Behold the colourful extravaganza of Gangaur Festival Shahpura

Gangaur – an important ethnic festival specially celebrated by the ladies of the house is not only celebrated in Jaipur and Mewar but also celebrated with joy and delight in the tiny town of Shahpura. Shahpura is situated in the close corner of rural Rajasthan, 65 kms from the captivating city of Jaipur.

The festival is being hosted by Rani Ratna Kumari Foundation and Shahpura Hotels in association with the Rajasthan Tourism Department. The RRKF focuses on the upliftment of people living in that area with a motto of reviving the local culture. The colourful Gangaur procession starts from the Shahpura Haveli and passes through the streets of Shahpura village with royal pomp and pageantry. The ladies sing traditional songs and offer prayers to the deities.  The grand procession included horses, folk dancers, brass band and lancers along with pious deities of Gangaur mata and Bhagwan Isar ji Maharaj, who are symbolic of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva respectively.

Come down to Shahpura and celebrate with the royal family of Shahpura- Maharaj Surendra Singh Shahpura and Rani Ratna Kumari of Shahpura. So if you are a pinning up options for this festival, this is the event that should not be missed!
Date– 20th March 2018
Venue– Shahpura Haveli, Shahpura

For more information, click https://www.facebook.com/events/172964756668727/ 
or contact at www.shahpura.com or call at +91 9828714043.

 

Immerse In the Jollification of Gangaur

Gangaur the word is derived from Gan which denotes Isarji (Lord Shiva) and Gauri (Godess Parvati) who symbolizes Saubhagya that is marital bliss. Gangaur is celebrated all over Rajasthan and is state’s one of the most important festivals, predominantly celebrated by women of all ages.  The married women of the house pray for their husbands’ long life and the unmarried young girls look up to getting a good handsome husband like Lord Shiva.

Though the actual celebrations begin from the very next day after Holi and goes on for 18 days. The eve of Gangaur is celebrated as Sinjara.  So, if you are in Rajasthan, here are a few places where you can visit and be a part of the carousal.

1. Jaipur

The magnificence of the procession starts from the Zanani Deodi in the City Palace, which passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Choti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan Stadium, finally closing at Talkatora. The procession consists of bejeweled idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati, decorated elephants, camels, palanquins, chariots, and folk performances. It becomes a sight to behold.

2. Shahpura Haveli

The grand Gangaur procession starts from Shahpura Haveli passing through the streets of Shahpura village with royal pomp and pageantry. The procession includes horses, brass band, lancers along with the deities. Witness the charm of various activities and ceremonies of the festival and celebrate with the royal family of Shahpura. If you are interested in the event, go to the link .

3. Udaipur

The Gangaur celebration in Udaipur coincides with the Mewar Festival (20-22^nd March 2018), which is celebrated to welcome spring. The whole of Udaipur gets soaked in the colors of these festivities. Women carry along with them their Isar- Gangaur in the procession. The procession reaches the Gangaur Ghat and the idols are taken into the royal decorated boats and further immersed in the waters of Pichola Lake.

Image via Google

4. Alsisar Mahal, Jhunjhunu

Alsisar witnesses the pomp of Gangaur celebration at an extravagant scale. The whole village comes down to Alsisar Mahal to worship the communion of Shiva and Parvati (Gauri) and enjoy every moment. The procession is followed by folk music and dance which simply multiplies the joy of the festival.

This year Gangaur is being celebrated on 20^th of March 2018. So if you are pinning up options for globetrotting then this is the festival that should not be missed!

Behold the colourful extravaganzas of Gangaur Festival in Rajasthan

Vibrant clothes, mehandi designed hands, sounds of folk music, temple hymns and decorated streets! Gangaur festival offers a beautiful blend of religious and colourful extravaganzas in the culturally rich state of Rajasthan. It is among the most enthusiastically celebrated fairs and festivals of Rajasthan. Celebrated across the state, Gangaur reserves a remarkable seat in Jaipur. It is held in the months of March or April. This year’s dates are 30^th and 31^st March.

