Not just the locals but even tourists are too enticed by the glory of Historical Chittorgarh. The charm and the splendor of the city have attracted people from other parts of the country as well. Although, the city of Chittor is magnificent whenever you visit it, there are some parts of the year in particular when one can witness the city in its complete glamour. It is when Chittor is celebrating the heritage it got from its ancestors i.e. festivals.
Here are the major fairs, festivals, and processions that you need to attend while you are in Chittorgarh.
You may also want to read – Places to visit in Chittorgarh
Maharana Pratap Jayanti
Maharana Pratap was a warrior and an epitome of bravery and heroism. He was the true patriot who initiated the first war of independence. Throughout his life, he kept fighting from enemies to save his motherland and his people. Pratap was born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh and this very day is celebrated every year in Chittorgarh to respect and honor his patriotism, pride, valor, and bravery. The birth anniversary of Maharana is celebrated as a full-fledged festival in Chittorgarh every year on the 3rd day of Jyestha Shukla phase.
In his remembrance, several puja and processions take place on Maharana Pratap Jayanti every year. Several cultural programs and debates are also held.
Meera Mahotsav
Meera Bai is very popular in the entire country for her faith and love for Lord Krishna. She was the foremost exponents of the Prema Bhakti (divine love) which also inspired her to become a poet. Meera Bai was a Rajput princess born in about 1498 in Metra, Rajasthan. Her father Ratan Singh was the youngest son of Rao Duda, ruler of Merta and founder of Jodhpur. Meera Bai was married to the ruler of Chittor, Bhoj Raj.
Every year, on Meera’s birth anniversary which is the Sharad Poornima, a 3-day celebration is organized by Meera Smrithi Sansathan (Meera Memorial Trust) along with the Chittorgarh district officials. Along with puja, discussions, dances, and fireworks, many famous musicians and singers get together on this day to sing bhajans in this celebration.
Teej
Teej is one of the major festivals in not just Chittor but entire Mewar region. It is dedicated to goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Lord Shiva. On this day, Goddess Parvati is worshipped by her devotees. It also marks the advent of monsoon month of Shravan (August).
It is also known for being the festival of swings where swings are hung from the trees and decorated with flowers and other objects and young girls and women dressed in green clothes who sing songs in celebrations of the advent of monsoons.
Gangaur
Gangaur is the most important and colorful festival of not just Chittorgarh but entire Rajasthan. It is celebrated with great fervor by the womenfolk who worship Gauri. The meaning of the word ‘Gangaur’ can be understood by breaking it down in two words where Gan means Shiva and gaur stands for Gauri or Parvati. Gauri symbolizes the marital bliss or Saubhagya. Gauri is the embodiment of perfection and conjugal love which is the reason why the unmarried women worship her in order to be blessed with a good husband, while the married women do it for the welfare, health and their happy married life. It is celebrated between March and April.
Jauhar Mela
Chittorgarh fort hosts the biggest Rajput festival which is known as ‘Jauhar Mela’. The occasion is believed to commemorate Rani Padmini’s Jauhar which is the most famous one. It marks the bravery of Rajput ancestors and all the three Jauhars that happened at Chittorgarh. Jauhar is a Hindu custom of self-immolation where women commit suicide to avoid capture, enslavement or rape by any foreign invaders.
On this day, a huge number of Rajput including the descendants of most of the princely families holds a procession to celebrate Jauhar.
Rang Teras
Rang Teras is a tribal fair of Mewar celebrated on the 13th moon night of the month of Chaitra. This big colorful fair includes a huge gathering of tribal to rejoice the harvest of wheat. Rang Teras celebration is customary since the 15th century. It is a thanksgiving festival of farmers where they pay their honor to Mother Earth for providing them with food for the next year. As a part of Celebrations, young men in the village perform their gallant skills while dancing. It is also celebrated is Sri Krishna Temples all around North India and ISKCON Temples.
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