Gangour Ghat (Entry Fee, Timings, History & Best Time to Visit)

Overview

Situated right in the waterfront of Lake Pichola, Gangaur Ghat is a popular bathing ghat in Udaipur and is counted among the main ghats of the city. The ghat is renowned for the celebration of the Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi and the Gangaur festival, from where it got its name. During the Gangaur festival, the idols of Lord Shiva(Gan) and Goddess Parvati (Gauri) are worshipped for 18 days and on the festival's last day, the idols are taken to Ganagaur ghat with huge cheery processions. Women and men dress themselves in traditional attires for the puja ceremony. These idols are then immersed in Lake Pichola. Watching the sunrise and sunset from the ghat is a heavenly experience. There is no proper seating arrangement or benches at the ghat, one can make themselves comfortable on the stairs of the ghat. The ghat usually remains crowded during the time of festivals.

Festivals Celebrated

Gangaur festival: Gangaur is indeed one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Rajasthan, particularly in Udaipur. This vibrant festival honors the divine union of Goddess Parvati (Gauri) and Lord Shiva (Gan) and is marked by colorful processions and rituals. The traditional processions of Gangaur typically commence from the City Palace and various other places, winding through the streets of Udaipur. These processions are characterized by the presence of elaborately decorated palanquins, chariots, bullock carts, and performances by folk artists, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. As the procession progresses through the city, devotees and spectators join in the celebrations, offering prayers and enjoying the spectacle. The culmination of the procession takes place at a ghat by Lake Pichola, where the idols of Gan and Gauri are ritually immersed in the waters, symbolizing their return to their celestial abode. This immersion ceremony is accompanied by rituals, chants, and the fervent devotion of the devotees, marking the conclusion of the Gangaur festivities for the year. The festival is not only a religious observance but also a cultural extravaganza that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of Rajasthan.

Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi: Jal-Jhulni Gyaras, also known as Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi, is a significant event celebrated in conjunction with Gangaur festivities, particularly around Gangaur Ghat in Udaipur. This unique celebration occurs on the 11th day of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the lunar month. During Jal-Jhulni Gyaras, different processions, known as Ram Revdies, originate from various parts of the city and converge at Gangaur Ghat. Each procession is characterized by the presence of devotees carrying idols of Lord Krishna in his child form, known as Baal Gopal. Upon reaching Gangaur Ghat, devotees participate in the ritual of swinging the idols of Lord Krishna over the waters of Lake Pichola. This act, known as Jal-Jhulni, symbolizes the playful and joyous aspect of Lord Krishna's childhood, as well as the devotees' reverence and devotion towards the deity. The atmosphere during Jal-Jhulni Gyaras is filled with fervent devotion, joyous celebrations, and the sounds of devotional songs and chants. It serves as a significant religious and cultural event that strengthens the spiritual bond between the devotees and their beloved deity, Lord Krishna.

How to Reach

By Airport:- Maharana Pratap Airport ( Udaipur) is the Nearest Airport which is 23.3 km away

By Train:- Udaipur Railway Station is the Nearest Railway Station which is 2.4 km away

By Road:- Udaipur is well connected with other major cities; also many private buses and vehicles ply directly to Udaipur