Gangaur festival in Rajasthan is also considered as a celebration of ‘Martial Fidelity‘. Onlookers, especially tourists, find it exciting to watch the various ceremonies and activities of the festivals and show keen interest in learning about the culture.

You’d love to catch a glimpse of groups of womenfolk, who are the main participants of the festival. They enthusiastically adorn the idols of Eesar (Lord Shiva) and Gaur (Goddess Gauri), the consort of Lord Shiva. The intensity of faith that is manifested as clay idols of Eesar and Gaur is worth admiring. Another noticeable thing would be the women, who beautifully adorn themselves with vibrant outfits and traditional jewellery. The festivals add spark to Rajasthan tourism by attracting people from foreign lands who are inclined towards culture.

The belief working behind the Gangaur festival is  the hope that the worship would bring harmony in the lives of married women. Serving as the well-known Rajasthan attractions, the festival is equally important for unmarried girls as they get a good husband.

The Gangaur festival in Jaipur is celebrated with great fervor in the royal families of Rajasthan as well. Magnificent human size idols of Eesar Gangaur are placed in the City Palace and other royal houses for worshiping. The royal women also get mehandi (Heena) applied on their hands by expert professionals.

The most exciting part of the festival is when women take out the Gangaur processions on the street, followed by immersing these idols in river or lake. The euphonic voice of ladies while singing the traditional songs, dedicated to the Gods is mesmerizing.

Pic: Google

While in Rajasthan, especially Jaipur, don’t miss to sweeten your tongues with finger licking “Ghewar”, a sweet dish that specially being distributed on the occasion.

Re- living 64 Years Of Rajasthan On Rajasthan Diwas Today

As Rajasthan celebrates its 65^th Rajasthan Diwas this year on 30thMarch 2015, we tell you the magnificent journey of 64 years. What makes Rajasthan so unique is its colorful culture, rich heritage and one of the tourist hubs. The state dazzles in its beauty and every glimpse is captures with due importance.

1. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Rajasthan is a state which is known for the richness of traditions, and diverse culture. All the festivals are celebrated with joy, enthusiasm, zeal and zest. Some major fairs and festivals are Pushkar Fair, Jaisalmer Desert Fair, Gangaur, Teej, Marwar Festival, Holi and the list goes on.

2. CUISINES

One cannot leave Rajasthan without tasting its food which is known for it spiciness and rich flavor. Rajasthani cuisine is mainly vegetarian but can be put together in a variety of mouthwatering dishes. A sweet is a must which is complemented with every meal. Some relishing dishes are dal bati churma which is a well known delicacy all around the world. Every region in Rajasthan has its own speciality and taste.

3. FORTS, MONUMENTS & PALACES

Rajasthan is well known for its historically rich ‘Forts and Palaces’. The forts of Rajasthan tell stories about the kings and queens and their journey during their period of reign. Each and every fort and fortress has a unique and unparalleled story behind it. Some monuments of Rajasthan are well recognized due to recognition by UNESCO, namely – Jantar Mantar (Jaipur), Kumbhalgarh fort, etc.

4. FOLK MUSIC AND DANCES

The folk music and dance are important part of our culture and thus performed at every occasion, may it be a birth of a new born, anniversary or a welcome to the new season. The famous dance form of Rajasthan is Kalbelia, Terahtaali, Ghoomar, Chari, etc. Though dance is not the only art, music is considered important in the state of Rajasthan.

5. WILDLIFE

Rajasthan is an abode to a number of species. It is known for diverse flora and fauna. Rajasthan lying in a desert region and having a varied topography is a home to various species. The Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve are well known wildlife sanctuaries in this dry- arid region.

6. HAND BLOCK PRINTING & BLUE POTTERY

Rajasthan is famous for its art and craft. Hand block printing, especially Bagru pint with floral and leaf motifs are seen and worn by a large number. Another recognized traditional art is of blue pottery, which has its origins from Rajasthan in India. In it the color blue and its shades are kept as the base color. Lehariya is also a style which originated from the land of Rajasthan.

