Hartalika Teej 2016 = 4th September (Sunday)
Literally, the word "Teej" refers to "Three". Teej falls on the third day after a full and new moon night. The most auspicious Teej days are: Hariyali, Kajari and Hartalika. The Hindu festival Hartalika Teej is mainly celebrated in the Northern region of India, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The third day of the first fortnight of the Hindu month Bhadra (August - September) is celebrated as Hartalika Teej. It is mostly observed and celebrated on a day before "Ganesh Chaturthi".
Hartalika Teej Significance
Both young and old, women observe a fast on this day and worship the Goddess Parvati. This fast is kept as 'Nirjal', that means, it is observed without drinking a single drop of water (Jal). Such a deep pledge is undergone by the women in the belief that keeping a such fast would result in the prolonged healthy life of their husband and blessed with strong marriage life like Shiva and Parvati. While married women have this reason, to keep this fast, unmarried women fast in the hope of getting a good husband like Lord Shiva. It is also said that the women who keep fast on this day, go to heaven after their death.
Stories Behind Hartalika Teej
According to legends, this day is known by the celebration of union ceremony of Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati. While she was in deep love with him, he was unaware of her existence. She fasted and worshipped for several years in the Himalayas in order to impress him. Her efforts were noticed and devotion appreciated. Lord Shiva realized her devotion and married her. It is said that the Goddess took a hundred and eight births only to reunite with Shiva. Hence, on this day, an idol of the Goddess is clad in bright, beautiful colors and a process is carried out in which the idol is sitting in a palanquin. Some people also worship Lord Shiva's Idol. The idols are made out of a combination of sand and clay. In the state of Rajasthan, this process includes animals like elephants and camels.
During the Hartalika Teej prayer, sweets, rice in turmeric powder and flowers along with coins are offered as holy Prasad. The holy Kathas are spoken by all the women or single priest. During this narration, all the women focus their thoughts on the well being of their husbands. Apart from the prayers, women put special materials of ‘Shringar’ or make-up. They try their best to look beautiful by wearing new clothes, wearing jewelry and adorning themselves with bangles and Mehendi on their hands. They also wear a 'Bindi' on their foreheads. The idol of Parvati is dressed up in a similar manner. The fast is broken usually after the woman has a bath and completes her prayers in the evening.
