Gangaur is the most important local festival in Rajasthan. This spring festival is held in honour of Gauri, the goddess of abundance. Girls dress up in their finest clothes and pray for a spouse of their choice, while married ladies do the same for the happiness of their husbands.

Although celebrated throughout Rajasthan with great enthusiasm, the celebrations in Jaipur and Udaipur have their own charm and attraction. The festival is also celebrated with great pomp and show in Bikaner, Jodhpur, Nathdwara and Jaisalmer.

Girls worship the goddess throughout the preceding fortnight. Colourful images of Gauri, beautifully dressed and bejewelled, are taken out in procession with the town band. A boat procession in Pichola Lake adds to the gaiety of Udaipur celebrations.

Thousands of people from the country side come to take part in the procession of the Gangaur image from village to village. The tribal youth have an opportunity of meeting freely and during this time, they select partners and marry by eloping. A romantic but strange custom, sanctioned by society.