
Hariyali
Teej also called
Teejen is celebrated with extreme mirth and
devotion by womenfolk. It falls in the
Shukla Paksha of Shravana,
corresponding to the month of August. As the name says, Hariyali Teej
relates to greenery. On this day, many women clad themselves in green
colored clothes and wear green bangles. A special puja is performed to
worship moon. Traditional singing of songs and dance escalates the verve
of Haryali Teej celebrations.
Hariyali Teej Celebrations
A day before Hariyali Teej, women celebrate
'Sindhare'. It is a
significant day for newly wed brides. On her first "Sindhara"
after marriage, it is customary to receive clothes and ornaments from
her Mother-in-law. On Hariyali Teej, women gather to worship moon. The
puja performed on this occasion is done with milk, curd and flowers.
Hariyali Teej is mainly related with greenery and commemorates for
abundance of greenery and good harvest. Women wear green colored clothes
like lehanga, suits and sarees. They wear green bangles and adorn their
hands with beautiful mehandi patterns. Women both married and unmarried
enjoy the festive spirit by swinging on adorned swings singing songs
relating to the month of Sawan. Various delicious food items are cooked
which is relished by all in the family.
The day is enjoyed with full craze that even the Gujarati women adopt
the Rajasthani traditions. In Gujarat, special Garba dance is arranged.
Women in their traditional clothes, carry pots on their heads and dance
singing songs in praise of Goddess Parvati.
In Maharashtra, women wear green bangles, green clothes, golden bindis
and kajal for luck. They distribute beautifully painted coconuts to
their female relatives and friends and offer fresh fruit and green
vegetables to the goddess as thanks giving.
Hariyali Teej Celebrations in Vrindavan
There are great festivities in Vrindavan which goes on up to
Janmashtmi. Lord Krishna devotees celebrate Hariyali Teej with great
enthusiasm and excitement in the holy place of Vrindavan. At the time of
Hariyali Teej, swings are laid down in the shrines of Vrindavan for the
deities to swing upon. This religious ceremony is called
'Jhullan
Leela'. Religious songs and hymns are chanted in the famous 'Banke
Bihari' temple. Even leelas of Radha and Lord Krishna are narrated.
Hariyali Teej is the most auspicious occasion as on this day idols Lord
Krishna and Radha comes out of their 'pat' (place where idols are kept
in the temple) to give their devotees a single vision. Idols of Lord
krishna and Radha are adorned with fine clothes and jewelry.
The main attraction of Hariyali Teej in Vrindavan is the
gold-ornamented swing of Lord Krishna which comes only once a year.
After offering prayers in the temple, holy water is sprinkled over the
devotees to give a feeling of the advent of the monsoon. Various
devotees from India and abroad come to Vrindavan to attend special
Hariyali Teej celebrations.