Hariyali Teej – A Festival of Love, Greenery and Food

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Hariyali Teej – The Swing Festival

Do you hail from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab or Haryana? Then you might be known to the women-favourite festival – Hariyali Teej.
Kids love this day due to the reason that they get to relish some of the most watering dishes. Female admire it for the significance this day holds. This year, Hariyali Teej falls on 3rd August and will be celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm.
In case, you are like many others who are unaware of the significance and celebration of this monsoon fest, here is all you need to know about it.
Hariyali Teez is one of the favorite festivals for women in India.
Hariyali Teez

What is the Significance of Hariyali Teej?

Celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the North Indian Lunar month, these days signify the union of Shiva and Shakti. Basically, it is special for the married women who seek happiness and Healthy Life of their husbands.

The Story Behind Hariyali Teej

As far as the reason behind this day is concerned, it is said that Goddess Shakti in the form of Devi Sati was the wife of Lord Shiva. However, her father Daksha Prajapati was disrespectful to Lord Shiva and this made her give up her life by setting herself ablaze during a Yagya.

In the same consequence, she vowed to rebirth as the daughter of a father who would respect Lord Shiva. And then Devi Sati was reborn as goddess Parvati to Himavat, a follower of Lord Shiva.

On this pious day, Goddess Parvati promised that any woman who fasts and prays for her husband would be blessed by her and her husband would be blessed with a long and healthy life.

So, all the lovely women in North India seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati for conjugal bliss and the long life of their husbands. Along with this, the unmarried women follow the tradition to get a husband like Lord Shiva.

Now when you know the history of this Festival, it is important to know how it is celebrated, right?

How is Teej Celebrated in India?

The Colour

The name itself gives a hint of the colour for the day. Hariyali in Hindi means green and for this reasons, women adorn themselves in all hues of green. You will find them decked up in green colour, right from their bangles to the attire they wear.

The Tradition

Married and unmarried women fast the whole day and pray to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva for their marital (or future) life. While few prefer consuming fruits and milk through the day, there are others who opt for a ‘nirjala vrat’, i.e. they refrain from drinking even water through the day.

During the pooja ceremony held at different places, women offer bel Patra, fruits, flowers and rice coated in turmeric to Goddess Parvati. They sing songs and listen to folk tales to rejoice this day. Finally, they end the day with a hearty vegetarian meal.

Precaution

If you are pregnant or not well, you are advised not to observe such a rigid fast.

The Sweets

For the kids, this day is equally interesting as they get to enjoy festive sweets like ghevar and ladoo. These are specially prepared dishes for Teej.

    • Hariyali Teez is an Indian festival celebrated in almost all states.
Just to conclude, while all you people go green with your dresses and decor on this holy festival, why not add greenery to your Environment too? Yes, the simple idea is to plant a tree in your surroundings, making it more healthy, clean, and green.

Enjoy the day! Happy Teej.

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