The festival of Gangaur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the best celebrated festivals on the block and also one of the most cherished ones too. The festival gets celebrated in the month of monsoon when harvest and martial fidelity is about to happen. The women on the block worship Gauri, who also happens to be the consort of Lord Shiva himself. The word ‘Gangaur’ is a portmanteau of two distinct words namely ‘Gana’ and ‘Gaur’ with the former signifying Lord Shiva and the latter meaning Parvati. The symbolic meaning of gaur is Saubhagya, a Sanskrit notation for good luck and good charm. This word out and out symbolizes marital bliss and when used in the right context, is an apt representative of good things to come.
Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati are worshipped in this festival of Gangaur. This festival is specifically meant for women folks. The unmarried women worship Gauri for blessing them with good husband, while married women do so for the welfare, health and longevity of their husbands and cheerful married life. It is believed that after a temporary long sacrament Gauri and Shiva reunited on this day. The small doll like Idols of the Shiva and Gauri are made of wood. These divine male and female entities are called ‘Isar’ and ‘Gangaur’. The festival commences on Holi. The festival runs through many days. Young girls pray for grooms of their choice while married women seek a long life for their husbands. The ladies beautify their hands and feet by temporary decoration by drawing designs with Mehendi.
Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati are worshipped in this festival of Gangaur. This festival is specifically meant for women folks. The unmarried women worship Gauri for blessing them with good husband, while married women do so for the welfare, health and longevity of their husbands and cheerful married life. It is believed that after a temporary long sacrament Gauri and Shiva reunited on this day. The small doll like Idols of the Shiva and Gauri are made of wood. These divine male and female entities are called ‘Isar’ and ‘Gangaur’. The festival commences on Holi. The festival runs through many days. Young girls pray for grooms of their choice while married women seek a long life for their husbands. The ladies beautify their hands and feet by temporary decoration by drawing designs with Mehendi.
