Curtain Raiser Press Release

 

Jaipur, 29 March: The traditional Gangaur procession with all its regal pomp and pageantry, will start on Thursday, 30 March at 6 pm from the Tripoliya Gate (City Palace), winding its way through Tripolia Bazar and Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar to end at the Talkatora. Organized by the Department of Tourism, District Administration, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust and Nagar Nigam, Jaipur, arrangements have been made for the tourists to photograph the procession from the terrace of the Hind Hotel opposite Tripoliya gate. The procession will also leave on Friday (31 March) at the same time.

Over the years, numbers of festivals and fairs have changed in nature – however, the procession has retained its traditional charm. The tourists and visitors will get to witness the traditional dances and performances like Kachhi ghodi, Kalbeliya, Behrupia, Algoza, Gair, Chakri, among others.

The procession will include: the cannon carriage, decorated rath, ornamented horses and camels. A number of bands will also accompany the procession.  The sawari of the Gangaur will be almost at the end followed by Dhalet Chobdar, women in traditional dress with Kalash and mounted police on horse.

Additional matter for padding

Gangaur is one of the most important local festivals in Rajasthan. In some form or the other it is celebrated all over Rajasthan. “gan” is a synonym for Lord Shiva and “gauri” or “gaur” stands for Goddess Parvati, the heavenly consort of Lord Shiva. Gangaur celebrates the union of the two and is a symbol of conjugal and marital happiness.

Gangaur is celebrated in the month of chaitra (March-April), the first month of the Hindu calendar. This month marks the end of winter and the onset of spring.

This festival is celebrated especially by women, who worship clay idols of “Gan” & “Gauri” in their houses. These idols are worshiped by unmarried girls who seek the blessings of Gan and Gauri for a good husband, while the married women pray for the good health and long life of their husbands. This worship which starts form the first day of the chaitra month culminates on the 18th day into Gangaur festival with a great religious fervour. On the eve of Gangaur festival, women decorate their palms and fingers with henna. The idols of Gan and Gauri are immersed in a pond or in a nearby lake on the last day of the festival.

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