Teej
Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily by women in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab, falling on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight in the month of Shravana (July-August). The festival coincides with the onset of the monsoon and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, celebrating marital devotion and the arrival of the rainy season.
Background
Teej commemorates the divine marriage of Parvati and Shiva. According to legend, Parvati undertook severe austerities for many lifetimes to win the affection of Shiva, who was absorbed in deep meditation. Impressed by her devotion, Shiva finally accepted her as his wife. The festival thus celebrates the ideal of marital fidelity and the devotion of a wife to her husband’s well-being. The name “Teej” derives from the Sanskrit word “tritiya” (third), referring to the lunar day on which it is celebrated. The monsoon timing of the festival reflects the close association of the rainy season with fertility, renewal, and the rejuvenation of life.
Rituals and Observances
On the day of Teej, married women observe a strict fast (nirjala vrat, without water) for the well-being and longevity of their husbands, while unmarried girls fast to pray for a suitable spouse. Women gather in temples dedicated to Parvati and Shiva to perform puja, offering flowers, sweets, and sindoor (vermilion). The celebrations include traditional songs and dances, particularly the Ghoomar and Kalbeliya dances in Rajasthan. Women dress in colorful traditional attire, often in green, and apply intricate henna (mehndi) designs on their hands and feet. Swings are hung from trees, and women enjoy swinging while singing traditional Teej songs. Sweets and special dishes are prepared and shared among family and friends.
Regional Variants
In Rajasthan, Teej is a major festival, particularly in Jaipur, where the Teej procession features decorated palanquins, bullock carts, and folk performances. The Gangaur festival, closely associated with Teej, celebrates the same themes with elaborate processions in Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur. In Haryana, the festival is observed with temple visits and community gatherings. In Punjab, Teej coincides with the Karva Chauth preparations and is marked by women’s gatherings and traditional games. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the Hartalika Teej variant involves the worship of Parvati and Shiva with special prayers and fasting. In some regions, the festival includes the ritual of applying sindoor and tying sacred threads.
Spiritual Significance
Teej celebrates the strength of marital bonds and the devotion of women to their partners’ spiritual and physical well-being. The fasting and prayers reflect the self-sacrificing nature of love and the belief in divine intercession for family welfare. The association with the monsoon highlights the connection between human life and the rhythms of nature, as the rains bring renewal and abundance. The green attire worn during Teej symbolizes fertility, growth, and the vitality of nature. The festival provides women with a space for communal bonding, artistic expression, and the celebration of feminine strength. The worship of Parvati and Shiva represents the ideal of complementary partnership, where both masculine and feminine energies work together in harmony.