Gangaur Festival, a spirited celebration gets underway
every year during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March - April)
in Jaipur - A city of pomp and pageantry. Gangaur Festival
marks the end of winter and the coming of spring. Mists fade away
and the sun shines bright through a clear blue sky. Trees sprout
forth new leaves and buds. It is a time to rejoice and celebrate
'Gan is a synonym for lord Shiva and 'Gaur' or 'Gauri' for Goddess
Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and a symbol of conjugal bliss
and marital happiness. During the festival, the ladies decorate
their palms and fingers with henna (Mehndi). The decorations comprise
motifs of flowers, 'swastika', 'chaupar', Sun, Moon, Stars or some
Geometrical Designs
A traditional procession commences from the Zanani-Deorhi of the
City Palace, passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaughan
and finally converges near the Talkatora with the image of the deity
being immersed in the lake. The procession is headed by a colourful
pageantry of elephants, camels, horses, musicians, old palanquins,
chariots and bullock carts.
People purchase colourful idols of Gauri and Isar and put them
up in their homes to worship at the commencement of the festival.
The walls of the room where 'pooja' (Prayer) is performed are whitewashed
and the women paint the figures of Isar and Gauri.
North
India States