7. MUSEUMS

Museums are built to showcase the in-depth history of a place and to know about its culture. The museums of Rajasthan throw limelight to its rich heritage and varied, and diversified culture. Rajasthan is known worldwide for 1^st silver museum in the world, situated in Udaipur. Not to forget the oldest museum of the state- Albert Hall, Jaipur is known for its rare articles. The other museums include- Government Museum in Jodhpur & Ajmer, Maharaja Sawai Mansingh Museum in Jaipur, etc.

Udaipur Celebrates The Mewar Festival (22-24 March 2015)

The Mewar Festival is celebrated with liveliness and vitality in Udaipur. The city of lakes is lit with bright colors. Though this festival coincides with the festival of Gangaur, it has its own importance in the Mewar region. The ceremonies of Mewar festival are quite similar to that of Gangaur. The dressed Isar (Lord Shiva) and Gangaur (Parvati/ Gauri) are carried in a procession and immersed in Lake Pichola.  As all the religious ceremonies and offerings are over, people assemble and get together to enjoy the various folk dances and other cultural activities. The day ends with an amazing show of fireworks and people enjoy this festival with zeal, energy and excitement.

Image credit: traveltrance.com

 

Image credit:udaipurtimes.com

 

Gangaur Celebrations In Rajasthan

Gangaur is celebrated in Rajasthan, Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh in India but is famous all around the world. People get together to celebrate this festival irrespective of their caste and join to be a part of it. The celebrations of this festival start from the very first day of Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. This 18 day long festival is celebrated on a grand scale in Jaipur.

 

Gangaur, the term is derived from ’Gan’ meaning Shiva and ‘Gaur’ meaning Gauri / Parvati. People worship Lord Shiva and and Goddes Parvati. It is considered a very auspicious festival especially for women. Newly married women often fast for all the 18 days for the welfare, good health and long life of their husbands. Some women also fast for a happy married life. At times even the unmarried girls fast to get good and supportive husbands in future. All the women get decked up in new dressed and wear heavy jewellery.

The Gangaur festival of Jaipur is famous and popular all over the world. There is a grand and magnificent procession which starts from the Zanani- Deodhi, in City Palace which passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Chhoti Chaupar, and Chaugan Stadium and finally rests near Talkatora. It is followed by the palankeen, dressed elephants, and various folk dances. Ghewar is a special sweet which is known for this festival. There are some clay models of Isar in the market. The can be purchased from the potter’s shop in the market. It will be celebrated on 22^nd March 2015.

 

 

Gangaur procession in Jaipur

Gangaur procession

The traditional and colorful Gangaur procession in Jaipur with all its royal pomp and pageantry will start today the April 02, 2014, Wednesday at 5.30 pm from the Tripoliya Gate (City Palace) heading its way through Tripolia Bazar, Chhoti Chaupar and Gangauri Bazaar to culminate at Talkatora. The procession will also leave from Talkatora on Thursday at the same time. Arrangements have been made for the tourists to photograph the procession from the terrace of Hind Hotel opposite the Tripoliya gate.

Over the years, many festivals and fairs have changed in nature; however, the Gangaur procession has retained its traditional charm. Tourists and visitors will get to witness traditional dances and performances like Kachhi Ghodi, Bamrasia Dance, Kalbeliya, Behrupia, Algoza, Gair and Chakri among others.

The procession will include cannon carriage, decorated carriage, bejewelled horses and camels. Several trained bands will also accompany the procession. The sawari of the Gangaur will be almost at the end followed by Dhalet Chobdar, women in traditional dresses with Kalash and mounted police on horses.

Pic: Google

Try and reach the venues of procession before 5.30 pm and grab a right place to enjoy the procession comfortably.

