Teej festival celebrated by women comes in the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August),on the 3rd day of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada or Bhado month of nepali calendar and Hindu calendar,. The dates of celebrating the festival change every year according to the arrival of the monsoon.The festival is celebrated with the outbreak of the monsoon season which is generally called as “Sawan Festival”.Teej festival is dedicated to the re-union of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva. The festival is highly celebrated in India and is highly popular in Jaipur.
There are three types of Teej:
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Haryali Teej – Haryali Teej is celebrated on the beginning of Monsoon season. Haryali means greenery, so Haryali Teej is associated with good harvest and prosperity. On this day women dress up in green coloured clothes. They worship the Moon, Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha.
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Kajari Teej – Kajari Teej is celebrated on third day of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of Shravan month in Hindu Calendar. On this day women gather to sing devotional songs and worship neem tree. Special procession is also organised to worship the beautifully decorated idol of Goddess Parvati.
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Hartalika Teej – Hartalika Teej is the most important Occasions during entire Teej festival celebrations. Hartalika Teej lasts for three days and women observe a fast on the second day that is called Nirjara Fast meaning ‘fast without water’. Hartalika Teej fast is observed with great devotion for the long life and prosperity of Husbands.
On the day of Teej festival married women pray to goddess Parvati for the well being of their husband. Colorful costumes, fasting for the whole day, song and dance with the religious procession is the most striking feature of the festival.Decorating all swings is done. Teej is the time to adorn oneself like a newly dressed bride. Therefore women shop for new clothes, jewelery and accessories. Mehandi is another attraction for the women who keep fast for their husband and to be husband.
