Kajari Teej, also known as Satudi Teej or Badi Teej, is a revered Hindu festival, especially among married women. This festival, celebrated primarily in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, holds immense significance as women observe fasts for the well-being and long life of their husbands. The festival follows Hariyali Teej and is closely associated with Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and the Moon. In 2024, Kajari Teej will be celebrated with great fervor on August 22.
Kajari Teej 2024: Date, Rituals, and Significance
Kajari Teej is observed on the third day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. In 2024, the festival begins on August 21 at 5:06 PM and ends on August 22 at 1:46 PM, as per the Panchang (Hindu calendar).
Married women across the country celebrate this day by keeping a Nirjala fast (without food and water) and worshiping Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and the Moon. The fast is broken only after sighting the Moon in the evening and offering Arghya (an offering of water) to it. This ritual bears similarities to Karva Chauth and is performed with deep devotion for the long life of their husbands and marital bliss.
Kajari Teej is also significant for unmarried girls. They participate in the rituals and pray for a good life partner and a happy married life. This tradition is rooted in the legendary story of Goddess Parvati, who performed severe penance to win the love of Lord Shiva, eventually leading to their marriage. Therefore, both married and unmarried women celebrate this day with hope and devotion.
Kajari Teej 2024 Puja Vidhi and Muhurat
On Kajari Teej, devotees rise early, purify themselves with a bath, and adorn traditional attire. The day involves preparing offerings of sweets, flowers, and sacred items for the puja. The rituals involve invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for prosperity and peace in married life.
Here are the auspicious timings for the puja and other important events on Kajari Teej 2024:
Morning Muhurat: 5:54 AM - 7:32 AM
Evening Muhurat: 6:53 PM - 8:16 PM
Moonrise: 8:51 PM
Devotees break their fast after offering Arghya to the Moon, seeking its blessings for longevity and happiness. The puja is performed with sincerity and dedication to bring joy and remove obstacles from life.
The Three Major Teej Festivals
Hindu culture celebrates three important Teej festivals annually: Hariyali Teej, Hartalika Teej, and Kajari Teej. All three festivals are dedicated to the well-being of married women and their husbands. Each Teej has its own significance and rituals, but they all emphasize the importance of devotion, fasting, and prayers in ensuring a long and prosperous marital life.
Hariyali Teej celebrates the greenery of the monsoon season and marks the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Hartalika Teej commemorates the day when Goddess Parvati was reunited with Lord Shiva after years of separation.
Kajari Teej symbolizes the bond between married couples and is a prayer for their eternal happiness.
Celebrating Kajari Teej 2024
Kajari Teej is a time of joy and devotion for women across India. Women dress in bright traditional attire, wear bangles, apply henna, and participate in group pujas with other women in their community. Songs and folk dances also add to the festive spirit of the day.
The essence of the festival lies in the belief that fasting and performing the rituals with utmost devotion on Kajari Teej pleases Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, bringing peace, prosperity, and a long-lasting marriage. Women also believe that observing the fast with sincerity can help remove any obstacles from their life, ensuring a harmonious future.
For unmarried girls, Kajari Teej is a day of hope and faith, as they pray for the blessings of a good and loving husband. The day's rituals strengthen familial bonds and enhance the spirit of unity and love among communities.
Kajari Teej is a beautiful blend of devotion, tradition, and festivity. Whether for seeking marital bliss or for the health and prosperity of their spouses, women across India uphold the sanctity of this festival with reverence and joy. By fasting, praying, and celebrating with others, they embody the spirit of love, sacrifice, and dedication that this festival promotes.
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