Shravan, commonly called 'Sawan' is the month of rains. In this month, the festivals of Teej are celebrated to welcome the rainy season. Teen is a generic name for a number of Hindu festivals that are celebrated by Hindu women in many states of India and Nepal. These monsoon festivals of Teej include Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej.
Hariyali means greenery and Teej means the third day of the month. So it is the third day of the brighter half of the lunar month Shravan. This featival welcomes monsoon and are primarily celebrated by girls and women with songs, dancing and prayer rituals. This festival is primarily dedicated to Goddess Parvati. As per the legend, it is celebrated as the day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. This festival is also a sign of growth, prosperity and greenery all around. It strengthens the bond of love and happiness in married life. Women pray to Goddess Parvati and keep fast seeking for the wellness of their own self. Ghevar and Pheni are primary sweets eaten and offered to Godess. According to scripture Goddess Parvati performed deep penance to have Lord Shiva as her husband during this day. This year Hariyali Teej will be celebrated on August 19, 2023.
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Hariyali Teej is one of the most difficult fast. On this day one should make soil idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and add Holy Ganga water to the same and do their worship. This is done during evening time and their fast lasts for the whole night. During morning women can have open their fast by praying to the Godess and having her prashad.
उमामहेश्वरसायुज्य सिद्धये |
हरितालिका व्रत महम् करिष्ये ||
Reciting this shloka during the whole day is said to be providing positive energy. After doing the idol worship you should then do Lord Ganesh’s Aarti followed by Lord Shiva’s and Goddess Parvati’s Aarti. Women are said to wear new red or green clothes and have henna on her hands and feet representing auspiciousness, prosperity and fertility. Doing 16 Shrangar is also a common practice on this day. Married women do this fast to have long life of her husband while unmarried girls do this fast to be blessed with an ideal husband.
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The swing tradition also known as Teej jhula, is an integral part of celebration. Moreover Hariyali Teej highlights the devine bond between husband and wife. The fasting rituals demonstrate love, devotion and commitment to their spouse.
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