The festival of Gangaur is dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. While Gan is the name of Lord Shiva Parvati is referred to as Gauri. The goddess is the consort of lord Shiva. Gangaur Festival is based on a legend. According to the popular myth after a long penance Gauri and Shiva reunited on this day. Idols of the god and goddesses are in the shape of small dolls. These are generally made of wood. Both married and would be brides participate in the festival seeking conjugal bliss.

On the evening of the 7th day after Holi, unmarried girls walk from house to house carrying specially made earthen pots with numerous holes all around. Inside it an oil lamp or is placed. As they walk around the village they sing the songs of Ghudla. They receive refreshments and small presents of cash, sweets, jaggery, ghee and oil from the several household that they visit. The festival culminates on the 18th day with the arrival of Lord Shiva to escort his bride home.

The festival of Gangaur is celebrated all over Rajasthan. However the rituals may vary slightly from region to region. In Jaipur on the 18th day, a procession starts from the Tripolia Gate and moves on the city streets. The procession has idols of Issar and Gangaur in a decorated palanquin. Drummers, dancers, elephants and horses make this procession a visual treat. In Jodhpur too the festival is celebrated on a similar line. But the place to witness Gangaur festival is Udaipur. The celebrations generally take place in March or April.