About This Festival
Gangaur — the Festival of Gauri (Parvati) — is one of the most important and beautiful festivals of Rajasthan, particularly associated with Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and other parts of the state. The word Gangaur is traditionally understood as a combination of "Gan," referring to Shiva, and "Gaur" or "Gauri," referring to Parvati. The festival is celebrated in the month of Chaitra, beginning soon after Holi and continuing for approximately 18 days, culminating on Chaitra Shukla Tritiya, usually in March or April. It is dedicated to Goddess Gauri (Parvati), the consort of Lord Shiva, and is particularly important for women. They worship beautifully decorated images of Gauri and Shiva, sing traditional songs, wear their finest Rajasthani clothes and jewellery, and pray for family happiness and marital well-being. The growing wheat shoots used during the festival symbolise fertility and prosperity. The final days bring colourful processions through the historic cities of Rajasthan. In Jaipur: a traditional procession carries an image of Teej Mata (Goddess Parvati) seated on a silver palanquin through the historic streets of the Pink City, with decorated elephants, camels and horses, traditional musicians, folk dancers, local tribe performers, men and women in traditional Rajasthani costumes and the city's famous musical bands. In Udaipur, Gangaur becomes a wonderful meeting point between religion, women's culture, folk art and the royal heritage of Rajasthan. For a visitor, it is a chance to experience Rajasthan not as a museum, but as a living culture.
Where to Celebrate
Plan Your Visit
Gangaur's colourful procession through Jaipur and Udaipur is Rajasthan at its most vivid — women in traditional dress, decorated palanquins and festive music.
View JourneyJaipur's Gangaur procession — silver palanquins, decorated elephants and folk dancers — is one of Rajasthan's most beautiful festivals.
View JourneyTime your Jaipur and Udaipur days on this journey to fall during Gangaur — the streets come alive with colour and processions.
View Journey
October "“ March
Delhi · Agra · Bharatpur · Jaipur · Ranthambore · Bundi · Udaipur · Rawla Narlai · Jodhpur · Delhi
October "“ March
Delhi · Amritsar · Varanasi · Agra · Jaipur · Pushkar · Jodhpur · Rawla Narlai · Udaipur · Delhi
Upcoming dates to be confirmed. Enquire with Om for the latest information.
Om will design your itinerary to arrive at the perfect moment.
