Gangaur Festival Udaipur
Known as the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur is renowned for its cultural ethnicity, vivid celebrations, and sprightly beauty. All the festivals are celebrated with utmost zeal and enthusiasm catering to all the masses of the society. One such beautiful celebration which is significant to most of the Rajasthan locals is the Gangaur Festival.
Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri are worshipped during this festival with great devotion. Gangaur Ghat, at the shore of Lake Pichhola, is one of the distinguished locations of Udaipur where various religious rituals and festivals are celebrated. There are several stories that are associated with the Gangaur celebration.
One such story is that once upon a time Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri went to a small village and the women of the poor vicinity offered them with several dishes and preparations. Goddess Gauri offered Suhagras to these women with great affection. Later, when the Lord and the Goddess were approached by the upper-class women they were offered food but she had nothing to bless them. So, she cut her finger and blessed these women with her own blood.
Also, young girls carry earthen pots with a small lamp inside the pot for ten days to collect sweets, flowers, etc. The pot is broken on the last day for the celebration of Gangaur Pooja. The Royal Family comes in the boat and the entire procession is witnessed merrily by all the communities. All the women are beautifully dressed in their charming outfits and fancy jewelry after applying Henna on their hands and feet. They also decorate their idols and make various offerings.
After all the rituals are completed, the idols are immersed in the water and are worshipped. Maiden worship for a benevolent husband and a married woman prays for a blessed married life and long life of their husband. The festival also consists of music and dance performances in the folk style. It becomes an extraordinary yet memorable moment once you witness this lively celebration of the Gangaur Festival.
Pictures By Rakesh Soni
