This post lists important fairs & festivals in Udaipur.
Gangaur Festival
Gangaur is one of the most important local festivals in Rajasthan. It is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March–April), the first month of the Hindu calendar. On the eve of Gangaur festival, women decorate their palms and fingers with henna. Udaipur has the privilege of having a dedicated Ghat named after Gangaur. Gangaur Ghat or Gangori Ghat is situated on the waterfront of Lake Pichola. This ghat servers as prime location for celebration of multiple festivals, including Gangaur festival. The idols of Gan and Gauri are immersed in the Lake Pichola from this ghat.
A traditional procession of Gangaur commences from the City Palace which passes through various areas of the city. The procession is headed by an old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts and performance by folk artistes.
Shilpgram Utsav
Shilpgram, a crafts village 3 km west of Lake Fateh Sagar, has displays of traditional houses from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra. There are also demonstrations by musicians, dancers, or artisans from these states. The 10-day festival organised here in the month of December-January which is a treat for the visitor to an array of exquisite art and craft.
Hariyali Amavasya
Hariyali Amavasya (new moon day of the Sawan / Shravan month) marks the beginning of the monsoons and greenery. It arrvies three days before the famous Hartalika Teej (Shravan Shukla Tritiya). People worship God Shiva for abundant rains and good agricultural season. Melas and fests are arranged in several places in the city.
Jagannath Rath Yatra
In Udaipur, the third biggest Ratha-Yatra is organised on the auspicious day of Ashadh Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) Dwitiya according to Indian Vikram Samvat.
Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi
According to the Hindu calendar, Gyaras, or Ekadashi is basically, the 11th day of each waxing (Shukla paksha ) and waning moon (Krishna paksha). This ekadashi, known as Jal-Jhulni Gyaras, or Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi, like all other festivals, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Udaipur.
Mewar Festival
Mewar Festival is observed to welcome the arrival of spring. Though the festival is celebrated in most parts of the state but since Udaipur city has historically been one of the capital cities of kingdom of mewar, the festival has special significance in lives of people of the city.
The whole city is decorated with fine colors on the occasion especially the local markets which are adorned with bright lights and colorful drape. Since the Mewar festival coincides with Gangaur festival, it is of equal importance for the women of the city.
The beginning of the festive ceremony is done with the worship of the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. A “Juloos” is organized wherein the people participating pass through different parts of the city with the idols of Shiva-Parvati and move towards Gangaur Ghat at Pichola Lake. The idols are immersed in the holy water and people pray for their families’ prosperity.
After the ritual is done, folk dances are performed and many other cultural events are organized.
