Gangaur Festival 2026 – Date, Rituals, Significance & Celebrations in Rajasthan and Beyond

 

Gangaur is a vibrant festival celebrated mainly in Rajasthan and parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Gujarat. The name "Gangaur" comes from the combination of "Gan" (Lord Shiva) and "Gaur" (Goddess Parvati). This festival starts on the 1st day of Chaitra month, following Holi, and continues for 18 days.

Significance

• Gangaur honors Goddess Parvati, who symbolizes married bliss and devotion.
• Married women worship Gauri for their husbands' health, long life, and prosperity.
• Unmarried women pray to be blessed with good husbands.

Customs and Rituals

Fasting:

o    Newly married women observe a fast during the entire 18-day period.

o    Goddess Parvati is worshiped daily during this time.

Wheat and Barley Germination:

o    Ash from the Holi fire is used to bury wheat and barley seeds, which are watered until they sprout.

Clay Idols:

o    After a week, clay images of Shiva and Parvati are crafted and decorated with ornaments.

Mehandi and Dressing:

o    Women dress in their finest clothes and apply mehandi on their hands and feet.

o    Singing and dancing add joy to the festival.

Processions:

o    Idols of Shiva and Parvati are carried in a procession to a well or tank during the last three days.

o    On the first two days, the Gauri idol faces backward, while on the final day, it faces forward alongside Isar (Shiva). The festival ends with the immersion of the idols in water.

Highlights

• Fair Celebrations:
• Gangaur fairs and festivities attract thousands, with significant pomp in Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer.
• A special boat procession takes place on Pichola Lake, Udaipur.

2026 Date

The Gangaur festival in 2026 begins on March 21st.