Teej Festival Rajasthan

As an important monsoon festival in Rajasthan, Teej is celebrated on the third day of the waxing moon in the month of Shravan (Hindu calendar), and on the third day of the waning and waxing moons in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad. However, Rajasthan is not the only state Teej is celebrated in, many other states in the north and west India observe this monsoon festival held in August and September. Although, it is fair to say that Teej is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in the desert state of Rajasthan. Ideally, there are three Teej festivals, namely, Haryali (Green) Teej, Kajari/Kajli Teej and Hartalika Teej.

According to Hindu mythology, after the self-immolation of Sati, Lord Shiva became grief-stricken and went into a meditative state. It is believed, it took Sati 108 subsequent births to bring Lord Shiva out of his meditative state. Her 108th birth was in the form of Parvati. Thus, married women seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati on Teej Festival for marital bliss.

On the occasion of Teej Festival, women observe a fast and pray through the night. In the morning, they bathe and dress in red sarees and fine jewellery to worship Goddess Parvati. The major attractions of Teej Festival are the swings that are fixed to the branches of large trees, on which the women take turns to enjoy swinging. Special songs are sung, and the women decorate their hands with henna. Married daughters are presented with sweets and clothes by their mothers. The girls engaged to be married receive gifts of henna, bangles, clothes, and sweets from the in-laws.

Although the festival is celebrated across the length and breadth of the state, Jaipur makes for an ideal place to see the celebration of Haryali Teej. A two-day procession is held in the city that is worth a watch. On the other hand, Bundi in Shekhawati Region is the best place to visit during Kajari.

Festival Dates/Months: Every year, the festival of Teej is celebrated in the months of August and September in Rajasthan and other north Indian destinations.

Special Highlights of the Festival:

• The festival is special for married women
• Swings are fixed in the branches of tree for married women
• In Jaipur, a two-day procession is carried out on Haryali Teej
• Women decorate their hands with henna and wear red sarees
• Prayers are offered to Goddess Parvati to seek her blessings for marital bliss
• The girls to be married receive gifts from their in-laws
• Married daughters receive presents from their mothers
• Special songs are sung and pooja(worship) is observed