TEEJ FESTIVALS
The Teej
festival is an important festival for married women, and much anticipated
monsoon festival. It commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess
Parvati, after she paid a penance of 100 years separation. The invocation of
Parvati's blessing during the festival is believed to bring about continued
marital bliss.
"Teej" refers to the third day after the new moon, and third
day after the full moon, every month. During the monsoon season, these
festivals are celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the Hindu month
of Shravan, and on the third day of the waning and waxing moons during the
Hindu month of Bhadrapad. This means that there are actually three Teej
festivals -- known as Haryali (Green) Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej. In 2016, these festivals will take place on
August 5-6, August 19-20, and September 4 respectively.
The Teej
festival is widely celebrated in northern and western India, particularly in
the desert state of Rajasthan.
It's also
worth experiencing Kajarai Teej celebrations in Bundi in Rajasthan. Teej
festival fairs, featuring handicrafts and Rajasthani cultural performances, are
also held at Dilli
Haat, in Delhi. In
2016, this will be taking place from August 5-7 at the Janakpuri Dilli Haat.
Women dress up
in their finest clothes and jewelry to worship the Goddess Parvati. They also
get their hands decorated with henna, accompanied by the singing of special Teej
festival songs. Swings are fixed to branches of large trees, and the women take
turns to joyfully swing on them.
During Haryali
Teej in Jaipur, a spectacular royal procession featuring an idol of the Goddess
Parvati (Teej Mata), winds its way through the lanes of the Old City. It
comprises antique palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots,
decorated elephants, horses, camels, brass bands, and dancers. A bit of
everything really! The procession starts out from Tripolia Gate and winds its
way through Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, and ends at
Chaugan Stadium. Tourists can watch and photograph it from the terrace of the
Hind Hotel, opposite Tripolia Gate.
A fair is held during Kajarai Teej in Bundi
and there's also a colorful street parade featuring a beautifully decorated
idol of Goddess Parvati.
Girls engaged to be married receive a gift from
their future in-laws on the day before the festival. The gift consists of
henna, bangles, a special dress, and sweets. Married daughters are given a
number of gifts, clothes and sweets by their mother. After the worship has been
completed, they're passed on to the mother-in-law.
The Teej festival is a very uplifting
occasion, filled with singing, swinging, and dancing. There's plenty of
feasting too.
