Regional Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Gangaur
Gangaur is one of the most important festivals of Rajasthan, dedicated to Goddess Gauri (Parvati) and her consort Isar (Shiva). "Gan" is a local name for Shiva and "Gaur" for Gauri (Parvati). The festival is primarily celebrated by women — unmarried girls pray for a good husband like Isar, while married women pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands. Over 18 days starting from the day after Holi, women observe daily rituals, worship clay idols of Gauri and Isar, and conclude with a grand procession on Gangaur Tritiya (Chaitra Shukla Tritiya). It is also the state festival of Rajasthan.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Gangaur celebrates the divine marriage of Gauri and Shiva, representing the ideal conjugal bond. Unmarried women worship Gauri to receive a devoted husband as loving as Shiva. Married women seek Gauri's blessings for marital happiness and the long life of their husbands. The festival also celebrates the arrival of spring, fertility of the earth, and the renewal of life after the dry winter.
Rituals & Traditions
Make clay idols of Gauri and Isar (or buy from potters). Women worship the idols daily for 18 days with flowers, incense, vermilion (sindhoor), and songs. Apply mehndi (henna) on hands. Sing traditional Ghoomar and Gangaur songs. On Gangaur Tritiya: dress idols in new clothes, carry them in a procession to a lake/river, and immerse them. Wear traditional Rajasthani attire and jewelry. Eat festive meals together.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Gangaur?
Gangaur is one of the most important festivals of Rajasthan, dedicated to Goddess Gauri (Parvati) and her consort Isar (Shiva). "Gan" is a local name for Shiva and "Gaur" for Gauri (Parvati). The festival is primarily celebrated by women — unmarried ...
Q.What is the significance of Gangaur?
Gangaur celebrates the divine marriage of Gauri and Shiva, representing the ideal conjugal bond. Unmarried women worship Gauri to receive a devoted husband as loving as Shiva. Married women seek Gauri's blessings for marital happiness and the long life of their husbands. The festival also celebrates the arrival of spring, fertility of the earth, and the renewal of life after the dry winter.
Q.What are the rituals of Gangaur?
Make clay idols of Gauri and Isar (or buy from potters). Women worship the idols daily for 18 days with flowers, incense, vermilion (sindhoor), and songs. Apply mehndi (henna) on hands. Sing traditional Ghoomar and Gangaur songs. On Gangaur Tritiya: dress idols in new clothes, carry them in a procession to a lake/river, and immerse them. Wear traditional Rajasthani attire and jewelry. Eat festive meals together.
Q.What foods are made during Gangaur?
Ghewar, Puran Poli, Malpua, Gujiya, Kheer, Bajre ki Roti with Lehsun Chutney, Dal Baati Churma