Hartalika Teej is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and some parts of Nepal. It is dedicated to the goddess Parvati and is observed by married women for the well-being of their husbands and families. The festival usually falls on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).

Key Features

Significance:

Goddess Parvati:- Hartalika Teej celebrates the divine union of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva. According to mythology, Parvati undertook severe penance and hardships to win Shiva as her husband.

Married Women:- Women observe this festival to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati for their husbands’ long life, prosperity, and happiness.

Rituals and Customs:

Vrat (Fasting):- Women observe a strict fast on Hartalika Teej. They may abstain from food and water or consume only fruits and milk. Some women even go without food entirely.

Preparation: The festival often begins with cleaning and decorating the home and preparing special dishes. Women may wear new clothes, typically in red or green, and adorn themselves with traditional jewelrery.

Puja (Worship):

Puja Setup:- The puja involves setting up a sacred area or altar where idols or images of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are placed.

Offerings:- Women make offerings of fruits, flowers, and sweets. A special type of sweet known as "sattvic food" is prepared for the puja.

Prayers and Songs:- Devotional songs and hymns are sung in praise of the goddess. Prayers are offered for the health and happiness of their husbands and families.

Teej Vrat Katha:- Women listen to or recite the Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha, which is a story narrating the significance of the festival and the devotion of Goddess Parvati.

Puja Rituals:- Women often perform the puja in groups and may visit temples to offer prayers. In some regions, special rituals or processions may take place.

Celebrations:- The festival is also a time for social gatherings and festivities. Women may participate in dances, songs, and community events.

Traditions and Regional Variations:- While the core significance and rituals of Hartalika Teej are generally consistent, specific customs can vary by region and community. In some areas, the festival may include additional local traditions and practices.

Overall, Hartalika Teej is a time of devotion, reflection, and celebration, focusing on the bond between husband and wife and seeking divine blessings for family well-being.