Gangaur is known as the festival that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. It is a festival that is renowned across Rajasthan, especially in Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. This festival is celebrated by all the Rajput families; the married and unmarried ladies both celebrate Gangaur to receive blessings from Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati for a successful marital relationship, fertility, etc. It is a 16-18-day festival that is celebrated after Holi in the month of March-April.
This year, Gangaur will be celebrated on the 21st of March and the 22nd of March, where the ladies will be seen in colourful poshaks with beautifully decorated idols of Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati. The procession starts from the City Palace and moves towards the Gangaur Ghat on the banks of Lake Pichola. In Jaipur, you can see the uniqueness of the cultural and vibrant environment.
Dates and history
Date: 21st March- 22nd March, 2026
Gangaur is an 18-day festival that starts right after Holi. This year, the celebration has started on the 4th of March and will end on the 21st of March. The ladies of Rajasthan start celebrating Gangaur right after Holi, where there are various traditions that are followed on each day, eventually leading to the formation and decoration of the idol of Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati. The ladies observe a fast on this day and perform all the rituals for receiving marital blessings; this festival is celebrated in various regions of Rajasthan. The name Gangaur, which is a combination of “Gana”, meaning Lord Shiva and “Gaur”, meaning goddess Guari, which is a manifestation of Parvati. According to folk tellers, this was the day when Gauri reunited with Lord Shiva, and now it is signified as marital bliss.
Image Source: Magikindia
Popularity and key Highlights
This festival is an acclaimed celebration in Rajasthan that symbolises the marital happiness and eternal togetherness of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Apart from the spiritual significance of the festival, it is also celebrated to preserve and promote the art and rich tradition of Rajasthan. 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 Gangaur Fair, you can also hear traditional songs specifically dedicated to the goddess Gangaur 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.
Udaipur celebrates Gangaur grandly, unlike any other city in Rajasthan. There is a dedicated palace where all the festivities of Gangaur take place. This area is called the Gangaur Ghat, which is near the City Palace and overlooks Lake Pichola. It is generally a 16-18-day celebration that starts right after Holi in the month of March or April.
On the last day of Gangaur, there are huge processions and a fair that are held at the Gangaur Ghat. The ladies can be seen wearing beautiful poshaks and jewellery, coming out of their houses with beautifully decorated idols of lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. People are seen performing the traditional folk dance of Rajasthan, “Ghumar”, on religious folk music or the beats of the drum. The ladies are also seen distributing the famous sweet dish “Ghewar,” and they end the celebrations by immersing the idol of Shiv in the water of Lake Pichola.
Cultural and Traditional Significance of Gangaur
The Gangaur festival is also celebrated grandly in Udaipur. The dedicated place where the festival takes place is known as Gangaur Ghat, which is near the 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, whenever visiting Udaipur, you should definitely plan your visit during the Gangaur Festival.
This is the festival of the ritual and cultural beliefs of Rajasthan and the 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. Gangaur reflects 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 a 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 with luxurious amenities with a royal touch to make you feel like a King.
