Gangaur- The Royal Barge

Gangaur- The Royal Barge | Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Steeped in history, the Gangaur is your chance to relive royal history dating back 150 years. This huge colourful boat once belonged to the Maharana of Udaipur and was used by him and his Maharani to watch the Gangaur festival.Gangaur (Gauri) is an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi, consort of Lord Shiva. A popular festival in Rajasthan, it is believed that during this period Parvati returned to her parental home to bless her friends with marital bliss. She is worshipped by married women, who, just as in Karva Chauth, fast and pray for the longevity of their husbands and unmarried girls for a suitable partner. On the last day women dressed in their finery –traditional Rajasthan costumes and jewellery —take out a procession in Rajasthan’s cities. In Udaipur, a colourful procession on Lake Pichola, with music and dance, ends with fireworks on the banks of the lake. The rulers of the day watched this festival from their royal boat, as the best of delicacies were served to them. There were two Gangaurs belonging to the Maharana, but over the years ended up being rather dilapidated. Word has it that during the shooting of the James Bond film Octopussy, a British naval expert salvaged parts from both to make one workable Gangaur. We look forward to welcome you to experience a regal cruise on our 150 year old royal barge- The Royal Gangaur, wherein one can relax and encapsulate themselves in the mesmerising surroundings of the fabled Lake Pichola. This magnificent experience can be booked by both resident and non-resident guests. You also get to enjoy a delectable selection of hot and cold snacks along with an array of desserts, while you witness magical rays of sun, recreating romance and charisma on board.