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It sounds obviously off-beat but
it is true and you can feel yourself that the life of Bikaneri-folks is quite
busy throughout the year, celebrating different festivals. Every festival has
some historical or ritual back-up and the culture-nourishing people of Bikaner
has gone one step further. Here, every festival ends up as a carnival ! The festivals play an important role
not only in enhancing mutual love, brotherhood and co-operation in society but
also in reuniting the whole community as well. Above all, these are the modes of
keeping one cultural system intent and viable for centuries.
Indeed, it is the outcome of the
foresightedness of our ancestors who associated various cultural inputs with
different occasions. From time to time, the Dynasty of Bikaner-province also
encouraged these unique and highly appreciable efforts to make people interactive
and alive in such a way that festivity remains in the air - whatsoever may be
the purpose. 'Gan-Gaur' is also a fringe in the cultural-spectrum of Bikaner.
'Gan-Gaur' is celebrated by the women for their husbands' well being and long
life. The maidens too, with the umpteenth desire for a perfect alter go
, have their point during the 18 day long festivity. According to Hindu
Mythology, 'Sati' (Parvati) was adorned with God 'Shiva' as husband for three
lives only due to her devotion and sacrifice for Him. Obviously, devotees
worship God 'Shiva' (Gan) and Goddess 'Parvati' (Gaur - His better half) with
the innate ambition to have a noble companion in their life.
The celebrations start just after "Holika-Dahan' on 'Chaitra Krishna Ekam'
and extend up to 'Chaitra Shukla Teej'- for 18 days. The remnants of ashes of 'Holika
Dahan' are brought home for preparing 'Pinds' which are worshiped for a
week as a symbol of 'Gan-Gaur'. Then the Clay models (statues) of Lord 'Shiva'
and Goddess 'Parvati' replace these 'Pinds'. On the 18th day, these statues are
offered in water courses and ponds nearby. Here begins the carnival wherein
married as well as maidens - all in colourful outfits and pleasant gesture along with
their groups assembled in evening at a common place and celebrate this lovely
festival exclusively for their own.
The devotees wear new costumes and ornaments; show their enthusiasm and joy
through the folk-songs during worship - urging The Almighty to bestow upon
them loyal family, health and wealth. Here's an example-' Gaur ! Ae GanGaur
Mata, Khol Kiwadi; Manga Ae Meh, Anna, Dhan, Lachh Aur Lachchmi'.
Indeed we need all these particulars for our pleasant life and all round
development. Folk songs depict happy married life of 'Shiva' and 'Parvati',
together with multicoloured, beautifully designed handy work in the form of 'Rangoli' prepared during worship show devotion and art of women - the pivot of
our social system. Infect 'Gan-Gaur' celebrations aim towards happiness and
prosperity - the keys for pleasant social life.
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