Latest news with #GangaurFestival
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
6 Stunning Ghats In Udaipur That Deserve A Spot On Your Travel List
Udaipur is called the City of Lakes for a reason. And where there are lakes, there are ghats - those calm, open waterfronts that end up being everyone's favourite hangout spots. Think of them as Udaipur's front-row seats to peace. Each ghat has its own pace, personality and local rhythm. Some are buzzing with people and activity, while others are slow, silent and just right for sitting still. But what ties them all together is the way they show off Udaipur - raw, unfiltered, and honest. Whether you are catching your breath at sunrise or watching the sky change colour during sunset, the ghats somehow make everything feel softer. At night, when the lake turns dark and the reflections of the city lights begin to dance on the surface, the ghats take on a different mood. They are the kind of places you walk to without a plan. You stand still, feel the breeze, soak in the quiet, and leave with that rare sense of having truly paused for a moment. Here Are 6 Of The Best Ghats In Udaipur That Should Be On Your Travel Radar: 1. Gangaur Ghat - For The Views And The Vibe Gangaur Ghat sits by Lake Pichola and is easily one of Udaipur 's most iconic ghats. It is named after the Gangaur Festival, which brings colour and crowds to this very spot every March. Come here in the morning to feed the pigeons, or in the evening to catch the golden glow across the lake. You will also find quirky artificial jewellery stalls nearby, and yes, it is a hot favourite for pre-wedding shoots. Location: Near Bagore Ki Haveli, Old City 2. Ambrai Ghat - For That Killer Sunset Shot Also known as Manjhi Ghat, Ambrai Ghat is where Udaipur shows off. With views of City Palace, Jag Mandir, and shimmering Lake Pichola, it is a solid sunset spot. You can grab a bite at the nearby restaurants or just sit on the steps and take it all in. Do not forget your camera-this place practically demands a photo session. 3. Lal Ghat - For Old-School Udaipur Energy Lal Ghat brings the full Udaipur package - heritage stays, street food, craft shops, and a view of the lake that never gets old. It is great for first-timers who want to soak in the city's buzz. Bonus: You can hop on a boat ride from here and see the lake from a whole new angle. Location: Near Jagdish Temple 4. Hanuman Ghat - For Some Headspace Tucked away from the usual tourist shuffle, Hanuman Ghat is for when you want some quiet. With a temple nearby and fewer crowds, it gives you space to breathe and a stunning view of the lake while you are at it. It feels like a secret, even though it is right there, in plain sight. 5. Ram Ghat - For A Spiritual Pause Clean, calm, and full of quiet rituals, Ram Ghat may be small, but it carries weight. There is a small Ram temple here and a striking bow and arrow installation that nods to the legend of Shiv Dhanush. It is especially lovely during the evening aarti, when the whole place glows in candlelight and chant. Location: Chandpole Road 6. Alsigarh Dam - For The Weekend Drive And A Picnic Not technically a ghat, but it earns its place on this list. About an hour's drive from Udaipur, Alsigarh Dam is a hidden gem in the Aravalli hills that locals love for quiet picnics and monsoon views. The water, surrounded by lush green hills, makes the whole scene feel like a painting. It is perfect if you want a break from the crowds and do not mind a bit of a drive. Location: Alsigarh village, around 25 km from Udaipur The best part? You do not need a long itinerary to cover these ghats-most of them are within walking distance of each other. So put on comfy shoes, carry your camera, and go see a side of Udaipur that is as peaceful as it is picturesque.
