Kota

The vibrant Gangaur celebrations in Kota are set to commence on March 21, with elaborate preparations underway for a grand royal procession that will be held on Ram Navami from the historic Sarathal Fort.

Dedicated to the divine union of Goddess Parvati (Gauri) and Lord Shiva (Isar), the festival has been celebrated across Rajasthan for over two centuries. The main festivities will run from March 21 to March 26, though rituals traditionally begin a day after Holi and continue for more than two weeks.

Gangaur holds special significance for women—young girls pray for an ideal life partner, while married women seek the well-being and prosperity of their husbands.

The Sarathal celebrations trace their origins to the early 19th century, when Thakur Anar Singh of Ahorin in Jalore introduced the festival in the region after settling in Kota in 1807. Over time, Sarathal evolved into an important estate of Kota, with the festival retaining its royal character.

On Ram Navami, a grand procession featuring idols of Isar and Gangaur is taken out from Sarathal Fort. The evening highlight includes a life-sized idol of Goddess Gangaur, adorned in regal ornaments, accompanied by armed guards—evoking the splendour of royal traditions.

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Adding to the cultural richness, women from royal families perform the traditional Ghoomar dance, while folk performances by Sahariya and Kalbelia communities bring colour and vibrancy to the celebrations, making Gangaur both a spiritual and cultural spectacle.