Indian is known for celebrating n number of festivals, both small and grand. Especially in north India, festivals do not seem to be ending. One of those festivities is Hartalika Teej which is on September 9 this year. This Hindu festival is one of the 3 types of Teej celebrations (Haryali, Hartalika Teej and Kajri Teez) observed by women in the country. Mostly, women in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh take part in Hariyali Teej for their long and happy married lives.
What Is Hariyali Teej? And Why Do Women Fast On This Day?
Like every other festival, bhog is a significant part of Hariyali Teej puja too. Celebrated on the third day after the new moon in the month of Shraavana/Sawan (of the Hindu calendar), on this day, women observe nirjala vrat (fast that restrains one from having food and drinking water for the whole day) and offer prayers to God Shiva, Ganesha, and Goddess Gauri.
They present various things including flowers, leaves, shringaar samaan, and fruits to the deities. In addition, offering halwa to Goddess Gauri on the next day of Hartalika Teej is a must. And, the devotees later consume the prasad to do paaran (break the nirjala fast).
One of the major reasons behind this is probably because after observing fast for a day, your throat becomes sensitive, and having staples to break the fast can cause damage to your throat. Usually, devotees prepare plain suji (semolina) ka halwa. However, you can make any type of halwa you wish and add dry fruits to that too. This will add crunchiness and a distinctive flavour to the halwa. For those who will be keeping the Hariyali Teej fast for the first time and do not know how to make suji ka halwa, we are here to your rescue. Click on the link below to know the recipe for suji ka halwa. Happy cooking!