Mewar Festival is a popular festival celebrated in the state of Rajasthan, India. This festival is also known as the Gangaur Festival and is celebrated in the honor of Goddess Parvati. It is one of the most important festivals of Rajasthan and is celebrated in the months of March and April.
The Mewar Festival is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the people of Rajasthan. The festival is celebrated for 18 days, during which the women of the state dress up in traditional Rajasthani attire and perform various rituals to please Goddess Parvati.
The Mewar Festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in the city of Udaipur, which is known for its beautiful lakes and palaces. The city is decorated with colorful lights, flowers, and decorations during the festival. The festival begins with a procession, which is led by a decorated elephant, carrying the idol of Goddess Parvati. The procession passes through the streets of the city and ends at the Gangaur Ghat, where the idol is immersed in the lake.
The festival is celebrated with traditional dances, music, and food. The women of Rajasthan dress up in colorful Rajasthani attire and perform various dances such as the Ghoomar, Kalbelia, and Chari dances. These dances are accompanied by traditional Rajasthani music and instruments such as the dholak, harmonium, and sarangi.
One of the main attractions of the festival is the food. Traditional Rajasthani dishes such as dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and ker sangri are prepared and served to the guests. The food is cooked in traditional Rajasthani style and is served on leaf plates.
The Mewar Festival is also known for its colorful and vibrant fairs. These fairs are held in various parts of the state and attract a large number of people from all over the country. The fairs are filled with various stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, and traditional Rajasthani jewelry. The fair also features camel rides, puppet shows, and other cultural performances.
History and Significance of Mewar Festival:
The Mewar Festival is celebrated in the honor of Goddess Parvati, who is considered to be the epitome of beauty, fertility, and prosperity. The festival is also known as Gangaur Festival, which is a combination of two words "Gan" and "Gaur". "Gan" means Lord Shiva, and "Gaur" means Goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated to mark the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The Mewar Festival is one of the most significant festivals of Rajasthan, especially for women. During the festival, women perform various rituals and puja to please Goddess Parvati, seeking her blessings for a happy and prosperous married life. The festival is also a way to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, where people dress up in traditional Rajasthani attire and perform various dances and music.
Celebration of Mewar Festival:
The Mewar Festival is celebrated for 18 days, starting from the day after Holi. The festival is celebrated in various parts of Rajasthan, but the city of Udaipur is the center of attraction during the festival. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in the city of Udaipur, where the streets are decorated with colorful lights, flowers, and decorations.
The festival starts with a procession, which is led by a decorated elephant, carrying the idol of Goddess Parvati. The procession passes through the streets of the city, accompanied by traditional music and dances. The procession ends at the Gangaur Ghat, where the idol is immersed in the lake.
During the festival, women dress up in traditional Rajasthani attire and perform various dances, such as Ghoomar, Kalbelia, and Chari dances. The Ghoomar dance is performed by women wearing colorful ghagra choli, which is a long skirt and blouse. The women move in a circular motion, swaying their hips and clapping their hands in a synchronized way. The Kalbelia dance is performed by women of the Kalbelia tribe, who wear long black skirts with colorful embroidery. The dance is performed to the beats of a traditional Rajasthani musical instrument called a pungi. The Chari dance is performed by women who balance brass pots on their heads and move gracefully in a circular motion.
The festival is also known for its vibrant fairs, which are held in various parts of Rajasthan. The fairs are filled with various stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, and traditional Rajasthani jewelry. The fair also features camel rides, puppet shows, and other cultural performances. The food is also an essential part of the festival, where traditional Rajasthani dishes are served to the guests.
Some of the popular attractions and events during the Mewar Festival include:
The procession: The festival starts with a grand procession, which is led by a decorated elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Parvati. The procession passes through the streets of Udaipur, accompanied by traditional music and dances. The procession ends at the Gangaur Ghat, where the idol is immersed in the lake.
Cultural programs: Various cultural programs and performances are organized during the festival. Women dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire perform dances such as Ghoomar, Kalbelia, and Chari dances. These dances are performed to the beats of traditional Rajasthani musical instruments and are a treat for the eyes.
Fairs: The festival is also known for its vibrant fairs, which are held in various parts of Rajasthan. These fairs are filled with various stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, and traditional Rajasthani jewelry. The fair also features camel rides, puppet shows, and other cultural performances.
Food: The festival is a great opportunity to savor the traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Various food stalls offer dishes such as dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and bajre ki roti, which are a delight for foodies.
Light and sound show: A mesmerizing light and sound show is organized at the City Palace during the festival. The show narrates the history of Mewar and is a treat for the senses.
The Mewar Festival is not only a great opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan but also a chance to experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of Rajasthan. The festival is a time for families and friends to come together, celebrate, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
The Mewar Festival is a colorful and vibrant festival that celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in various parts of Rajasthan, but the city of Udaipur is the center of attraction during the festival. The festival is a great opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of Rajasthan. The festival is a must-see if you are planning to visit India during the months of March and April.
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