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Place
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Tithi
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Next
Dates
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JAIPUR
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Chaitra-S
3-4
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15
- 16 April 2002
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4
- 5 April 2003
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Gangaur
Festival, a spirited celebration gets underway every year
during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March - April) in Jaipur
- A city of pomp and pageantry. Gangaur Festival marks the
end of winter and the coming of spring. Mists fade away
and the sun shines bright through a clear blue sky. Trees
sprout forth new leaves and buds. It is a time to rejoice
and celebrate.
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Humble Offerings |
Marital Happiness
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'Gan is a synonym for lord Shiva and 'Gaur' or 'Gauri' for
Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and a symbol
of conjugal bliss and marital happiness. During the festival,
the ladies decorate their palms and fingers with henna (Mehndi).
The decorations comprise motifs of flowers, 'swastika',
'chaupar', Sun, Moon, Stars or some Geometrical Designs.
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A traditional procession commences from the Zanani-Deorhi
of the City Palace, passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Gangauri
Bazaar, Chaughan and finally converges near the Talkatora
with the image of the deity being immersed in the lake.
The procession is headed by a colourful pageantry of elephants,
camels, horses, musicians, old palanquins, chariots and
bullock carts.
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Exuberent
Palanquins
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Marital Deity
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People purchase colourful idols of Gauri and Isar and put
them up in their homes to worship at the commencement of
the festival. The walls of the room where 'pooja' (Prayer)
is performed are whitewashed and the women paint the figures
of Isar and Gauri.
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