Ganghaur is known as the festival that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Gangaur fair is primarily celebrated by married women in the months of March and April. These women pray to God for a long-term and successful married life. In this festival, the large procession gets started from the city palace and gets forwarded towards the market with decorated elephants, chariots and folk artists. Although this festival is celebrated in most of the district of Rajasthan, in Jaipur you can see the uniqueness of the cultural and vibrant environment.
Dates and history
Date: 31st march to 1st April, 2025
The core origin of this festival in Jaipur was from the ancient Indian mythological story of the love bond of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. And with the reason of spreading the marital blessing, this festival is celebrated in various regions of Rajasthan. The name Ganghaur, which is a combination of “Gan” means Lord Shiva and “Gaur” means goddess Guari, which is a manifestation of Parvati. According to folk tellers, this was the day when Gauri reunited with Lord Shiva, and now is signified as a marital bliss.
Popularity and key Highlights
This festival is the core symbol of marital happiness and the eternal togetherness of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Other than this, their festival also reflects the platform of preserving and promoting the art and rich tradition of Rajasthan. This event is celebrated in the Ghangour village, located on the outskirts of Jaipur. This fair is one of the most iconic gatherings to showcase culture and religion. This religious festival occurs between the months of March and April and is especially popular amongst the women.
- This event significantly highlights the vibrant procession, dance and songs of Rajasthani culture. If the event you’re referring to is a unique or specific regional gathering, details may be more locally focused.
- On this event, women decorate their hands with creative heena designs before the festival and create the clay idol of goddess Gauri and worship them.
- In the festival of Ganghaur Fair, you can also hear traditional songs specifically dedicated to the goddess Ganghaur and folk dance performed by the local women.
- This festival is a festival of joy where people buy and distribute a sweet dish named “Ghewar” among friends and family to distribute their joy.
The Gangaur festival also celebrated grandly in Udaipur. The dedicated place where the festival takes place is known as Gangaur Ghat which is near to City Palace and overlooks Lake Pichola. There is a 16 day festival celebrated in the month of Chaitra, probably in between the months of March and April. The whole place at the Gangaur Ghat in Udaipur is turned into a place of events and dance. On the last day of the Udaipur Gangaur festival, the ladies and the other people who gather to celebrate the festival carry out folk dance, cultural programs and sing songs that add to the vibrancy of the festival. They end all the celebrations by immersing the idol of Shiv in the water of Lake Pichola. So ever visiting Udaipur, then you should definitely plan your visit during the Gangaur Festival.
This is the festival of ritual and cultural beliefs of Rajasthan and nearby areas. It’s recommended to check closer to the date for updates from local sources, tourism boards, or event calendars. If you are planning to visit Rajasthan in the months of March and April, you must not miss this festival, as here you will be able to witness a glimpse of the rich tradition of Rajasthan. Ghanghor reflets the beauty and spirituality of Rajasthan and will make you feel the extent of your trip from Jaipur to other core cities of Rajasthan such as Udaipur. Udaipur offers you a Vibrant, relaxing environment with Royal touch. To exercise the royal and luxury stay in Udaipur, you must contact Goya Hills on 91 9024082177 and info@goya-hills.com. It provides you luxurious amenities with a royal touch to make you feel like a King.
