The Gangaur, is the colourful and most important local
festival in Jaipur, Rajasthan, celebrated every year during the
Hindu month of Chaitra (March - April).
Gangaur's first word 'Gan' is a synonym for lord Shiva and 'Gaur'
stands for 'Gauri' or Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and
a symbol of conjugal bliss and marital happiness. Gauri is the
epitome of perfection and spousal love which is because, young girls
adorned in their best clothes pray for a spouse of their choice,
while married women do so for the welfare, health and long life of
their spouses and a happy married life. Starting the festival, the
ladies decorate their hands and feet with Mehndi and decorations
comprise motifs of flowers, Sun, Moon, Stars or some geometrical
designs.
The festival is celeberated on the first day of Chaitra, fortnight
after Holi and continues for eighteen days. Both the unmarried and
married women in Jaipur are involved in the festival. This is the
fact that also a perfect time for young people to select their life
partners during the festival. Even unmarried girls fast for the full
period of 18 days and eat only one meal a day, hoping that we will
find a good husband, while married women do the same for the
happiness and long life of their husbands.
As per the thinking of local people of Jaipur, it is celebrated
that during this period, goddess Parvati had returned to her
parental home to bless her friends with marital bliss. On the last
day of her stay, she was given a grand farewell by her loved ones.
The festival ends in rejoicing, with the arrival of Shiva to escort
his bride, Gauri, home, accompanied by horses and elephants. The
Festival involves colorful dances, musical performances and joyful
celebrations. The festival is also celebrated in Bikaner, Jodhpur,
Nathdwara, Udaipur and Banswara but in different styles.
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