Haritalika Teej, popularly known as Teej, is a festival celebrated by Hindu women in Nepal and in central and northern regions of India. The vibrant festival commemorating the union between Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati, falls in Bhadra, the 5th month of Nepali lunar calendar which usually falls in August/September. The three-day long festival sees Hindu women dressed in colorful, bridal clothes usually red and green. While dancing, singing and merrymaking are significant to the festival, at the crux is a woman’s prayer for marital bliss, well-being of spouse and children, and purification of body and soul.
Legends and Myths about Teej Festival
The story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati:
The origin of Teej is related to Goddess Parvati, also known as Teej Mata. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati wished to have Lord Shiva as her husband. She performed severe penance and austerities, fasting on the Mondays of Shrawan for 107 lives. In her 108th life, she was born as a princess. When her father, King Himavant, decided to marry her off to Lord Vishnu, she sought help from her friend, Aalika, to escape the palace. Parvati was kidnapped or “harit” (in Sanskrit) by Aalika, hence the festival’s name “Harit-alika”.
After escaping the palace, Parvati hid in a dense forest where she continued to fast and observe penance for Lord Shiva. Pleased with her devotion, dedication and love, Lord Shiva accepted her as his wife. She accompanied Lord Shiva to his abode in Kailash which marked their union. This dedication and devotion of Parvati towards Shiva forms the core of the Teej celebration.
The red insect:
Another captivating myth surrounding Teej relates to a small crimson insect known as the Red velvet mite or rain bug. These tiny creatures surface from the soil during the monsoon season, coinciding with the festival of Teej. It’s widely believed that the festival’s name originates from this very insect. This connection has influenced the festival’s color scheme, with red – already considered auspicious in Hinduism – becoming the defining hue of Teej celebrations.
On this special day, married women dress in exquisite red attire, adorning themselves with meaningful ornaments that signify their marital status. These include colorful bangles, potey; a necklace crafted from glass beads, and sindur; vermilion powder applied to the hair parting. This vibrant ensemble, complete with additional jewelry, not only honors the festival’s namesake but also embodies the joy and sanctity of marriage in Hindu tradition.
The festival symbolizes the reunion of Shiva and Parvati, representing the bond between husband and wife. It also signifies the onset of the monsoon season, a time of rejuvenation and new beginnings. The myths surrounding Teej emphasize the power of devotion, sacrifice, and the strength of marital bonds in Hindu culture.
How is Teej Celebrated?
The celebration of Teej lasts three days. Day one is Darr khane din, which literally translates to the day to feast. Day two is Teej, the day of fasting and prayer. Day three concludes with Rishi Panchami. More information on each day is provided below:
Day 1, Darr Khane Din:
The Teej festival begins with a joyous gathering of women at a common venue. Married women are invited to their parents’ and kins’ home, and many choose to organize a party for their friends and relatives. The first day of celebration includes traditional songs, lively dances, and a sumptuous feast known as “Darr”. Women relish an array of delectable dishes, savoring the flavors before commencing their fast the following day. This communal meal not only satisfies the palate and prepares participants for the fasting the next day but also strengthens bonds among the participants.
Day 2, Fasting and Rituals:
The second day of Teej is devoted to fasting and other spiritual practices. Married women undertake the rigorous Nirjala vrata, a 24-hour fast abstaining from both food and water. This strict act mirrors the severe penance Goddess Parvati underwent to please Lord Shiva. It is performed by married women to please Lord Shiva to invoke blessings for their husbands’ longevity and prosperity.
Unmarried women also participate in the fast, directing their prayers to Goddess Parvati in hopes of finding a compatible life partner and ensuring future marital bliss. The day is further sanctified by visits to Shiva temples, where women perform sacred rituals to seek the divine couple’s blessings. Participants also doll up in beautiful saris and dance and sing throughout the day as part of the celebration and also to distract themselves from the fast.
Day 3, Rishi Panchami:
The festival of Teej concludes with Rishi Panchami, a day dedicated to honoring Saptarishi, the seven revered sages of Hindu tradition. Women observe this day by taking a holy bath in a nearby river or pond using a crimson mud that is located beneath the revered Datiwan tree and its leaves. They also conduct a special puja (worship ceremony), paying homage to these ancient seers and seeking their divine wisdom and blessings.
