The History and Significance of Gangaur Festival



Gangaur is a traditional festival celebrated in the Indian state of Rajasthan, particularly by women. The festival is observed in honor of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, who are considered to be the epitome of marital bliss in Hindu mythology. The festival is usually held in the months of March and April and lasts for 18 days.

History  

The history of the Gangaur festival dates back to the time of the Rajput kings. The festival was celebrated by the women of the royal family to pray for the well-being and long life of their husbands. The word "Gangaur" is derived from the two words "Gan" which means Lord Shiva and "Gauri" which means Goddess Parvati.

Legend has it that Goddess Parvati had to undergo severe penance to win the love of Lord Shiva. After years of penance, Lord Shiva finally accepted her love, and they got married. The festival of Gangaur celebrates this union of love and the marital bond between the two deities.

Significance 

The Gangaur festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, and is considered to be one of the most significant festivals of Rajasthan. The festival has both religious and social significance.

Religious Significance 

The festival is primarily celebrated to honor Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, who are considered to be the epitome of marital bliss in Hindu mythology. Women offer prayers to the deities and seek their blessings for a happy and prosperous married life. They also pray for the well-being of their husbands and children.

Social Significance

Apart from the religious significance, the festival also has a social significance. It provides an opportunity for women to come together and celebrate. They dress up in their traditional attire and adorn themselves with beautiful jewelry and henna designs. They sing and dance to the beats of the traditional music, and exchange sweets and gifts with each other.

The festival also provides an opportunity for young unmarried women to meet prospective grooms. The festival is considered to be an auspicious time for marriages, and many marriages are arranged during this time.

Celebrations

The festival is celebrated for 18 days, with each day having its own significance. The first 16 days are known as the "Sinjara," and the last two days are known as the "Gauri" and "Ganesh" puja.

On the first day of the festival, women paint their hands and feet with henna and put on new clothes. They carry earthen pots with small holes and decorate them with colorful designs. They fill these pots with water and plant barley seeds in them. These pots are kept in a sacred place in the house, and the women water them every day.

On the last day of the festival, women take out a procession with the decorated earthen pots on their heads. They sing and dance to the beats of the traditional music, and offer prayers to the deities. They then immerse the earthen pots in a nearby water body, signifying the end of the festival.

Conclusion

The Gangaur festival is an important festival in the Indian state of Rajasthan, particularly for women. It celebrates the union of love between Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, and the importance of the marital bond. The festival provides an opportunity for women to come together and celebrate, and also has a social significance. It is a time for young unmarried women to meet prospective grooms, and many marriages are arranged during this time. The festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, and is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan.

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