A ghat is a set of steps at the banks of a river that leads down to a river. Gangaur Ghat is one such crowded, but pleasing ghat of Udaipur that falls on the banks of Lake Pichola. It is located in the heart of the old city and beholds a rich Rajput culture and history. It has the most beautiful river frontage in the town, with steps that partake in religious and cultural rituals.
The streets leading to Gangaur Ghat stream through the traces of the old city that are quite narrow yet passable for traffic. It’s a polestar for the tourists and localities that come to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the city at early sunrise and the glittering and dazzling site in the town after sunset.
Gangaur Ghat Festivals
The Gangaur Ghat festivals are considered to be the most prismatic and happening events of Udaipur. The festival holds an exceptional value in the heart of the locals as well as outsiders. This ghat witnesses multiple celebrations every year, but the most prominent of all are the Gangaur festival and the Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi.
1. Gangaur Festival
Gangaur festival is backed by a rich historical and mythological tale. The elderly people of Mewar believe that it’s a ritual that has been happening for ages where the royal families of the era used to sail in a boat with their ‘Gangaur Idols’. People on the other end of the shore waited to celebrate the festival with their ‘Anndaata’ (provider). Even today, nothing has changed, and the ritual continues.
The name Gangaur came from Lord Shiva (Gan) and his wife Goddess Parvati (Gauri). Hence, the festival is all about worshipping Lord Shiva and Gauri and seeking their blessings through this grand celebration.
The traditional procession begins from City Palace, which is the home of the Royal family of the Maharanas. The royal family still dresses up in their best traditional attire with dazzling jewellery. With hands painted with fabulous henna designs, carrying the handmade idols and marching towards the ghat with a majestic procession, the royal family members simply woo the onlookers. These idols are then submerged in Lake Pichola.
2. Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi
Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi is a festival to seek blessings from Lord Krishna. The little idols of Bal Gopal (Lord Krishna in the form of a child) from many parts of Udaipur are brought together at Gangaur Ghat. It’s a vibrant and colourful procession that happens every year. The idols of Lord Krishna are then submerged into Lake Pichola. The parade is known as Ram Revdies.
Every year, the Rajasthan Government promotes these festivals and welcomes tourist from across the globe to come and join the carnival. Multiple creative events happen, followed by cultural and art proceedings.
Points To Keep In Cognizance
It’s always recommended to ride a two-wheeler or simply walk through the streets to reach Gangaur Ghat. The roads are pretty narrow and congested, therefore driving a car would be a big-time hassle.
The ghat stands in a picturesque setting. Every angle is a photographer’s delight. So please, don’t forget to carry your cameras!
The sunrise and sunset from the ghat are the two blissful experiences that one can’t afford to miss.
The ghat remains exceptionally crowded during the Gangaur festivals, so if you are travelling with kids, then be little more cautious
