Udaipur,the lakecity, already well established on the world map, or shall I say the tourism map, is more colourful than just the sun’s reflection on its lakes. The festivals add grace and colour both to our beautiful Mewar.

The Mewar Festival

This festival coincides with Gangaur festival, its beauty is that it welcomes the advent of Basant(बसंत). The women are seen more excited as they dress up in beautiful colourful traditional outfits, adorn themselves in the same way like a newlywed bride would and sing songs and dance to welcome the spring season.

Gangaur

This is the festival that very specifically takes place 16 days after the festival of colours Holi. It is one of the most important local festival celebrated with full enthusiasm. The term Gangaur is explained as Lord Shiva(Gan) and Devi Parvati(Gaur). The marital bliss is celebrated through this festival where the womenfolk pray for a happy married life. This festival is also celebrated by unmarried females who seek blessings in the form of a good life partner. The Gangaur ghat, Pichola lake side area near Jagdeesh chowk, witnesses the prayers and immersion of the Gangaur idols,both, though now immersion is strictly prohibited.

Hariyali Amavasya

New moon day of the Saavan month is celebrated as Hariyali Amavasya . Grand fare known as hariyali amavasya mela is held every year for two days, one is meant for the males and the other day for females, keeping in view safety and fun both. People of all ages can be seen all along from the  starting point of Fatehsagar lake to the paal, in Saheli nagar and even Neemach Mata area where the entire fare is lined up. Blowing paper trumpets (the local term is पूपाड़ी) in each other’s ears,throwing water balloons as yoyo, and also enjoying with friends and family on the roller coaster like swings enhances the element of fun. Then obviously spicy chaat and other eatables double up the scene.