Festivals of Jaipur  

Teej

Teej is the festival that marks the advent of the monsoon in the month of Shravan (August). During this festival swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. The festival is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Lord Shiva. An elaborate procession is taken out in Jaipur for two consecutive days on the festive occasion in reverence to the Goddess Parvathi known as Teej Mata.

Gangaur

A festival dedicated to goddess Gawa (Parvati), based on the myth concerning the reunion of the goddess and Lord Shiva. It is celebrated during March-April and is a very important local festival, celebrated by the women folks. The celebrations last up to 18 days, with a very colourful procession with bands and horses is taken out through the city and it makes a very remarkable sight. The images and idols of goddess Gauri is adorned and worshipped with offerings.

Elephant Festival

The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers. The sight of mighty jumbos striding majestically is a treat to the spectators eye. This festival is celebrated on the day of Holi, the Indian festival of colors, the entire elephant population of Jaipur assembles in the Chaugan stadium. The mahavats or owners proudly decorate their elephants with bright colors, jhools (saddle cloth) and heavy jewellery, the female elephants are made to wear payals ( anklets). Many spectacular events form a part of this festival to make it more interesting like the elephant races, elephant-polo and tug-of-war between elephants and men.