Teej Celebration at Om Center Divya Dham

Haritalika teej

Teej Customs-Significance Rituals Teej Festival

Haritalika is the amalgamation of two words ‘Harat’ and ‘Alika’, while Teej means the third day. Therefore, Haritalika Teej is celebrated on the third day of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. The day of Haritalika Teej is popular in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. Haritalika Teej is observed by both, married women and maidens. It is celebrated in the honor of the divine bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Hence, Haritalika Teej is followed as the day of reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The rituals and traditions associated with the day of Haritalika Teej are:

On the day of Haritalika Teej, women get up early in the morning and take a holy bath, meant to purify their souls.

Concluding this, they dress up elegantly in special attires (mostly Saris) and jewelry, and visit temples on Haritalika Teej.

Women observe a Nirjala fast (even water is not consumed during this fast) on this day. This is also popular as Haritalika Teej Vrat.

After conducting rituals at a temple, women return home and touch their husbands’ feet (In India, husbands are considered to be equivalent to god for women).

Before sunset, bath is once again taken by women and they get dressed as newly-wed brides.

Then, the worshiping rituals resume. Devi Parvati and Lord Shiva idols made of sand and clay are placed at Puja Sthan (worshiping place).

Offerings of Bilwa leaves, flowers, incense sticks are made to the deities. This is followed by a meditative practice done in the honor of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

At the end, Haritalika Teej Vrat is recited by the devotees.

Haritalika Teej Vrat is terminated the next day morning, when a devotee completes all the worshiping rituals.

Significance of Teej

The importance of Teej is mainly two-fold: First, as a festival for women, Teej celebrates the victory of a wife’s love and devotion towards her husband – an important factor in Hinduism – symbolized by the union of Shiva and Parvati.

Second, Teej ushers in the advent of the monsoons – the season of rains bringing in a reason to celebrate when people can take a break from the sweltering heat and enjoy the swing of the monsoon – “Sawan ke jhooley.” Besides, it’s an occasion for married women to visit their parents and return with gifts for their in-laws and spouse. So, Teej provides an opportunity to renew family bonds.

Reference - https://www.templepurohit.com/teej-significance-customs-rituals-teej-festival/