Under the popular museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month. The exhibit for the month of March, 2023 –“Iesar and Gangour” Marwari folk Community from, Udaipur, Rajasthan,is on display in the indoor exhibition building–Veethi Sankul. <
The 'exhibit of the month' was inaugurated by Bhuvan Vikram Director IGRMS, renowned people present on this occasion. This exhibit of the month had been composed by Ms.Garima Anand, Assistant Keeper.
About the exhibit displayed in the exhibition Ms. Garima Anand said that the Gangour is one main amongst the cultural symbols of Rajasthan for which it is known in other parts of the country. Present exhibit is the symbolic folk from of Shiva and Parvati worshipped during Gangour festival as Iesar and Gauri. Beginning from the 1st day of the first half of Chaitra (March-April) and culminating on 3rd day of the second half i.e. Chairtra Shukla Triteeya lasting for 16 days this festival is the celebration of eternal dyad of man and woman. It is one such festival in which the women are predominant. Celebrated in the Malwa and Nimar regions of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and some parts of western Uttar Pradesh and every province of Rajasthan except Boondi.
Traditionally women used to prepare the idol of Gangour by mixing clay with ash of Holika Dahan, but nowadays clay and wooden idols are being made by potters and carpenter communities and painted by Usta & Matheran artists. Teak wood is used for making idols. Shape of the idol is marked on a wooden log by using a 2-D template and carving is done with chisels of different sizes and shape.
Foil and sandpaper is used for smoothening and making the surface even. After rubbing enough mannequins are given to Matheran and Usta artists for colouring where the subtleties of their face are brought out and then the devotees dress up and decorate them as per their financial capacity.