Hartalika
Teej is the biggest of the various variation of Teej. Hartalika Teej
falls on the third day of the first fortnight of the month of
'Bhadra'.
It is a three-day festival which is celebrated by women in honor
of Parvati Ma. On this day, womenfolk keep fast for long and conjugal
life of their husband. Hartalika Teej fast proceeds without even
drinking a drop of water. By rigorous fasting and praying to Goddess
Parvati on Hartalika Teej, married women are blessed with healthy life
of their husband while the unmarried girls are said to be blessed by a
husband like Lord Shiva.
Hartalika Teej Celebrations
Hartalika Teej commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess
Parvati. On this day, idol of Parvati Mata clad in bright colorful
clothes is taken out in a palanquin in a procession. The procession of
Hartalika Teej is represented by various artists and performers. Parvati
idol is also accompanied by several elephants and camels which is the
most attractive part of the Teej procession. A fair is also organized on
Hartalika Teej.
Women celebrate the festival of Hartalika Teej with immense fervor and
enthusiasm. Married ladies come back to their parents home to celebrate
the festival. Hartalika Teej is the time to adorn oneself with new
clothes and jewelry. Applying mehndi on hands and feet is a unique
feature of Hartalika Teej celebrations. Women usually dress up in green
colored clothes, wear golden bindi and apply a thick layer of kajal.
They do their best to look beautiful at the time of Hartalika Teej.
Women also distribute beautifully painted coconuts to their female
relatives and friends. Fresh fruits, sweets and green vegetables are
offered to Goddess Parvati as thanks giving. The fasting day proceeds
with evening prayers and traditional dancing and singing activities.
Also Read
Hartalika Teej Katha
