Gangaur is a festival of women celebrated during Chaitra Month especially in Rajasthan Gangaur festival begins on the first day in Chaitra month continues till the fourth day in Shukla Paksha or brighter half of Chaitra month. ‘Gan means Lord Shiva and ‘Gauri is Goddess Parvati. Gangaur is dedicated to the divine couple Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. This vow is observed by married women for marital bliss young girls for ideal husband.
Gangaur is all about honoring the goddess Gauri.A minifestation of Parvati ,she represents purity and austerity. Gangaur signifies Lord Shiva and Parvati together.Its believed that Parvati returned to her Parental home during Gangaur,to bless her friends with marital bliss.On the last day ,Parvati was given a grand farewell by her loved ones and Lord Shiva arrived to escort her home.
Women make clay idols of Lord Isar (Shiva) and Goddess Gauri (Parvati) and worship for 18 days. They sing bhajans and play with the idols(brushing with neem ,immitating feeding etc.) as part of Gangaur Puja. During Gangaur festival many fairs or Jatra are celebrated in Jaipur, Udaipur, and many other towns in Rajasthan. These fairs attract several lakh people from all around the world.
Gangaur festival is also celebrated as Gauri Tritiya and Soubhagya Tritiya in other parts of India.
