Date, timing and tithi of the festival
During Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the Bhadrapada month, the Hartalika Teej Vrat is observed. Sand-based temporary idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are erected and worshipped on this day to invoke marital joy and progeny. This year Hartalika Teej is observed on September 18, 2023.
Tithi:
Tritiya
Timing:
Pratahkal Hartalika Puja Muhurat 06:12 AM to 08:42 AM
Pradoshkal Hartalika Puja Muhurat 06:42 PM to 03:33 PM
Tritiya Tithi timing 03:21 PM, August 29 to 03:33 PM, August 30.
Overview
A well-known Hindu holiday is Hartalika Teej. For women in particular, this celebration has a unique significance. Both India and Nepal participate in this celebration. The meeting of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is the sole focus of this celebration. During Hartalika Teej, women observe a full-day fast known as a Nirjala fast, during which they refrain from even drinking water. It is thought that Mata Parvati first observed this fast to win Lord Shiva’s hand. As a result, ladies who follow this fast are lucky.
The Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the Bhadrapada month is when the Hartalika Teej Vrat is observed. Sand sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped on this day for marital joy and offspring.
Significance
Teej festival has religious significance because of Goddess Parvati’s devotion to her husband, Lord Shiva. The celestial lovers Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati finally got back together after a long separation on this day. Even today, women observe the “Nirjara Vrat” to pray for their husbands’ health and long life to honour this mythological event.
Teej marks the beginning of monsoon season. Since Teej falls during the monsoon season, its celebration is more significant. Women use the lovely weather at this time by swinging, singing, and dancing in the rain.
It also presents an opportunity for married ladies to go home and revisit happy childhood memories. It makes sense that women would enjoy and enthusiastically celebrate the celebration. They take great care to look their best, dressing elegantly and accessorising with priceless jewellery. Women also decorate their hands and feet with elaborate mehndi designs.
History Behind The Festival
Hartalika is a compound word made up of “harát” and “alika,” denoting a female companion. According to mythology, Goddess Parvati underwent arduous penance on the banks of the Ganga River to wed Lord Shiva. But when he saw her in this state, Parvati’s father, Himalaya, decided to wed her to Lord Vishnu. Goddess Parvati decided to help her buddy and kidnapped her after hearing about her suffering. Maa Parvati maintained her sadhana there, and soon Lord Shiva became aware of the goddess’ love and consented to marry her. She then led her to a vast jungle. Since then, women have noticed that Hartalika Teej always manages to marry the man they choose.
Beliefs
After 108 rebirths, it was thought that Lord Shiva made his decision to wed Goddess Parvati on this day. As a result, it is regarded as one of the most fortunate days for a good marriage.
According to popular belief, single women who observe the Hartalika Teej Vrat will find nice spouses. Married ladies observe the Vrat in order to have a happy and contented marriage. Women who are married and unmarried both observe this Teej.
The extreme tapas (austerities) that Goddess Parvathi through to win the hand of Lord Shiva are the inspiration for Hartalika Teej. Women who observe the Vrat are said to receive blessings from Goddess Parvati.
The Hartalika Teej Vrat fasting regulations are exceedingly strict, and some ladies even refrain from drinking any water during the fast.
Rituals Conducted
The Hartalika Teej festival honours Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva’s reconciliation. The Parvati deity is accompanied by multiple camels and elephants, adding to the appeal of the teej procession. On this day, large processions bearing exquisitely attired Parvati idols are carried through various regions of the nation. The parade is enhanced with performances by a variety of performers. On the occasion of Hartalika Teej, spectacular fairs are also conducted in several locations.
Mainly married women observe Hartalika Teej with great fervour and excitement. On this day, married ladies are customarily required to visit their parents’ house for a celebration. Women dress up in brand-new attire and eye-catching jewellery for this special teej. Women enjoy wearing bindis and kajal on this occasion, and green is the chosen hue. Every woman wants to appear her best during this time.
Married ladies follow a strict three-day fast amid all these festivities in hopes of their husbands’ health and long life. They go through the entire day without drinking or eating anything. The vrat follower rises early on the day of Hartalika Teej and bathes in the sacred waters. They come home after visiting the mandir and touching their husbands’ feet. Women once more take a bath and dress as newlyweds right before dusk. The primary worshipping ceremony starts in the late afternoon. Flowers, Bilwa leaves, and incense sticks are used to worship the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Throughout the puja, mantras are recited, and the Hartalika Teej vrat katha is recited to conclude the puja. One must solely consider their soul partner when listening to the katha. The fast is only broken the following morning once all the worship ceremonies have been completed.
To gift to Goddess Parvati, a variety of sweets and other delicacies are created at home. The deity is given fresh fruits and leafy greens. Women give gorgeously decorated coconuts to other female friends and family members as part of a ritual. The women of the home gather to eat jaggery and rice patolis on banana leaves, along with a variety of vegetables cooked in coconut milk and other spices, after completing all the rites. Additionally, a unique dessert made of rice and coconut milk is produced. Female consumers of coconut water also partake.
