Gangaur
is one of the important festivals in Rajasthan, which is
celebrated a fortnight after Holi. It is perhaps the only
festival in Rajasthan that is celebrated for 18 days. Celebrated
in honor of Goddess Paravati, Gangaur festival is celebrated
by the womenfolk of Rajasthan. On the occasion of the festival,
offerings are made to the Goddess Parvati. The festival
is considered an auspicious occasion for young people to
choose their life partners.
Though
celebrated across Rajasthan, the festival is a treat to
watch in Jaipur and Udaipur. The festival is celebrated
with pomp and show in Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. During
the festival, images of Gauri, the other name of Goddess
Paravati and Shiva called Gan are taken out in colorful
processions.
Married
women fast during the festival and prepare sweet dishes
and make offering to Goddess Parvati. Ghewar is the most
popular sweet that is served during the festival. The sweet
is the most common item that is distributed among friends
and relatives during the festival.