The significance of Rishi Panchami lies in its emphasis on purification, respect for ancient wisdom, and the acknowledgment of the cyclical nature of women’s bodies. After this act of purification, they conclude the fast with a feast featuring both sweet and savory dishes such as kheer, fruits, sel-roti, thekua and more.
Significant features of Teej
Darr, the feast: Darr or feasting marks the first day of Teej. Traditionally, the day before the fasting begins, women gather for a grand feast of traditional delicacies, including rice, lentils, curries, and an array of sweets and fruits. The feast is usually a family affair, where parents invite their married daughters and sisters home. The feast serves as a time for women to nourish their bodies before the rigorous fast, an opportunity to bond with fellow women, and have fun.
The atmosphere is festive, with women dressed in their finest attire, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s company. In recent times, the feast has turned into an event that starts a month before Teej, with individuals and even establishments organizing parties for darr. Every event becomes an opportunity for friends, family and colleagues to get together and make merry.
Fasting: Fasting is at the heart of Teej festival. Hindu women undertake a rigorous fast, often abstaining from both food and water for up to 24 hours. This act of devotion and dedication, often mirroring the penance and austerities of Goddess Parvati, is known as Nirjala vrata. For married women, it is believed to invoke blessings for the long life and well-being of their husbands and the prosperity of their families.
For unmarried women, the fast brings the blessing of getting a good husband. The difficulty of the fast underscores the depth of devotion and sacrifice associated with the festival. Fasting doesn’t necessarily have to be so strict. Women are encouraged to drink water and eat fruits throughout the day to avoid health issues. Many women also end the fast with a simple dinner of yogurt and unleavened bread.
Prayer: Temple visits and prayer rituals are a cornerstone of Teej celebrations, with women congregating at shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The revered Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu becomes a focal point, transforming into a sea of red as thousands of devotees gather for worship. Women participate in the “Shiva-Parvati Puja,” a specialized prayer ceremony that holds deep significance.
This ritual is performed with utmost sincerity, as devotees seek divine blessings for their husbands’ well-being, marital harmony, and family prosperity. The air fills with the sound of hymns, songs and the scent of incense, flowers and fruits as women offer them along with other traditional items to the deities. This act of devotion is believed to please Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, inviting their benevolent gaze upon the worshippers and their families.
Festive Attire: The visual spectacle of Teej is largely created by the stunning attire worn by women during the festival. Vibrant red saris or traditional dresses dominate, as red is considered the color of marriage and festivity in Hindu culture. Women adorn themselves with bangles, potey and tilhari (a special jewelry worn by married women), symbolizing prosperity and auspiciousness.
The application of mehendi (henna) designs on hands and feet is another cherished tradition. This elaborate dressing up is not merely for aesthetic purposes; it’s a celebration of femininity, an expression of joy, and a way of honoring the festival’s significance.
Singing and dancing: Teej is as much a social celebration as it is a religious one, and this is best exemplified by the gatherings of women for singing and dancing. Traditional Teej songs, often passed down through generations, speak of love, marital life, and the legend of Shiva and Parvati. Famous Nepali artists also release special Teej songs around this time to add to the musical environment. Women dance their hearts out during Teej on these songs, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
These performances are a form of entertainment, a means of expressing the joy and freedom associated with the festival, and a way to distract oneself from the fasting. The communal nature of these activities also strengthens bonds among women, providing a platform for shared experiences and mutual support.
Celebrating Teej at Varnabas
Varnabas Museum Hotel is committed to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Nepal. As part of this ongoing commitment, Varnabas has introduced a special culinary menu around the celebration of Teej, allowing guests a taste of the festival. The “Darr Package” at Kharka-La restaurant, features authentic Teej delicacies and traditional sweets, available in their dining menu for a limited time period.
We invite you to book your stay at Varnabas Museum Hotel to experience Nepal’s vibrant culture. Reserve a table at Kharka-La restaurant to enjoy the special Teej menu and partake in this joyous celebration of Nepali tradition.
