Haryali Teej, also known as Shravana Teej or Teej, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by married women in several parts of India and Nepal. The festival falls during the monsoon season, specifically in the month of Shravana (July-August), and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Haryali Teej is celebrated to embrace the beauty of nature, strengthen marital bonds, and seek the blessings of the divine couple for a prosperous and blissful life. Haryali Teej is a joyous and vibrant festival that symbolizes love, devotion, and the rejuvenating power of nature. It brings together women in celebration of their married lives, fostering unity and harmony. With its rich cultural and mythological significance, Haryali Teej continues to be a cherished festival that strengthens familial bonds, inspires devotion, and showcases the beauty of Indian and Nepali traditions.
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Haryali Teej has its roots in ancient mythology and carries deep cultural significance. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati performed intense penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband. Pleased with her devotion and determination, Lord Shiva accepted her as his consort on the auspicious day of Teej. Thus, Haryali Teej is celebrated to commemorate the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and to honor their eternal love.Fasting: Married women observe a day-long fast on Haryali Teej to seek blessings for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. Some unmarried women also fast with the hope of finding a loving and compatible life partner.Dressing in Green: As the name suggests, Haryali Teej revolves around the color green. Women dress in vibrant green attire, adorned with beautiful jewelry and intricate mehndi designs. The green color represents the lushness of nature during the monsoon season.
Pooja and Prayers: Women gather in temples to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They sing devotional songs, chant mantras, and participate in traditional dance forms like the Teej dance. Special rituals and prayers are performed to seek the divine couple's blessings.
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Swing Decorations: Swing decorations play a significant role in Haryali Teej celebrations. Women enjoy swinging on beautifully adorned swings, often hung from trees or specially decorated frames. The swinging represents the joyous spirit of Teej and the swings are decorated with flowers, leaves, and other embellishments.
Sweets and Delicacies: On this auspicious day, women prepare delicious traditional sweets and delicacies like ghewar, malpua, and kheer. These sweet treats are shared with family, friends, and neighbors, enhancing the festive spirit and strengthening community bonds.
Haryali Teej is celebrated with great fervor in various states of India, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana. In these regions, women gather in large numbers, wearing colorful traditional attire, and participate in processions, cultural programs, and fairs organized specifically for Teej.In Nepal, Teej is one of the major festivals celebrated by married women. Women fast, sing and dance, and visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The streets come alive with processions and cultural events, showcasing the rich heritage of Nepali traditions.
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