Hartalika Puja
For puja, women congregate at a local temple or garden. They stand in a semicircle, with a statue of Parvati in the centre. The sacred Teej Katha is recited by every woman present as the Hartalika Puja opens with floral, sweet, and fruit offerings. Teej Katha After the Hartalika Puja, women present the Goddess Parvati with various holy objects and ask for her blessings. Women must also light a mud diya that must be kept burning all night. Food is provided to young ladies and brahmins alike at the Teej Vrat. Apart from the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, Maharashtra and the southern regions of India also recognize and observe Teej’s significance. Importance of Teej Hartalika In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, the Teej festival is observed as Gowri Habba. In Maharashtra, however, women also do Hartalika Puja and observe Teej Vrat. They dress in green and also wear green and golden bracelets.
How will Hartalika Teej Vrat be observed in 2023?
Both married and unmarried women follow this Teez. Married women do the Vrat to have a blissful and peaceful union.
It is stated that single women who follow Hartalika Teej Vrat are more likely to find good spouses.
Many married and single women continue to practise “nirjala vrata” (severe fasting even without water). All houses host a lavish feast after the fast.
On this day, women wear green attire and bangles to represent luck.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are offered to Goddess Parvati.
Desserts, rice patois, and other delicacies are prepared on this day. On this day, coconut-based treats are served.
Swinging on the Jhulas
Within various regions of India, swings are tied in many places, and both men and women ride these to celebrate this holiday. Men and women ride these to celebrate this festival, while both parties ride these to celebrate this festival. In many regions of India, the husband and wife’s relationship is strengthened by these practises and traditions.
Women apply Mehendi
Women from several Indian states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, etc., come together on this day to apply mehendi to their feet, hands, and farms. They sing celebratory songs that make them smile and laugh while putting the mehendi.
Traditional Foods Consumed
Ghevar
A honeycomb-shaped confection from Rajasthan called ghevar is covered with sugar syrup. It is a dish made with sooji, ghee, and milk as components. During the Teej festival, it is made and consumed throughout the nation.
Bedmi Puri and Raseele Aalo
Bedmi puri with aloo is one of India’s most well-known and mouthwatering combinations. It makes for a filling supper with d
elicious flavours of aloo curry blended with various spices and simmered in tomato gravy. Bedmi, filled with aamchoor, urad dal, chiles, and other spices, is made using sooji.
Dal Baati
Another well-known Rajasthani cuisine is Dal Baati. Ghee-stuffed baatis must be served with steaming dal or delectable choorma. This exquisite dish from Rajasthan is a beautiful combination to offer visitors at Hariyali Teej.
Besan Kadhi
It enhances the flavour and scent of your meal. Besan (gram flour) is used to make besan kadhi, a thick gravy added with curd to give it a somewhat sour taste. Pakoras, which are vegetable fritters, are also included in this gravy.
Thekua
This sweet dish is made in Bihar, Jharkhand, the eastern regions of Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. It combines flour dough, sugar syrup, coconut, and other ingredients.
Gujiya
Teej is an incomplete event without gujiya. The ingredients for this dish are flatbread, khoya, suji, and dry fruits.t is quite popular in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, etc.
Kheer
It is the most well-liked sweet dish served at any event in India, and people from all social classes cook it. Milk and sugar are combined and cooked with rice for a while.
Halaw Puri
On this day, people often make Halwa-puri, one of India’s favourite meals. Both young people and older people enjoy it quite a bit.
FAQS
- What should we not do on Hartalika Teej?
Women should avoid wearing hues that contain any amount of black. – Unless there are medical grounds, fasting people should refrain from drinking water. – Women who are fasting shouldn’t go to sleep at night since it is thought that Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are worshipped all night.
- When is the best time to hydrate in Hartalika Teej?
On this day, women rise early and bathe in holy water. They then dress neatly and treat themselves like a bride. Women break their fast early in the morning by eating fruit and drinking water. Afterward, they go the rest of the day without eating or drinking anything.
- Can we sleep in Hartalika Teej?
On Hartalika Teej, it is forbidden to sleep at night. Women sing bhajans and traditional melodies all night long. The Hartalika fast must be observed daily for the rest of one’s life.
- What are the Hartalika Teej rules?
You should take a bath, get dressed in clean clothes, and rise early in the morning. The person should stop all daytime activity while fasting. The idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati should be worshipped. First, perform the aarti for Lord Ganesha.
- Who celebrates Hartalika in Nepal?
It is observed for three days in Nepal, during which time there is fasting and eating. Women from several castes, including Bahun, Chettri, Magars, Kiratis, etc., celebrate Hartalika Teej.
- Which God is worshipped in Hartalika Teej?
On Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Bhado month, a fast known as Hartalika Teej is performed. Worship is offered to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Unmarried females observe a fast in hopes of finding their ideal husband, and married women fast in hopes of having a long marriage and many children.
- Which state celebrates Hartalika Teej?
Apart from the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, Maharashtra and the southern regions of India also recognize and observe Teej’s significance. In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, Gowri Habba is the name given to the festival of Hartalika Teej.
- What advantages does Hartalika offer?
For Hindu ladies, Hartalika Teej Vrat is of utmost significance. Unmarried women who observe this fast sincerely are said to be able to find their soul mate, much as Goddess Parvati did when she found Lord Shiva. Hartalika Teej’s major goal is to find marital contentment and progeny.
