Udaipur is a land of celebrations. It’s people dress up most colourfully, to compensate for the somber colors of barren landscapes. It is a land where social customs are still governed by age-old traditions. It is only natural to see women in swirling skirts who spontaneously pull the veil or ghungat over their faces at the sight of a man. The village women adorn themselves with heavy silver jewellery around the ankles, waist, neck and wrists or dangling from the ears, nose and hair. Many of these ethnic ornaments have now become a craze among the urban elite, both at home and abroad.
The spirit of romance, valour and faith quintessential to Udaipur is delicately yet inseparably blended in its art, culture, music and dance. Whatever the occasion be, the spirit throughout is joyous. Marked with color, music, feasting, pageantry, fun and frolic. People from all walks of life participate in the festivities with great zeal. The ‘Mand’, a famous Mewari music form, is sung by traditional singers during festivals and the famous song ‘Kaisariya Balam Aaoo Ni Padharani Marai Desh’ is heard with great delight.
Some of the popular Festivals and Fair are as follows:
HOLI
The beginning of the Spring is celebrated with the most colorful festival called Holi in the month of Phalgun (March). The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels, horses and folk dances. People liberally splash coloured water and powder (gulal and kumkum) at each othe and make merry. Holi is also an occasion to get rid of one’s inhibitions and reconcile. Festivities also include singing, dancing and feasting.
GANGAUR
The day after Holi marks the beginning of the famous Gangaur festival, in the month of Chaitra (April), dedicated to Goddess Gauri, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. The festival lasts 18 days and is celebrated by girls and married women throughout Rajasthan. Colorful images of Gauri are ornamented and offerings are made in each home. Colorful processions carrying the images of Isar and Gauri are taken to the Gangaur ghat at Lake Pichola, with the town band playing. Horses and elaborate planquins make it a fascinating spectacle. ‘Gan’ is symbol of Lord Shiva and ‘Gaur’ stands for Parvati, who symbolize “Saubhagya’ (marita bliss). Gauri is the embodiment of perfection and conjugal love. That’s why unmarried girls pray to the Goddess for a meritorious husband, while the married ones pray for their long and prosperous life. On the final day the images are immersed in a holy tank or a lake.
RAKSHA BANDHAN
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of Shravan (August). On this day women and girls tie a rakhi, a gold-trimmed silken bracelet, on the wrists of their brothers. They in turn promise to protect them and pledge to be by their side, whenever she needs them.
DUSSEHRA
Dussehra is celcbrated in different parts of India in different ways. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil i.e. the victory of Rama over Ravana. The tale of Rama and Sita and the battle fought between Rama and Ravana is enacted on stage and it is known as Ramlila.
These theatrical performances are quite popular and are witnessed by capacity crowds day after day. On the tenth day of the festival huge effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and his brother Kumbhkarana and Meghnath, stuffed with thousands of firecrackers, are set afire. The festival is of special significance to the Rajputs. In the palace the royal family of Udaipur performs Ashwa (horse) Puja and also worships their weapons.
DIWALI
Diwali is celebrated every year in October-November with great enthusiasm throughout the state. The festival marks the return of Lord Rama exile after 14 years. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed and lamps are lit to create a world of fantasy. On this day, houses all over Udaipur glow with twinkling diyas and candles. Various fireworks create kaleidoscopic designs against the black canvas of the sky. For Hindu business communities, Diwali marks the beginning of the New year.
HARIYALI AMAVASYA FAIR
In the month of July-August a fair for men and women is held for two days on the blanks of Fatehsagar and at Sahelion-ki-bari. Shops displaying varied crafts and swings are put up, boating is organized by the municipal corporation. Women wear green coloured dressed and join the festivities.
Besides these festivals, various other festivals too are celebrated in the city. They include Chooti Teej, Bhai Dooj, Jal Jhoolni Ekadashi, Basanti Panchami, Annaku (specially at Nathdwara), Navaratras, Ramnavmi and Akhateej.
Though there are several festivals celebrated by various castes and communities of Udaipur, the following are commonly observed by the people.
JANMASHTAMI
It falls on the 8th day of the Sukla Paksha of Sravan month of Vikram era and is believed to be the day when lord Krishna was born thousand of years ago. The Hindu devotees observe fast and keep awake till midnight hours. In Nathdwara the festival of Janmashtami is celebrated on a large scale.
BASANT PANCHAMI
It falls on the fifth day of Krishna Paksha of Magha month (January) of Vikram era. This inaugurates the spring season. During this festival women wear yellow dresses.
