Gangaur in Jaipur
March–April, 18 days after Holi (lunar calendar), with processions on the last two days
Gangaur takes its name from Gan, a name of Shiva, and Gauri, his consort Parvati. Married women pray for their husbands and unmarried women for a good match, and households make clay figures of the goddess that are worshipped daily. The festival begins the day after Holi and lasts 18 days, ending in the month of Chaitra.
On the final two evenings in Jaipur, an image of the goddess leaves the Zenana Deorhi of the City Palace in a procession with elephants, horses, bands and women in their finest clothes, and moves through Tripolia Bazaar towards Talkatora. Udaipur marks Gangaur on the ghats of Lake Pichola, with its own procession and boats. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so check current status before you travel.
We book a balcony or rooftop along the procession route through the old city and arrive early; the streets fill well before the goddess appears. The procession is a local religious event first and a spectacle second, so dress modestly and keep a respectful distance from the women carrying offerings.
How to do it well
- Book a rooftop or balcony on the procession route; street-level views are poor
- Arrive at least an hour before the procession starts
- Combine with Udaipur, where Gangaur is marked on the lake ghats
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is Gangaur in 2026
Gangaur begins the day after Holi and ends 18 days later, so it usually falls in March or early April. The main processions are on the final two days. Dates follow the Hindu lunar calendar and are confirmed by the state each year. Check current status before you travel.
Where is the best place to see Gangaur
Jaipur has the largest procession, leaving the City Palace and moving through Tripolia Bazaar. Udaipur celebrates on the ghats of Lake Pichola, with a procession to Gangaur Ghat and boats on the water, which many find more atmospheric. Both are good; we choose based on the rest of the route.
Can visitors join the Gangaur festival
Visitors watch rather than take part in the rituals, which are performed by local women. You can see the processions, the decorated streets and the women in festival dress. Respectful photography is generally fine from a distance; ask before photographing anyone up close.
Is Gangaur a good time to visit Rajasthan
Yes, if you can handle warm days: late March and early April reach 33–37 °C in Jaipur. Mornings and evenings remain pleasant, and the festival adds colour to the old city. Pair it with Ranthambore, where April is one of the better months for tiger sightings.
Festival journeys
Routes built around the calendar
