sing traditional ghudlia songs as they stroll through the streets. This delightful tradition continues for the next ten days. On the 18th day, known as the Gangaur festival day, the earthen pot is ceremoniously destroyed and its remnants are immersed in a tank or well. The fasting is concluded with a joyous feast.
The final three days are the highlight of the festival. Local residents embellish their deities with ornate jewelry and attire. At an auspicious time, a procession is formed, with married women carrying the deities on their heads. These revered figures are then placed in a garden, pond, or near a well. Over the next two days, the procession returns for prayers and rituals. On the ultimate day, the idols are immersed in water, symbolizing the farewell to Gauri and her departure to her consort's abode, marking the celebration of this auspicious union.
