Gair Festival in Indore: Rangpanchami Brings Colours To The Streets of Indore

As Spring comes knocking, nature bathes the earth with its sunshine and colours. And along comes Holi, the festival of colours, marking the onset of this vibrant season. 

While this colourful festival is celebrated across the country, in many Indian states, the Rang Panchmi festival is observed with equal enthusiasm a few days after Holi. 

The Holi festival starts on the first day of Chaitra Krishna Paksha. Rangpanchmi is celebrated on the 'Panchami', meaning the fifth day of the Krishna Paksha, the waning phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Chaitra after Holi.

Rangpanchami In Indore 

In the Malwa and Nimar regions of Madhya Pradesh, Holi is considered incomplete without the customary Gair procession held in Indore. Sheer joy and colours awash the streets of Indore as Rangpanchmi comes knocking. Known by different names, the Holi procession or 'Faag yatra' or Gair highlights the cultural aspects of how the festival of colours is celebrated in the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, Indore. 

The origin of Gair dates back to the reign of the Holkar dynasty when members of the royal family would join the common people on the streets to play Holi, transcending class barriers. Bullock carts loaded with herbal colours and flowers would be on standby as people smeared each other with gulal.

Over time, the Gair procession has evolved. A large vehicle now carries flowers, gulal and water tankers, and motor pumps are used to throw colours high in the air, making the streets vibrant and colourful. Even people standing on the balconies can not go without being drenched in the colours. The Gair procession weaves through the city, on various routes around Rajwada, the palace of the former Holkar rulers.

Colours fill the air with joy and love as people dance and sing as the procession slowly makes its way.

After two years of the COVID pandemic, the Gair tradition finally recommenced last year as thousands participated. This year, the celebration is expected to go a notch higher as more and more people return to the streets for this procession with much fanfare. 

What's More?

When in Indore, don't miss the chance to relish the flavours and aromas of mouth-watering dishes at India's street food capital. From savoury kachoris to crispy khopra patties and sweet jalebis, the city's bustling streets offer a gastronomical adventure for food lovers. But it's not just street food that Indore is famous for. The city is also home to numerous sweet shops where you can buy delectable treats for your loved ones. 

The city is also a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks, natural beauty and spiritual sites. One of the must-visit destinations is Gulawat valley, offering a perfect scenic view with lotus all over the lake. For those seeking a spiritual experience, Indore offers a plethora of options. Kanch Mandir is a Jain temple adorned with intricate glasswork and mirrors. Khajrana Ganesh Temple, one of the most revered temples in Indore, is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and attracts a large number of devotees every day. 

If you are interested in history and architecture, the magnificent Lal Bagh Palace is also a bucket list destination. Other popular tourist attractions in Indore include the Central Museum, Annapurna Temple, Bada Ganpati, 56 Dukaan, Sarafa and many more. 

To know more about Indore, read https://www.mptourism.com/destination-indore.php