Festivals

Marwari festivals are deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the Marwari community, reflecting their rich heritage and religious beliefs. Here's an overview of some of the most significant Marwari festivals:

1. Teej

- When: July-August (Shravan month)

- What: Teej is a major festival for Marwari women, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Parvati. It celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is marked by fasting, prayers, and the wearing of colorful attire, especially green. Women apply mehendi (henna) and swing on decorated swings (jhulas) as part of the celebration.

2. Gangaur

- When: March-April (Chaitra month)

- What: Gangaur is one of the most important festivals for the Marwari community, particularly for women. It honors Goddess Gauri (a manifestation of Parvati) and is celebrated with great fervor, especially by married women, who pray for the well-being of their husbands. The festival includes processions, prayers, and the creation of clay idols of Gauri and Isar (Shiva), which are later immersed in water.

3. Diwali

- When: October-November (Kartik month)

- What: Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Marwari community. It involves the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Homes are decorated with oil lamps (diyas), rangoli, and lights, and people exchange sweets and gifts. The festival also marks the beginning of the new financial year for many Marwari businesses.

4. Holi

- When: March (Phalgun month)

- What: Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm among Marwaris. It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. People play with colors, sing traditional songs, and enjoy festive foods like gujiya and thandai. The celebrations often begin with Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is lit to symbolize the burning away of evil.

5. Karva Chauth

- When: October (Kartik month)

- What: Karva Chauth is a significant festival for married Marwari women, who fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The fast is broken after sighting the moon, following prayers and rituals.

6. Raksha Bandhan

- When: August (Shravan month)

- What: Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers' wrists, praying for their well-being, and in return, brothers give gifts and pledge to protect their sisters.

7. Navratri

- When: September-October (Ashwin month)

- What: Navratri, a nine-day festival, is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Marwaris observe this festival with fasting, prayers, and devotional songs. In some regions, Garba and Dandiya Raas are performed as part of the celebrations.

8. Makar Sankranti

- When: January

- What: Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn and is celebrated with kite flying, sesame and jaggery sweets (tilgud), and other traditional foods. It's a festival that signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.

9. Sharad Purnima

- When: October (Ashwin month)

- What: Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagiri Purnima, is celebrated on the full moon night. It is believed that the moon showers amrit (nectar) on this night. Marwaris prepare kheer (a sweet dish made of rice and milk) and leave it under the moonlight before consuming it as prasad.

10. Ramnavami

- When: March-April (Chaitra month)

- What: Ramnavami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu. Marwaris observe the day with fasting, prayers, and recitations of Ramayana. Temples are decorated, and processions are held in honor of Lord Rama.

These festivals are not just religious observances but also occasions for family gatherings, cultural expressions, and the strengthening of social bonds within the Marwari community.