Gangaur
| Gangaur | |
|---|---|
Dancers worshiping Gangaur | |
| Observed by | Hindu women of northern and western India |
| Type | Religious |
| Celebrations | 16 days |
| Observances | Worship of the divine couple Shiva and Parvati |
| Begins | First day of Chaitra |
| Ends | Third day of shukla paksha of Chaitra |
| Duration | 16 days |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Karva Chauth Varalakshmi Vratam |
Gangaur (Sanskrit: गणगौर, IAST: Gaṇagaura) is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Fazilka District of Punjab, the regions of Malwa, Nimar (Manawar, Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa) of Madhya Pradesh and the Braj and Bundelkhand regions of Uttar Pradesh. It is also celebrated in some parts of Gujarat and West Bengal. A variation of the same festival known as Chaitra Gauri Vrat is observed on the same day in the states of Maharashtra and northern Karnataka. Another variation called Saubhagya Gauri Vratam is observed in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Gangaur is a colourful festival which is one of the most important celebrations of the people of Rajasthan and the Fazilka district of Punjab. It is observed throughout the state with great fervor and devotion by Hindu womenfolk who worship the goddess Gauri (Parvati), the consort of Shiva during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March–April). It is the celebration of spring, harvest, marital fidelity, conjugal blessedness, and childbearing. Unmarried women worship the goddess in hopes of being blessed with a good husband, while married women do so for the welfare, health, and long life of their husbands.