Gangaur 2026 Date: Puja timings, rituals, and why this festival of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati holds deep significance

Gangaur 2026 will be celebrated on Saturday, 21 March 2026. This important Hindu festival falls on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Chaitra month.

According to the Hindu calendar:

• Tritiya Tithi begins at 02:30 AM on 21 March 2026
• Tritiya Tithi ends at 11:56 PM on 21 March 2026

Gangaur is widely observed across several Indian states, particularly Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.


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Gangaur Significance and Meaning

Gangaur is a traditional festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The word “Gangaur” is derived from two words, “Gan”, referring to Lord Shiva, and “Gaur”, symbolising Goddess Parvati.

The festival holds special importance for women. Unmarried girls observe Gangaur to seek an ideal life partner, while married women pray for the long life, prosperity and well-being of their husbands.

Gangaur Rituals and Puja Vidhi

On the occasion of Gangaur, women observe fasts and perform rituals with devotion. Idols of Goddess Parvati, often made from clay or sand, are beautifully decorated and worshipped.

Women offer prayers, sing traditional folk songs and perform rituals in the evening. In many regions, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Isar Ji and Goddess Parvati as Gaura Mata or Gawarja Ji.

It is also believed that observing the Gangaur fast with sincerity brings marital happiness and fulfils wishes related to marriage.

Gangaur Vrat Rules and Observance

During Gangaur, women follow specific fasting traditions. Some observe a strict fast, consuming only milk once during the day. According to religious beliefs, this vrat ensures lasting happiness in married life and family well-being.

A unique aspect of Gangaur is that the fast is traditionally observed privately, and even the prasad offered during the puja is not shared with the husband.

Gangaur Celebrations During Chaitra Navratri

Gangaur coincides with the third day of Chaitra Navratri. On this day, women adorn themselves in traditional attire and perform detailed ???? rituals.

In the evening, they listen to or recite the Gangaur Vrat Katha. Idols of Goddess Gaura are taken near water bodies such as rivers or lakes, where symbolic rituals are performed. The idols are immersed the following day.

Gangaur Traditions and Offerings

An important ritual of Gangaur includes preparing ornaments known as “Gune”, made from flour, turmeric or gram flour. These symbolic ornaments are offered to Goddess Parvati during the puja.

After the rituals, these offerings are shared with family members, particularly mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, symbolising harmony and prosperity within the household.

Gangaur Celebrations in Rajasthan

Gangaur is one of the most significant festivals in Rajasthan, where it is celebrated over 18 days. The festivities begin the day after Holika Dahan and conclude on Shukla Tritiya.

Women worship Isar Ji and Gawarja Ji with great devotion, singing traditional songs such as “Gor Gor Gomti”. The festival symbolises the return of Goddess Gawarja to her maternal home after Holi, followed by her ceremonial farewell.

Gangaur Cultural Importance and Folk Traditions

Gangaur is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, especially in rural regions. Folk songs and community celebrations form an essential part of the festival.

In regions like Nimar in Madhya Pradesh, Gangaur is celebrated on a grand scale, with community feasts organised on the concluding day. The festival ends with the ceremonial farewell of Goddess Gawarja alongside Lord Shiva.