Festivities are about to begin for 2023 around the globe. It all starts with Teej! Teej is the generic name for many Hindu festivals, Hartalika, Hariyali, and Kajri, that women in Nepal, India celebrate and among the Hindu communities across the globe with different rituals. It usually falls in August, and September.
This festival is primarily dedicated to the Goddess Parvati( The mother goddess of Hinduism) and Lord Shiva ( one of the principles gods). Married women pray and worship the Goddess for marital bliss and happiness, while unmarried girls pray for a good husband on their choice. It is most significant for married women because, after marriage, girls are away from their parents’ homes and do not have enough time for their parent side family. So, they get a special invitation from them to have a good time together.
Before the night of Teej, girls and women have a variety of delicious food, and sweet desserts are called Dar. They fast for 24 hours the next day, where most do not eat or even drink water. What is fascinating is to watch women in Nepal, all age groups, young and old, dance for hours without a drop of water or food for an entire day.
For me, like many Hindu women and girls staying away from their birthplace, they can’t go to parents home and celebrate this festival every year. So, doing small gatherings with family and friends, wearing traditional Nepali dresses like sarees or kurtas with beautiful jewelry, and singing Nepali Teej’s songs with delicious traditional food gives a valuable time and short break from chaotic and busy days. So, just like all other festivals, this festival brings family and friends together and spreads the message of love to everyone.
Happy Teej!