Gangaur festival in Rajasthan attracts tourists from all over the world

Tourists from all across the world thronged three-day-long Hindu festival of 'Gangaur' in Udaipur.

The festival signifies companionship of Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati. It is believed that Parvati returned to her maternal home during Gangaur and on the last day, she was escorted away from her home by Lord Shiva to be united with him.

"It's my first time in India, first time in Rajasthan, first time in Udaipur, and also first time in Gangaur festival. It's incredible and it's wonderful to be here, it's all colourful and the people are so happy and it's very wonderful," said a Canadian tourist, Rachel.

In Udaipur, processions of idols were taken through streets as people took part in the festivities. Women dressed in traditional attire walked with idols over their heads to immerse them in the Pichola Lake.

"This festival was very entertaining and we enjoyed a lot. This was our first time here and we want to come here again. The dancers over here performed very well," said another tourist, Girija.

During the festival, wives pray for happiness of their husbands while single women pray to find the right suitor.

The festival is not only celebrated in Udaipur but in other towns in Rajasthan like Jaipur and Jodhpur and the other Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat.