Gangaur Vrat
Gangaur is a very colourful and popular festival of
Hindu that is celebrated with full enthusiasm and fervour in whole of India,
especially in the state of Rajasthan. This festival is mainly observed by
womenfolk for the wellbeing of husbands and marital bliss. Gangaur is observed
on the first day of ‘Chaitra’ month, which is the day of ‘Holika Dahan’ and
continues for the next 16 or 18 days. This corresponds to the months of
March-April in the Gregorian calendar. The Gangaur Vrat and puja is dedicated
to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It also commemorates the divine marriage of
Lord Shiva and Parvati. Gangaur also marks the onset of harvest and monsoons;
it is one of the most awaited events that is celebrated with immense pomp and
show.
The word ‘Gana’ in Gangaur
signifies Lord Shiva and ‘Gaur’ implies Gauri or Parvati. In Hindu mythology,
Gauri is the personification of marital love and excellence. Hindu devotees,
especially married women, worship Goddess Gauri during the festival of Gangaur
for longevity and prosperity of their husbands. The festivities of Gangaur
festival are very grand in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Colourful processions
and fairs aptly describe this festival. The celebrations can also be witnessed
in some parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal. Gangaur is also
popularly referred as ‘Gauri Tritiya’.
Significance
of Gangaur Vrat:
Gangaur and its rituals are very
unique that holds immense significance for Hindu women, both married and
unmarried. On this auspicious day womenfolk worship Lord Shiva and Goddess
Parvati. The celebrations of Gangaur start just after Holi and continue for the
next 16-18 days. Married women observe the Gangaur Vrat for long life and
welfare of their husbands while unmarried keep this vrat to get their desired
husbands. Moreover the festivities of Gangaur Vrat also signify the arrival of
the awaited Spring Season.
Rituals during Gangaur Vrat:
- The Gangaur Puja starts with collecting
ashes from the ‘Holika Dahan’ and burying barley seeds and wheat in it. As
a ritual these seeds are watered daily till they begin to germinate. It
continues for entire 18 days.
- During the Gangaur Puja, women make
colourful models of Goddess Gauri with wood or clay. These models are
beautifully adorned with bright clothes and dazzling jewelry. Goddess
Gauri is worshipped everyday with utmost devotion and dedication. During
the puja traditional folk songs are sung every day. On the last day of the
Gangaur puja, the idols are worshipped by the observer of Gangaur Vrat
along with other married women. Special feats are offered to Goddess
Parvati and in the evening the idols are taken for immersion in the
nearest water body.
- Women observing Gangaur Vrat fast from the
first day of the Hindu ‘Chaitra’ month until the final day of worshipping.
They are allowed to eat only one meal during the day. It is believed that
by devotedly keeping the Gangaur Vrat all the desires will be fulfilled.
- In some regions, especially in Rajasthan,
grand ‘mela’ or fairs are organized during the Gangaur festival. Large
processions carrying beautifully adorned idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess
Parvati are taken out. Complete fun and frolic mark this event.
2016 Dates :24th March – 8th
April
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