Introduction

An amalgamation of the words 'Gan' (Lord Shiva) and 'Gauri' (Shiva's better half), the Gangaur festival commences on the day of Holi (festival of colors) in the month of April and continues for 18 days. Dedicated to Parvati, who symbolizes marital bliss, and is the embodiment of conjugal love, it is widely believed that unmarried girls who pray for a suitable groom during the gangaur festival have their wishes granted. However, this important festival is not limited only to the unmarried young women. Married women, too, join in the festivities, while praying for a happy married life and prosperity and longevity for their husbands.

In fact, it is obligatory for a newly married woman to observe the entire 18 days of the festival and follow the various traditions associated with it, which include fasting throughout the two-and-a-half weeks and eating only one meal a day. Ashes are collected from the bonfires lit during Holi and seeds of wheat and barley are sown in it. Womenfolk carry pots of water on their head and water the seeds everyday, accompanied by the most mellifluous melodies dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. The ritual is continued till the seeds germinate.

Idols of Shiva and Gauri, decorated with bright costumes and glittering jewelry are placed inside the 'puja rooms' of individual families, with the rooms itself being whitewashed often specifically for the festival. Women wake up in the wee hours of the morning, take a bath, decorate their hands and feet with mehndi (myrtle paste), wear new clothes and take to the streets to participate in the festivities.

Accompanied by the town band, meretriciously ornamented images of Gauri are taken out in a procession that commences from Zenana Deori at the main gate of Junagarh Fort, and ends at Talkatora after snaking through various important locations of the city. It is at Talkatora that the idols of Shiva and Parvati are immersed in the lake. While fasting during the festival is mandatory, women prepare a number of sweet dishes and carry them to nearby wells and other water bodies, while balancing earthen pots with oil lamps (ghudias) on their heads.

The entire region reverberates with the lilting sound of folk songs, while the women pass by collecting small presents of cash, jaggery, sweets, ghee, oil, etc. This particular ritual is observed for ten days and the festivities come to an end when during the last three days, the women break the pots, immerse the debris into a water body and enjoy a feast.

Special Attributes

An 18-day long festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva and his spouse Parvati, Gangaur is marked with songs, dances and various rituals carried out by women, both married and unmarried.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately. Avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

Autos, Tongas, Private taxis

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

Since most of the festivities occur during nighttime, it is advisable to carry enough warm clothes.

Avoidable Season

The Festival commences from the day of Holi. Do check the dates before departure.

Facilities

Basic, prepare accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

Arms and Weapons, Drugs, Alcohol.

Tip

The locals take this opportunity to interact with each other, and often end up eloping and getting married.

Type of site

Religious Festival