India.com
02-06-2025
- India.com
Experience The Vibrant Traditional Festivals Of Udaipur Like Never Before
Udaipur represents a historic city that people know as both 'City of Lakes' and 'Venice of the East.' Udaipur serves as the heart of Rajasthan while earning fame through its lakes and palaces alongside bazaars and through showcasing its deep cultural heritage through its traditional festivals. These celebrations present visitors with the opportunity to explore both the noble heritage and sacred foundations and the active everyday life of Udaipur people. You should experience these well-known traditional events that Udaipur offers: 1. Mewar Festival Udaipur residents organize the Mewar Festival as their major annual celebration because it celebrates spring's arrival. The festival of Gangaur Festival occurs simultaneously with this celebration honoring Gauri who represents Parvati when united with her partner Lord Shiva. During this celebration women wear traditional dresses while performing folk songs as they hoist Gauri idols through public tours. During the festival the city becomes illuminated by light installations while traditional entertainment performances featuring dances and musical and puppet shows entertain visitors. The finale of the festival begins at the City Palace before proceeding to Lake Pichola where the immersions of statues take place. 2. Gangaur Festival The festival of Gangaur holds major importance throughout Rajasthan because people celebrate it with great passion in the city of Udaipur The temple worships Goddess Gauri who represents matrimonial contentment and reproductive ability. The prayers of wedded women focus on husband wellness yet unmarried women redirect their supplications toward meeting a future spouse. Women perform henna application onto their hands while wearing traditional clothing to carry Gauri idols during an 18-day festival. Every part of the city becomes vibrant through grand rituals and musical celebrations along with traditional dance performances during this festival. 3. Shilpgram Festival Rural arts together with crafts and culture constitute the main focus of the Shilpgram Festival. Shilpgram village outside Udaipur serves as the location for this 10-day festival that displays the traditional way of life from both Rural Rajasthan and other regions of the country. A diverse group of artisans from different regions of India shows their crafts that include pottery along with textiles and jewelry at the festival. The event brings together traditional Rajasthani cuisine with performances of folk music as well as dance performances. Events at this destination give visitors the chance to witness first hand the diverse cultural traditions of India under a single setting. 4. Jagdish Temple Festival Every year the Jagdish Temple draws a considerable number of worshippers along with visitors who come to attend its annual festival. The temple at Lord Vishnu service uses this occasion to establish itself as the primary spiritual center of activities. During the celebrations religious ceremonies unfold alongside musical worship and ceremonial parades take place. The festival reaches its peak due to the temple's architectural wonder which includes detailed carvings and a magnificent structure. During this period the actual religious energy of Udaipur emerges as its keynote event. 5. Hariyali Amavasya During the monsoon season Hariyali Amavasya creates a time for the community to celebrate both the arrival of fresh new green plants and economic wealth. During this time people pray for prosperous crops while the urban environment embraces merrymaking and celebrations. During the festival citizens organize traditional cultural shows and performances at Saheliyon-ki-Bari garden while celebrating with great enthusiasm. People make pilgrimages to sanctuaries to pray for both prosperity alongside happiness through petition for blessings. 6. Teej Festival Udaipur offers women from Rajasthan the most extraordinary celebration facilities during their special monsoon festival Teej. During the festival people worship Goddess Parvati as they commemorate the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. During Teej celebrations women wear green clothing while using henna and utilize sophisticated swings for their entertaining swings. During this event people perform songs while dancing through various temple processions. Udaipur's historical landmarks including the spectacular City Palace join the other sites in illuminating for the festival. Teej combines festival observances of love between partners with devotion to deities as well as the happiness that monsoons bring. 7. World Music Festival The World Music Festival in Udaipur functions as a major cultural gathering although it fails to qualify as an authentic traditional festival in technical terms. The traditional charm of Lake Pichola serves as a stunning stage for musicians who join international talent to perform modern interpretations of traditional music. This event features music as the universal language through which it creates a distinctive cultural atmosphere. The city succeeds in maintaining both ancient customs and contemporary lifestyle practices. Conclusion The traditional festivals of Udaipur display the dynamic cultural past of its residents alongside its abundant traditional heritage. The festivals at Udaipur bring their exclusive experiences and these include the fervency of Gangaur alongside the creative essence of Shilpgram as well as the joyful Mewar festivities. Through these festivals Udaipur protects its traditional customs as they allow tourists to share in the local culture of the city. Visiting Udaipur for one of its festivals will provide you with the genuine experience of the city because you'll see the town turn into a vibrant celebration of music and cultural tradition.
