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Teej is one of the most important festivals of India celebrated in the state of Rajasthan. It is a festival that celebrates the love of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva and it also commemorates the story of their marriage. This festival is all about enjoying fairs, following rituals, and participating in all the customs.
The city of Jaipur is the most famous place where this festival is celebrated with great pomp and glory. It is a huge event where people come from all over the country to enjoy the festivities of this occasion. The idol of Goddess Parvati is taken on a procession through the streets of the Old City and the whole affair is filled with singing, dancing, and all sorts of fun.
During this celebration, women and girls adorn themselves with beautiful clothes, and jewelry and apply henna on their hands. They also keep fast and offer prayers to the Goddess for her blessings on their husbands and conjugal life. It is considered very auspicious for unmarried girls and women to receive gifts from their future in-laws during this occasion. They receive a special gift pack that includes henna, lac bangles, and a special Laheria dress.
This is a very romantic festival and all married and unmarried women get together and spend time with each other. They enjoy a lot of activities such as chatting, getting their hands ornamented with henna, and swinging on Jhoolas that are placed in different parts of the city. Jhoolas are swings that are hung from the trees and they are decorated with flowers. This is the reason why this festival is also known as the ‘Festival of Swings’.
Why is Teej celebrated in Rajasthan?
A unique combination of both secular and religious celebrations, Teej celebrates the monsoon season, as well as Goddess Parvati’s holy union with Lord Shiva. It is also a special occasion for women, as they keep fasts and pray for their husbands, and seek blessings from Goddess Parvati for marital bliss.
It is celebrated in the month of July or August each year, depending on the moon cycle. It’s a national holiday in India but is most well-known for its festivities in the desert state of Rajasthan. Jaipur, in particular, is known for its extravagant celebrations of this festival.
The city streets are filled with beautiful henna designs, and groups of friends dance to traditional music. It’s a time when ladies dress up in their finest saris and jewelry, and get their hands decorated with henna. It’s a joyous celebration and one that unites family and friends in a spirit of love and happiness.
Swings are fixed to the branches of large trees throughout the city, and women both married and unmarried love to swing on them while singing songs that are associated with this festival. Markets are stocked with the latest fashion in women’s accessories and clothes, and many sweet shops carry a variety of treats — but Ghewar (a type of Rajasthani sweet) is especially popular during this time.
The festival is also marked by a grand procession of the Goddess, in which she is accompanied by chariots and bands. A large number of people gather to watch the procession.
Why Do Girls Celebrate Teej?
It’s interesting to watch women decked in red, young and old, sustaining the entire day without a single drop of water not caring about the scorching sun or rain. They are energized, enthusiastic, and happy to be able to gather with their family members, friends, and other relatives.
Traditionally, it’s thought that if women fast and pray on the occasion of Teej their husbands will live longer and will be healthy. But I think that kind of understanding is outdated and not very appropriate for modern-day Nepali women who are educated, empowered, and are trying to make a change in society.
The story behind the celebration of Teej is based on Hindu legend. According to the legend, after Goddess Sati’s self-immolation, Lord Shiva became grief-stricken and went into a meditative state. He had to go through 108 births before he accepted his wife back into his life and married her again. Hence, this festival is celebrated for the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Married women celebrate Teej for their husbands’ long and healthful life and unmarried girls pray to Goddess Parvati to bless them with a loving and worthy partner. This festival falls on the tritiya or third day of the Shukla paksha in the monsoon month of Bhadrapada.
Besides praying, the women also visit a famous temple called Pashupatinath and apply mehendi to their hands. The color red is considered auspicious and a sign of sensuality and purity. Then they spend time with their sisters, cousins, and other close female family members.
Why is Teej celebrated in Haryana?
In India, Teej is celebrated by married women & girls for the well-being of their husbands & the whole family. They pray to Goddess Parvati for her blessings for the good health and prosperity of their family.
This festival is also an expression of love & joy for the arrival of monsoon season that rejuvenates and nourishes crops. It is also a time to enjoy and indulge in the many sweet delicacies that are specially prepared for the occasion such as Ghevar, Dal Bati Churma, Besan Laddu, and Kaju Katli. In addition, women adorn themselves in beautiful sarees and jewellery, get their hands decorated with mehndi and do the ‘Ghoomar dance’.
The date of the festival varies each year as it is determined by the cycle of the moon. However, it is always celebrated in July or August during the Indian monsoon season. It is mainly observed in Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. Jaipur is famous for its elaborate celebrations of this festival.
Another popular version of the story behind this festival is that Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva and so she fasted for 108 years. When she finally succeeded in her efforts, Shiva appeared to bless her and take her as his wife. The name of the festival comes from this legend as it celebrates the union of two souls and is dedicated to the Goddess. Hariyali means ‘greenery’ and hence the connection to the arrival of monsoon.
FAQs
Which state is famous for the Teej celebration?
Rajasthan state is famous for the Teej celebration.
Teej festival is celebrated in which state?
Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
