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Hariyali Teej or Teej, as it is more commonly known, is an auspicious festival celebrated during the monsoon months in India. It is a festival celebrated in honour of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, also given importance to by married women, who observe a fast in order to pray for the long lives of their spouses. Celebrated as a grand occasion in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, among other states, the 24-hour fasting period occurs on the third day fo the Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan.
Like most other festive traditions followed in the country – marked by a fast – Teej also follows some traditions that involve women partaking in rituals that involve prayers and worship. Along with this, the women observing fast also abstain from drinking water – making the tradition completely nirjala. Here is a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts that are usually followed by the women, while engaging in the festivities.
Do’s
- Waking up during Brahma Mahurat and dressing in shades of greens or reds is considered to be appropriate for the occasion, along with married women adoring themselves in jewellery and sindoor on their foreheads. Since green symbolises prosperity and good health and red is known to be symbolic of love and dedication, garments in these colours are commonly worn.
- Preparing an offering of fresh fruits, sweets and halwa-puri to appease the gods is standard practice during the occasion. Once the offerings are made, women are also meant to engage in aarti, listening to the mythology behind the festival as well as offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Parvati.
- During Teej, women are often spotted adoring beautiful henna patterns on their hands along with green bangles to pray for the happiness of their spouses. Most importantly, it is also crucial to maintain a calm demeanour and remain focussed on the spiritual activities, rather than any negative provocation.
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Don’ts
- For women who are pregnant or undergoing treatment with medication, it is best to pace oneself out through the day and consume fruit and water during the fasting period. It is advisable to avoid the fast altogether, if possible or poses health-related concerns.
- Donning black or white clothing and sleeping in the afternoon is considered to be inauspicious during the occasion and hence, avoid either activities at the time.
- Since Hariyali Teej is also a festival that celebrates nature, one must make a conscious effort to not pollute or cause harm to things in their immediate surroundings. Avoid littering the roads, public spaces or water bodies and carry a trash bag, if necessary to put away any waste.
