Hartalika Teej, also known as Teeja, is a prominent festival celebrated with great fervor, particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Observed on the Tritiya of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, coinciding with the day of Hasta Nakshatra, this fast is renowned for its stringent observance. Unlike Karva Chauth, where the fast is broken upon sighting the moon, Hartalika Teej involves a rigorous waterless fast that continues until the following day's worship.
One enduring belief associated with this fast is that women who faithfully observe it are blessed with a joyous life and, upon passing, ascend to Shivlok, the abode of Lord Shiva, similar to the blessed departure of Goddess Parvati.
Women observe the fast of Hartalika Teej to ensure a harmonious marriage, while unmarried girls fast to find a groom of their choice. The tradition dates back to when Devi Parvati first observed this fast for Lord Shiva. On this special day, Gauri-Shankar is worshipped with great devotion.
Women begin their Hartalika Teej fast by waking up before sunrise, bathing, and dressing up fully. A worship pavilion is made from banana leaves, and an idol of Gauri-Shankar is placed within. Throughout the day, women sing bhajans and kirtans to awaken Parvati ji, performing Aarti thrice. The story of Shiva and Parvati's marriage is also recounted, adding to the spiritual significance of this revered festival.
Hartalika Teej Information:
Aspect
| Description
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Name
| Hartalika Teej
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| Date | It is celebrated on the third day of the first fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September.
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Purpose
| To commemorate the union of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva
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| Rituals | Fasting, praying, singing devotional songs, visiting temples and performing the Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha (the story of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva)
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Significance
| It is believed that observing Hartalika Teej Vrat with dedication grants marital bliss, harmony and long life for husbands. It’s also seen as a day for women to pray for the well - being of their families.
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Traditional Attire
| Women typically wear new traditional Attire, often in green and red cloth, adorn themselves with jewelry.
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Traditional Food
| Sweets and savory dishes prepared at home, particularly those favored by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, like coconut sweets, ghee-laden sweets, and other vegetarian delicacies.
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Observances
| Women observing the fast often break it after sighting the moon and they perform rituals around water bodies like rivers, ponds or lakes.
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Festivities
| Celebrations may include community gathering, fairs and processions with idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
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Hartalika Teej Story
Hartalika Teej is a revered festival rooted in the legend of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. According to the story, Goddess Parvati performed intense austerities and observed a rigorous fast to win the affection of Lord Shiva, whom she deeply desired as her husband. Moved by her unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva finally accepted her as his consort. This festival commemorates Parvati’s dedication and the divine union of the couple. Women observe Hartalika Teej with a waterless fast, worshipping Gauri-Shankar, to seek marital bliss and, for unmarried girls and for a suitable life partner.
Necessity of Hartalika Teej Fasting
Both unmarried girls and married women are eligible to observe the Hartalika Teej fast. Once undertaken, this fast is to be observed for a lifetime. In cases where the fasting woman is seriously ill, it is permissible for another woman and her husband to observe the fast on her behalf. This tradition is predominantly celebrated in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and it is also observed in Maharashtra due to the Ganesh Sthapana on Ganesh Chaturthi, which follows the next day.
End of Hartalika Teej Fast
Devotees of this fast must stay awake all night, engaging in bhajans and kirtans to prevent sleep. The next morning, after bathing, they must donate makeup, clothes, food items, fruits, sweets, and jewelry to a worthy married woman, according to their capacity, with reverence and devotion. This fast holds immense significance, and every woman who observes it considers herself extremely fortunate.
Hartalika Teej Significance
Hartalika Teej holds immense significance as it symbolizes marital bliss and devotion. Celebrated by both married and unmarried women, this festival is rooted in the legendary devotion of Goddess Parvati, who performed rigorous penance to win Lord Shiva's love. Observing a strict waterless fast, women seek blessings for a happy and harmonious marriage or a suitable life partner. The rituals and fasting embody dedication, spiritual awakening, and the deep bond between Shiva and Parvati, making it a revered tradition, especially in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra.
In Conclusion, Hartalika Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated predominantly by women in India, Nepal, and some parts of the Indian subcontinent. It falls on the third day of the bright half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada (August–September). The festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, primarily by married women seeking the wellness and longevity of their husbands, as well as by unmarried women praying for an ideal life partner.