Lifestyle Desk – The Teej Festival is a joyful celebration mainly observed in Nepal and parts of India, such as Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This festival honors the love and marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Teej symbolizes love, devotion, and happiness in marriage.
Why is Teej Important?
Teej Festival is very important for cultural and religious reasons. It is a time for women to pray for a happy married life and the well-being of their families. The festival celebrates the love and dedication of Goddess Parvati, who prayed and fasted to win the love of Lord Shiva.
Different Types of Teej
There are three main types of Teej:
Hariyali Teej
This Teej is celebrated during the monsoon. Women wear green clothes, sing songs, and swing on beautifully decorated swings. They pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a happy married life.
Kajari Teej
Celebrated two weeks after Hariyali Teej, this festival is popular in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Women fast and sing traditional songs to pray for their husbands’ health and happiness.
Hartalika Teej
Celebrated a day before Ganesh Chaturthi, women make small clay idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
How is Teej Celebrated?
Teej is celebrated with various activities and traditions:
Fasting: Women fast to pray for their husbands’ and families’ well-being. This fast is believed to bring happiness in marriage.
Dressing Up: Women wear bright traditional clothes, often in red and green. They adorn themselves with jewelry and apply henna on their hands.
Swinging: Swinging on beautifully decorated swings is a fun part of Teej. Women swing in gardens and courtyards.
Prayers and Offerings: Women gather to offer fruits, flowers, and sweets to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, telling stories of Parvati’s devotion and Shiva’s love.
The Cultural Importance of Teej
Teej is not only a religious festival but also a cultural event that brings people together. The festival showcases the rich cultural traditions of the Indian subcontinent and highlights the important role of women in preserving these traditions.
(Image/AI generated)
