Introduction
Hartalika Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal (the only Hindu countries in the world) on a large scale, while the Hindu community celebrates the festival with great joy in other countries too. It falls on the third day of the full moon in Bhadra Month (6th month according to the Hindu calendar) which according to the Gregorian calendar falls in August.
In this festival, brides fast for the whole day and after 24 hours they break their fast after offering homage to the sun. On the main day of the festival the Hindu women draped in Red Sari, gather at one place and enjoy the festival dancing, singing, and swinging together. Explore this unique festival in this article and understand its significance that ties a bond of cultural unity between India and Nepal.
Hartalika Teej: The Women’s Festival
The occasion of the Hartalika Teej brings women close to each other. The festival continues for three days. Here is the breakdown of rituals on each day:
First Day:
On the very first day of the Hartalika Teej festival, women pledge to do the Teej Vrat and with pure heart and devotion take a deep bath either in the nearby pond or at home and then take breakfast. This day is called the ‘Nahay Khay’ which means first bath and after-then take breakfast (Bathing is compulsory before breakfast on this day). In the evening some women also organize a grand meal feast and enjoy it together.
Second Day:
On the second day, which is also the main day of Teej, women go on a fast that continues for 24 hours. During these hours they are prohibited from eating and drinking. Despite this, they celebrate the second day with full energy and have fun. They gather at one place in the evening and participate in various cultural activities. They enjoy the festival by singing a mix of cultural and devotional songs and traditional dances. They worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and pray for the longevity of their husbands, the well-being of their families, and good results for all. The unmarried girls who go to the festival pray for a nice & gentlemanly groom for marriage.
Third-Day:
On the third day, the women take a holy dive in a river and pay homage to lord Sun. After this, they break their fast by having some light food or drink from the hands of their husbands. Hence this way the festival is completed and therefore the festival is regarded as the women’s festival as all the rituals of the festival revolve around them.
Significance of Hartalika Teej
If you ever visited a Hindu family in Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, and many other parts of India, it will barely take time to understand the very significance of Hartalika Teej for Hindus. The festival is celebrated as a women’s festival and holds the same significance as has for Karvachauth. Celebrating Teej festival is the symbol of married Hindu women’s marital prosperity. Therefore, they celebrate it with great joy and enthusiasm. It signifies the true love, devotion, and a pure relationship between the two - husband and wife.
Hartalika Teej Vs Karvachauth
Teej and Karvachauth are two different festivals with the same spirit to pray for a husband’s longevity. Both festivals have so many resemblances that many times people confuse them to differentiate between them. However, if you read the following differences between the two, you will no longer be amazed at them and will easily figure out the two festivals with great clarity.
Hartalika Teej
(a) It is celebrated on the 3rd day after the full moon in Bhadra Month (6th month according to the Hindu calendar) which according to the Gregorian calendar falls in August.
(b) Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshiped.
(c) Teej is the Sanskrit origin word for ‘Three’. That’s why it is celebrated on the 3rd day.
Karvachauth
(a) It is celebrated on the 4th day after the full moon in Kartik Month (the 8th Month according to the Hindu calendar) which according to the Gregorian calendar falls in October.
(b) Lord Moon (Chandradev) is worshiped.
(c) The ‘Chauth’ word transformed from the Sanskrit ‘Chaturth’ denotes ‘Four’. That’s why it is celebrated on the 4th day.
Global Celebration Of The Festival
Apart from India, the festival is widely celebrated in Nepal. The festival is called the ‘Nepalese Women Festival’ as it strengthens the sisterhood in the country. Nepalese women draped in red organize at the Famous ‘Pashupati Nath Temple’ on this day, and celebrate the festival with great joy. They dance together on traditional folk songs, worship at the temple, and, pray from Pashupati Nath (Lord Shiva) for prosperity and their husband’s longevity.
Image: Women Celebrating Hartalika Teej At Pashupatinath Temple (Source: Nepal News)
Conclusion
Hartalika Teej is a vibrant festival and holds special significance for Hindu married women. Apart from the religious perspective, it serves as a message of womanhood and sisterhood in society. It brings them together and strengthens the womanhood as well as the sisterhood. The deep-rooted rituals and traditions remind us of the beautiful connection between husband and wife. Thus, making the festival a special occasion to celebrate together.
