Teej is just around the corner, and I’m sure you’re eagerly awaiting a delicious slice of ghevar. But do you know what is the significance of Hariyali Teej? People, especially in North India, observe three types of Teej, and the first one is Hariyali Teej, which occurs on the third day after the new moon in Sawan. A month after Hariyali Teej, Hartalika Teej and Kajri Teej are celebrated in the Bhadrapada month. 

Hariyali Teej is a pious festival that celebrates marital bliss and highlights the love shared by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. While Sawan brings respite through monsoons in India, it is also a month of festivities like Hariyali Teej.

Related: Sawan 2024: What Is The Significance Of This Month, And Why Is It Considered Holy?

Significance of Hariyali Teej

You must have heard your mothers and grandmothers talking about how the solah somvar ke vrat can get unmarried women a desired husband. Did you know it also has its own background? The mythological significance of Hariyali Teej dates back to the story of Goddess Parvati and her efforts to marry Lord Shiva.  

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati was born 107 times, and each time, she travelled to the Himalayas to undergo severe penance, like combating harsh weather and surviving on dry leaves to become Lord Shiva’s wife. However, Lord Shiva remained unaware of her efforts. During her 108th birth, impressed by her continued devotion, Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati as his consort. Hariyali Teej symbolises this devotion and marks the joy and harmony in a marriage.

The rituals followed during the festival

The significance of Hariyali Teej also lies in religiously following all the rituals. This way, you can seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Here are some of the rituals widely observed by women who celebrate the festival:

• A day prior to Hariyali Teej or Dwitiya: Newly married and unmarried women have nine kinds of sweets and savouries. They apply Mehendi (Henna) on their hands and feet. Women also shop for beautiful green Lahiriya sarees and dresses to wear on the day of Teej.
• Day-long fast: Women observe fast on the day of Hariyali Teej without having water or food. They do solah shringar, where they adorn themselves with 16 different types of jewellery, accessories and makeup. In fact, the newly-wed brides receive these items from their maternal families as a part of the Sindhara.
• Folklores: The day of Hariyali Teej also comprises beautiful storytelling. Newly married women and young daughters listen to mythological tales about the festival, especially stories of Goddess Parvati’s penance for Lord Shiva. 
• Fun festivities: Women participate in many fun-filled ceremonies like swinging in a floral swing, dancing, and singing folk songs.
• Feasts and much more: After observing Nirjala Vrat (fasting without water) for 24 hours, women break their fast with delicious delicacies. Ghevar, Malpua, and Sevaiyan, along with fruits and other dishes, are the main components of the feast.

We wish abundant happiness, love and harmony to everyone celebrating the festival. Happy Teej!

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