New Delhi :
The fasting festival of Teej for Hindu women begins today. The day is marked by fasting for the long and healthy life of their husbands. The Teej festival of Hariyali is celebrated to remember the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as his wife. It is a series of festivals which is celebrated for seeking the blessings of Gods for marital bliss during the Hindu months of Sawan and Bhado.
Origin of Teej:
It is believed that the name of the festival comes from a small red insect called ‘Teej’. This red insect emerges from the earth during the monsoon season. According to the Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati came to Lord Shiva’s abode marking the reunion of husband and wife. To honor the sacrifice of a wife (Parvati) all married Hindu women observe fast for the long and healthy life of their husbands.
Types of Teej
There are 3 types of Teej festivals which are celebrated during the monsoon months:
1.Hariyali Teej or Chhoti Teej which falls on Shukla Paksha Tritiya or the third day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu monsoon month of Shravana.
2. Kajari Teej which is also known Badi Teej. It comes after 15 days of Hariyali Teej.
3. Haritalika Teej comes one month after the Hariyali Teej which is observed on the third day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.
Hartalika Teej is celebrated in the states of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Women offer fresh fruits to Goddess Parvati and adorn themselves in colorful clothes. Basically Godess Parvati is considered as Hartalika hence she is worshipped for the blessed marital life.
Significance of Teej
According to the mythology Goddess Parvati, in order to prove her love and devotion for Lord Shiva carried out a rigorous fast for 108 years. It is mainly celebrated in Nepal and the North Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana in various ways. The festival has a two-fold significance: it celebrates the victory of a wife’s love and devotion towards her husband- symbolized by the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The second being the arrival of monsoon with Teej festival that brings a good reason to take a break from the sweltering heat. The festival also provides a good opportunity for renewing family bonds.
Teej is also seen as a relief from the scorching heat of summers in the western state of Rajasthan. Rajasthan Tourism also organizes a Savan Mela or Monsoon Festival every year to showcase the traditions and customs of the festival.
Fasting is central to Teej
Married women observing fast is central to Teej. The festival is marked by colorful celebrations among the womenfolk. Swing rides, songs and dances are some of the common activities during the Teej. Married women and even young girls apply mehendi, wear colorful bangles and adorn themselves in bright colored saris and jewellery. To offer their special prayers, women visit temples and a special sweet called as ‘Ghewar’ is distributed as a divine offering also known as Prasad.
