Pipar Gangaur Mela

The Pipar Gangaur Mela is a cultural and religious festival celebrated every year in Pipar City, located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India. The fair is held during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March–April). This festival is famous for its unique tradition where the goddess Gangaur is treated as a local daughter departing from her paternal home (Peehar) to her husband's home (Sasural).

History

Traditionally, the festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Isar) and Goddess Parvati (Gauri). However, a major historical change occurred in the late 1960s. Local records show that a group of armed thieves tried to steal the gold and silver jewelry from the idols during the festival procession. The local women fought back bravely using household tools until the townspeople arrived and caught the thieves. To remember this event and protect the idols, a community security group called the "Akhada" was started. This Akhada still leads the procession every year.

Traditions and Culture

• The Bride's Journey (Vidaai): People in Pipar treat Goddess Gavar as their own daughter. The end of the festival represents her emotional departure to her in-laws' house.
• Dress and Decoration: Before the main procession starts, the wooden idols are decorated with fresh Henna (Mehendi) on their hands. They are dressed in a traditional "Pila" (a yellow-bordered cloth), which represents blessings from parents.
• Charkhi Dance: During the fair, selected male devotees lift the heavy wooden idols of Isar and Gavar on top of their heads. They dance and spin quickly in circles to the fast beats of traditional drums (Dhols).

Procession Route

The festival is most active around the day of Rama Navami. Idols from different neighborhoods are brought to the historic Court Gate area. Here, thousands of local women perform a joint prayer (Poojan).

After the prayers, the large procession moves through a 1-kilometer path in the city. Led by the Akhada showing traditional sword and Lathi skills, it walks through the main markets including:

1. Chopta Bazar
2. Dadabari
3. Lakhara Bazar
4. Sadar Bazar

The parade ends at the Sapansar Pond (also called Subhash Ghat Pond). At the water, the final ritual of offering water (Pani Pilana) is done, and the idols are symbolically dipped into the water to say goodbye.

Economy

The fair helps the local economy of the eastern Jodhpur area. Many small traders, craftsmen, and artists from nearby villages like Borunda, Bilara, and Khangta come here to set up shops. It supports local businesses like tie-and-dye (Bandhani) clothes, pottery, and handmade metal items.

References

Category:Fairs in India Category:Festivals in Rajasthan Category:Jodhpur district Category:Martial arts festivals

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