Gangaur Vrat 2025: Gangaur is a Hindu festival celebrated with much enthusiasm throughout India, especially in Rajasthan. Mainly observed by women, it’s all about promoting harmony in marriage and the good health of husbands. The festival kicks off on the first day of the Chaitra month, which is March-April in the Gregorian calendar, and goes on for 16 or 18 days. During Gangaur, people worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, celebrating their sacred marriage.
Gangaur 2025 Muhurat Time
- Gangaur Puja on Monday, March 31, 2025
- Tritiya Tithi Begins – 09:11 AM on Mar 31, 2025
- Tritiya Tithi Ends – 05:42 AM on Apr 01, 2025
Gangaur is a vibrant and significant festival celebrated primarily in the Indian state of Rajasthan and in parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. It is dedicated to Goddess Gauri, an incarnation of Parvati, who represents conjugal bliss. The festival’s origins are deeply rooted in mythology, symbolizing Parvati’s return to her parental home after her marriage to Lord Shiva.
The word “Gangaur” itself is a combination of “Gan” (Shiva) and “Gaur” (Gauri/Parvati), highlighting the divine couple’s importance. It’s believed that Gauri blesses married women with marital happiness and unmarried women with ideal husbands.
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Significance of Gangaur
The significance of Gangaur lies in its celebration of marital fidelity, love, and devotion. It is a time for women to pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands and for unmarried girls to seek blessings for a good marital life. The festival is a rich tapestry of rituals, including the worship of clay idols of Gauri, the application of henna, the singing of folk songs, and the elaborate processions.
The 18-day long festival culminates in a grand procession where the decorated idols of Gauri are taken out, often accompanied by traditional music and dance. This procession symbolizes Gauri’s departure to her husband’s home and is a spectacle of color and joy. Gangaur is not just a religious observance; it is a cultural celebration that strengthens community bonds and preserves age-old traditions, reflecting the deep-seated values of family and marital harmony in Indian society.
Things to Do on Gangaur
- Worship Goddess Gauri (Parvati).
- Dress in traditional attire, especially bright colors like red, pink, and yellow.
- Apply henna (mehndi) on hands.
- Prepare and consume traditional sweets like Ghevar.
- Carry out processions with decorated idols of Gauri.
- Sing Gangaur folk songs.
- Participate in or watch the Teej procession.
- Offer prayers and perform rituals for marital bliss.
- Decorate idols with flowers and jewelry.
- Break the fast (if observed).
- Exchange gifts with family and friends.
- Visit temples dedicated to Gauri.
- Apply Sindoor.
- Play traditional games.
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Things Not to Do on Gangaur
- Do not wear black or other inauspicious colors.
- Consuming non-vegetarian food.
- Engage in arguments or conflicts.
- Neglect the rituals or prayers.
- Disrespect the idol of Goddess Gauri.
- Wear excessively revealing clothing.
- Skip the fast (if you have committed to it) without a valid reason.
- Use harsh words or abusive language.
- Ignore the traditions and customs of the festival.
- Be disrespectful to elders or family members.
- Show arrogance or pride.
- Be wasteful with food or offerings.
