Locals, tourists celebrate Hindu festival in India

The festival is a major one in the state and is celebrated with much religious fervour. Colourful processions and joyful music attracted not only locals but also thousands of foreign tourists.“It is very colourful. I was reminded, we have in Germany also a festival like this. It is called the fest. It also is a traditional fest. It has the religious backdrop like this one obviously does. So it was good. I enjoyed it,” said Klaus, a tourist.Gangaur is considered a festival for women, in which goddess Parvati the consort of lord Shiva is worshippedMarried women celebrate Gangaur for the long lives of their husbands while unmarried women worship the goddess for getting a suitable groom.“It is mainly for married women. It is celebrated for 16 days. With the blessing of the goddess, they will get a long-lasting married life,” said Sunitha, a local.The festival commences on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April) and continues for 16 days.