Gangaur Vrat celebrated by women for marital blessings

Gangaur Vrat is an important Hindu festival celebrated by women. It focuses on seeking blessings for a happy marriage and long life for husbands. The word "Gangaur" combines "Gan," referring to Lord Shiva, and "Gaur," which refers to Goddess Parvati. This year, Gangaur Vrat will take place on March 31, 2025. It falls on the Tritiya Tithi during the waxing phase of the Moon in the month of Chaitra. Women pray to both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati during this festival. They believe that unmarried women who keep the fast will find a good life partner. Married women also observe this fast for marital happiness. To celebrate, women dress in traditional clothing and participate in various rituals. They may listen to stories about Gangaur Vrat and create a representation of Goddess Parvati using sand by water bodies. Singing folk songs like "Gor Gor Gomati" is also common. The festival concludes with the immersion of the idol of Parvati in water. This symbolizes her departure from her maternal home to her husband’s home.