Its March – you are ready for a short break after a hectic quarter. So if you can get leave then why not Udaipur. After all it is the lake city, the Venice of the East. It is the place associated with the legendary Maharana Pratap and the battle of Haldighati. Mewar has been synonymous with freedom and independence ever since. And it is that time when Udaipur comes alive with the Mewar Festival.
The festival celebrates the advent of spring. This coincides with the Gangauri festival. Gana is another name for shiva and the festival is in honour of his consort Gauri. It is a celebration of spring, harvest and martial fidelity. It’s believed that Parvati returned to her parental home during Gangaur, to bless her friends with marital bliss. The first important ritual of the festival is collecting ashes from the Holi fire and burying of wheat and barley seeds in it.
The idols of goddess Gangaur and Isar (Lord Shiva) are taken in a procession through the city. The festival has special significance for women in Rajasthan. They take Part in the procession, prepare the deities. Dancing, singing, concerts, fireworks marks the procession. The procession concludes at the Gangaur Ghat of Lake Pichhola. The idols are transferred into special boats. After this the cultural part of the festival begins. Performances highlight the Rajasthani culture. The three-day festival ends with a beautiful display of fireworks.
Oh since you are in Udaipur do care to look around for the Udaipur is famous for City Palaces, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Bagore Ki Haveli, Suraj Gokhada, Pratap Memorial, Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake, Monsoon Palace, Shri Eklingji Prabhu Temple and many more…
In 2011, Marwar Festival will be celebrated from 6 – 8 April at Udaipur, Rajasthan
How to reach Marwar Festival at Udaipur
By Air – Udaipur is well connected to all the major cities which includes Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Jaipur.
By Road – Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air conditioned buses from Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad to Udaipur. The roads are very good, and it takes around 8-9 hr. from Jaipur. You can also come by taxi from Jaipur and Ahmedabad.
By Train – Udaipur is connected to many major cities of India. There are daily trains from Delhi, Jaipur.The best train between Delhi and Udaipur, the daily Chetak Express. Trains take around 12 Hrs from Jaipur to Udaipur.
Toshali Tours and Travels, recognised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, offer an exclusive budget accommodation and Rajasthan travel package to take you to “Mewar Festival” at Udaipur. For Reservation and Booking visit at http://bit.ly/fT3VZ5 . Contact your Travel Desk Consultant “Metu” for more information on “Mewar Festival” at metu@toshali.in