Gangaur Festival of Rajasthan

Rajasthan offers a colourful mélange of festivals and celebrations all round the calendar. Like all other festivals in India, the festivals in Rajasthan are vibrant and cheerful. Gangaur Festival in Rajasthan is very popular among the locals and tourists. Scheduled to take place across Rajasthan on April 02 and 03, 2014, it is one of the most important and widely celebrated traditional festivals of Rajasthan. The most notable celebrations take place in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Nathdwara. In Udaipur, Gangaur coincides with the Mewar Festival.

Gangaur signifies Lord Shiva and Parvati together. It’s believed that Parvati returned to her parental home during Gangaur, to bless her friends with marital bliss. On the last day, Parvait was given a grand farewell by her loved ones and Lord Shiva arrived to escort her home.

The festival is predominantly for girls and women, who dress up in their best clothes pray for a husband of their choice, or the welfare of their husbands. On the last couple of days, colorful processions of bejeweled images of the goddess Gauri wind their way all over cities and villages, accompanied by local bands.
In Udaipur, there’s a boat procession on Lake Pichola, and fireworks. Women balance several brass pitchers on their head add to the interest. The occasion ends with fireworks on the banks of the lake. Early in the morning in Jodhpur, thousands of maidens dress up, sing, and carry water and grass in pots.

In Jaipur, the pomp and pagentry of the traditional procession starts out from the Zanani-Deodhi of the City Palace. It passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan stadium, and finally converges near the Talkatora. Elephants, old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts, and folk performances are all part of it.

All newly married women must fast for the whole 18 days of the festival. Even unmarried women fast and only eat one meal a day, in the hope of finding a good husband. Gangaur is also an auspicious time of year to select a life partner. Tribal men and women get the opportunity to meet and interact, pick their partners, elope and marry.

In Jaipur, a sweet dish called ghewar is popularly distributed amongst friends and relatives.

Gangaur Festival in Rajasthan is a very colorful festival where the local people take an active part and the tourists too have so much to explore and enjoy. Visit Rajasthan during Gangaur Festival and get into the festive mood.

Gangaur Festival

Rajasthan houses a number of festivals all round the calendar. Like all other festivals in India, the festivals in Rajasthan are colorful and vibrant. Gangaur Festival in Rajasthan is very famous among the locals and tourists. Scheduled to take place across Rajasthan on March25 and 26, 2012, it is one of the most important and widely celebrated traditional festivals of Rajasthan. The most notable celebrations take place in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Nathdwara. In Udaipur, Gangaur coincides with the   Mewar Festival.

Gangaur signifies Lord Shiva and Parvati together. It’s believed that Parvati returned to her parental home during Gangaur, to bless her friends with marital bliss. On the last day, Parvait was given a grand farewell by her loved ones and Lord Shiva arrived to escort her home.

The festival is predominantly for women, who dress up in their best clothes pray for a husband of their choice, or the welfare of their husbands. On the last couple of days, colorful processions of bejeweled images of the goddess Gauri wind their way all over cities and villages, accompanied by local bands.

In Udaipur, there’s a boat procession on Lake Pichola, and fireworks. Women balance several brass pitchers on their heads add to the interest. The occasion ends with fireworks on the banks of the lake. Early in the morning in Jodhpur, thousands of maidens dress up, sing, and carry water and grass in pots.

In Jaipur, the pomp and pagentry of the traditional procession starts out from the Zanani-Deodhi of the City Palace. It passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan stadium, and finally converges near the Talkatora. Elephants, old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts, and folk performances are all part of it.

All newly married women must fast for the whole 18 days of the festival. Even unmarried women fast and only eat one meal a day, in the hope of finding a good husband. Gangaur is also an auspicious time of year to select a life partner. Tribal men and women get the opportunity to meet and interact, pick their partners,  elope and marry.

In Jaipur, a sweet dish called ghewar is popularly distributed amongst friends and relatives.

Gangaur Festival in Rajasthan is a very colorful festival where the local people take an active part and the tourists too have so much to explore and enjoy. Visit Rajasthan during Gangaur Festival and get into the festive mood.