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Hartalika Teej, a cherished festival in India, is coming up on September 18. It's a significant day for both married and single women all over the country. They gather to observe Hartalika Teej, a day of fasting, prayers, and devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for the wellbeing of their husbands and family. There are three main Teej festivals during the months of Sawan and Bhadrapada: Hariyali Teej, Hartalika Teej, and Kajri Teej.
Hartalika Teej falls on the third day of the bright half of the Bhadrapada month. This year, it falls on September 18, 2023, starting from 11.08 PM on September 17 and ending at 12.39 PM. Most women will observe their ritual fasting on September 18. The name Hartalika comes from "Harat" (abduction) and "Aalika" (female friend). According to legend, Goddess Parvati's close friend took her to a dense forest to save her from an arranged marriage to Lord Vishnu, which her father had planned. The name also includes "har," symbolising Lord Shiva. So, on this day, people pray fervently for their desired life partners.
Hartalika Teej is known as one of the toughest fasts to undertake. Devotees must follow specific rules and methods for worship and fasting. While the traditional practice is Nirjala fast (abstaining from both food and water), those who find it too challenging can have fruits during the fast while keeping their devotion intact. As it is such a rigorous fast, it’s important to start and break the fast with healthy foods that will nourish and hydrate the body and soothe the mind.
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Here are 6 fasting dishes you can prepare for the Hartalika Teej fast.
Sabudana Kheer:
Kheer is always a favourite in most Indian festivals. For Hartalika Teej you can swap out your regular rice kheer with Sabudana ki kheer. This simple recipe involves cooking soaked sabudana with milk, sugar, and dry fruits. It's an ideal dessert for those who observe fasting.
Nariyal Laddoo:
Nariyal Laddoo, an uncomplicated dessert, is crafted from desiccated coconut, khoya, and condensed milk. The coconut is sautéed in ghee until it turns brown, then combined with khoya and condensed milk. Once the mixture is ready, shape it into round balls. You can enhance the laddoo's flavour by adding almonds and cashews.
Malpua:
Malpua is a cherished treat made with flour, dahi, khoya and spices like cardamom and saffron. A thick batter is formed by blending these ingredients. Spoonfuls of the batter are fried to create golden-brown pancakes, which are then soaked in sugar syrup and garnished with chopped almonds and cashews. Some also opt to include fruits and nuts in the batter.
Thekua:
A sweet biscuit crafted from wholewheat flour, ghee, and jaggery, Thekua is a traditional delicacy in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, often enjoyed during festivals like Chhath and Teej. It's sometimes adorned with dry fruits and fashioned into intricate designs. Thekua provides a wholesome way to break a fast.
Gujiya:
These delightful snacks are made from readily available ingredients - khoya, sugar, almonds, green cardamom, semolina, and flour. The crispy outer layer, made from maida, envelops a sweet, delicious khoya filling, making it perfect for nibbling.
Sabudana Vada:
Sabudana or tapioca pearls are a popular choice for various Indian fasting rituals due to their nutritional value. Vadas made from these pearls are seasoned with spices and deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture, offering a delightful combination of crunch and flavour.
