Gangaur is an ancient festival of Rajasthani Aan-Ban-Shan. Since time immemorial, this festival has held a profound significance for the devotees and embodies love and sentiments in a married couple. The 18 days long festival of prayer, folk songs, Ghoomar, and food is a party in itself which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
This festival is the radiant ray of cultural, family, and religious consciousness. Gangaur is combined from two words, Gan means Shiva and Gaur means goddess Gauri or Parvati. The festival of Gangaur starts from the next day of Holi which lasts continuously for eighteen days.
The story behind Gangaur festival
As Haryali Teej commemorates the auspicious union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the Gangaur festival is also linked to their story. Later, when Goddess Parvati goes to her parental place to meet her parents. She stayed there for 18 days. There, she blessed her friends with blissful marriage. And on the last day, a grand farewell was conducted for her and Lord Shiva came down to earth to accompany her.
The 18-day grand rituals
- Gangaur festivals commence on the next day of Holi. The women dress up beautifully in traditional attires, apply henna, and wear jewels.
- Idols of Lord Shiva in the form of Isar or Gana and Goddess Parvati in the form of Gaur are worshipped for the welfare of a couple, every morning and evening for 18 days.
- Evenings are spent in the garden and the entire place resonates with the voices of women singing Rajasthani folk songs and dancing the Ghoomar.
- The wheatgrass which is an important element of this Rajasthani festival is sown in small earthen pots.
- Newly married women fast for the whole day, for 18 days.
- On the 7th day, unmarried women bring burning lamps inside a decorated clay pot on their heads. They sing traditional songs as they hold the pot on their head.
- On the 17th day, parents of married women bless her and send gifts, clothes, jewelry, and other items.
- On the 18th day, a grand procession is conducted, where a large statue of Goddess Gauri is decorated and taken through the city. Lots of people follow the procession along with local bands while they sing and dance.
Things you can buy for this festival
ShoppRe can help you do shopping for Gangaur from India and bring the regal Rajasthani vibes home to celebrate this cultural festival. Mostly women buy traditional attires, jewelry, henna, flowers, garlands, pots, idols, etc.
Get the traditional look:
Women love to dress up in heavy traditional lehengas and gorgeous jewelry at this festival. Traditional bandhani print, delicate Gota Patti, beautiful Leheriya, and intricate embroidery is seen on the attires. But the outfits are incomplete without the perfect jewelry and Rajasthan has abundant gems and stones with the most exquisite artworks from veteran artisans. The Polki, jadau, Kundan, meenakari, and lac are the most famous forms of jewelry that add more charm and elegance to any look. Here are some choices for you to shop for.
Posh by Rathore Kundan choker set
This unique Kundan choker set is inspired by the antique and royal Rajasthani jewelry. The intricate details and stonework make it more exquisite. Be a proud owner of this gorgeous necklace. View the product
Auraa trends Kundan choker set
When this stunning piece of jewelry sets on your neckline, it will turn heads. Be ready to grab everyone’s attention with this. View the product
Chhavi’s Jewels Kundan Enamel Choker Set
As Rajasthan is about jewelry and precious stones, this regal piece of Kundan enamel choker set from Chhavi’s jewels will make you look like royalty. View the product
FotoableArc Women’s Embroidered Pink Semi Stitched Lehenga Choli
This gorgeously detailed semi stitched lehenga choli will make you stand apart from the crowd. The feminine and regal pink color will suit the festival most appropriately. View the product
Zeel Clothing Art Silk Embroidered Semi Stitched Lehenga Choli for Women
This art silk embroidered semi stitched lehenga choli defines feminine charm and elegance. Flaunt this flared lehenga and celebrate the festival. View the product
Zaveri Pearls Traditional Gold Tone Kundan Payal for Women
Payal or anklets complete your traditional look. These gold-tone Kundan Payal from the house of Zaveri pearls will add a bling to your feet. View the product
Jewar Mandi Borla Rakhri tika Fashion Design Rajasthani Matha Patti Polki Stone Indian Jewelry
The head of a Rajasthani woman is incomplete without a traditional Borla. This matha Patti Polki stone Indian jewelry is one of a kind and enhances the feminine beauty. View the product here
Puja Essentials:
Praise the divinity and indulge in the festival that celebrates your life and love for family. Bring home the idols of Gangaur and worship them with all your heart and soul. These idols are the most important part of this festival in fact it is what defines the festival. All the essential items that you might need for this grand celebration are listed below.
Trendy Handcrafted Printed Point Wooden Hand Painted Gangaur Isar
These beautiful idols aptly represent Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Bring happiness and joy in your life with them. View the product
Handmade Wooden Gangaur Ishar 9inches
There is nothing more beautiful than handmade wooden idols of the gods. They are made with love, devotion, and care. You can be assured to bring positive energy when you welcome these idols. View the product
Indian Quality Wood Pooja Chowki
A good quality wooden pooja chowki is essential to place the idols and this simple yet beautiful designed piece is the best choice. View the product
Bask in the glory of the Gangaur festival and the joy that it brings with it, from wherever you are because ShoppRe is your shopping buddy from India! All these gorgeous outfits, pieces of jewelry, and pooja items can be yours, so what are you waiting for? Start filling your cart now!