Hartalika Teej

About

Hartalika Teej is a vrat observed by women, married and unmarried, in honour of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. It falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya, the third day of the bright half of Bhadrapada, usually the day before Ganesh Chaturthi. The date is the same in the Purnimanta and Amanta calendars. It is one of three Teej festivals, the others being Hariyali Teej (in Shravana) and Kajari Teej.

Married women pray for the wellbeing and long life of their husbands. Unmarried women pray for a good life partner. Some observe it for the harmony of the family in general. Some texts prefer Hasta nakshatra for this day, but follow the muhurat in your Panchang.

Significance and stories

The name comes from harat (abduction) and aalika (female friend). In the story, Parvati wished to marry Shiva, but her father Himavan promised her to Vishnu. Her friend took her to a forest, where she made a Shiva linga of sand and prayed in penance. Shiva was moved and accepted her. The story is told at the puja.

Women honour Parvati's resolve and loyalty, and the day has a festive side with songs, swings, henna and green clothing. The vrat is not meant to reinforce rigid roles, and many modern families see it as a celebration of devotion, friendship among women and the joy of the monsoon season.

How to observe (puja vidhi)

1. Bathe early in the morning and wear clean, often green or red, clothes. Many women apply mehndi (henna) the day before.
2. Take a sankalpa to observe the vrat.
3. In the evening or at pradosh time (twilight), prepare a small clay or sand image of Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha on a clean seat. Some families use a printed picture.
4. Bathe the image symbolically with water and offer flowers, bilva leaves, rice and sandalwood.
5. Offer suhag items (kumkum, bangles, sindoor, a small mirror, bindi) to Goddess Parvati.
6. Light a lamp and burn incense.
7. Read or listen to the Hartalika Teej katha.
8. Perform aarti and offer fruits and sweets.
9. Stay awake singing devotional songs through the night, in many traditions.
10. The next morning, offer the images to a water body or a plant and break the fast.

Puja items (samagri)

• Clay or sand figures, or pictures, of Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha
• Bilva (bael) leaves, dhatura flowers, other flowers
• Kumkum, turmeric, sandalwood paste, rice
• Suhag items: bangles, sindoor, bindi, mehndi, a new saree or cloth
• Fruits, sweets, coconut
• Incense, lamp, camphor, water vessel

Fasting and food

Many women observe a strict nirjala fast (without water) from morning until the next sunrise. Others take only fruit and water. A lighter fast is perfectly acceptable. People with health conditions, pregnant or nursing women, children and the elderly should follow their doctor's advice and may keep a lighter fast. The fast is broken the next morning after the puja with a simple vegetarian meal.

Regional customs

In Nepal, Teej is a major women's festival, celebrated with red clothing, songs, dance and fasting. In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand the observance is strict. Swings and processions are more strongly linked with Hariyali Teej, especially in Rajasthan. In Maharashtra the vrat is observed with sand-linga worship. In Karnataka it is known as Gowri Habba, and in Andhra as Gowri Vratam. Customs vary; follow your family's custom.

Celebrating in the USA

The day is often a workday, so many families do the main puja in the evening, with a partial fast through the day. Nepali and North Indian community groups hold Teej gatherings on weekends, usually with songs, dance and food. Bilva leaves can be hard to find; check Indian groceries or temples, or use other available leaves and flowers. Use clay or sand, and place the image in a plant pot or garden after the puja rather than in a public waterway. Keep lamps safe near smoke alarms.