Gangaur Fair — Know The History, Significance, And Everything About This Fair

Siyava village in Rajasthan’s Sirohi district is currently hosting one of the largest and most renowned tribal fairs dedicated to the festival of Gangaur. The event has drawn participation from tribal communities not only across the district but also from various villages in the neighboring state of Gujarat.

The Gangaur celebration among the Garasia tribal community of Rajasthan is uniquely traditional. Every year on Vaishakh Krishna Panchami, a grand Gangaur fair is organized in Siyava village, attracting tribal people from districts like Udaipur, Pali, Banswara, and Gujarat's Banaskantha and Sabarkantha.

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A Tradition Steeped In History:

According to village elders, this vibrant fair has been held for nearly 250 years. Tribal families residing in hamlets like Matafali and Jaloiya Fali within Siyava each take responsibility for one clan's Gangaur rituals annually. Starting from Chaitra Shukla Ekam, young men and women observe a Gangaur fast. For around twenty days, an eternal flame dedicated to Gaur (Goddess Parvati) is kept lit. Using neem fruits and decorative branches, the idol of Gaur-Ishwar (Parvati and Shiva) is crafted.

On the final day, the idol is shaped into a human form supported by bamboo sticks. It is adorned with garlands made from flowers, mango leaves, mahua fruit, and raw dates. In the evening, a grand procession and celebration bring Gaur-Ishwar to the fairground, where a symbolic wedding is performed. During this, tribal youths in traditional attire perform cultural dances.

Traditional Dance Takes The Spotlight:

At the fairground, groups of young women dressed in traditional costumes form circles and perform folk dances while singing local songs. Popular dance forms like Walar, Jwara, and Mor are major highlights. Among them, the Gair dance, a traditional tribal performance, stands out as a significant expression of their culture and way of life.

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