Hariyali Teej is one of the three major teej festivals that Hindu women celebrate (the others are Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej). According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the Tritiya (third day) of the Shukla paksha (bright fortnight of the moon) of Shravan month (Sawan month). A fast is performed by married women for the sake of their husbands’ lifespan and well-being
Hariyali Teej 2023 will fall on August 19, 2023, two days before Nag Panchami, which falls on August 21. On the Shukla paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapad, on September 18, Hartalika Teej will be celebrated.
The Hariyali Teej festival takes place during the monsoon season, when the grounds are lush with greenery, hence the name (Green Teej). Sawan Teej (or Sawan ki teej), Choti Teej, and Madhusrava Teej are other names for the same festival. Hariyali Teej has the same significance as Karwa Chauth, which is celebrated by married Hindu women.
Hariyali Teej is a celebration honouring Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva welcomed Goddess Parvati as his wife on this auspicious day. As a result, Goddess Parvati is also known as ‘Teej Mata.’
This festival is celebrated throughout the north Indian states with considerable fanfare. Teeyan is the Punjabi word for it, and Shingara Teej is the Rajasthani word for it. Hariyali Teej festivities may differ slightly from place to place, but the passion and excitement are universal.
Rituals
Married ladies are given Shringara things such as traditional costumes, bangles, henna, sindoor, and sweets by their respective in-laws on the day of Hariyali teej.
Green lehengas or sarees are worn by women in particular. These Shringara objects represent marriage and have a lot of meaning for married women. Wearing them is also considered auspicious. According to Hindu belief, a lady can safeguard her husband from all dangers by wearing all 16 adornments. This tradition of giving ‘Sindhara’ is especially important for newlyweds. Women then go to their parents’ residence to celebrate this festival as part of the ceremony. Everyone enjoys the delicious cuisine that is served.
On the day, the ritual of applying henna to the hands and feet is especially important. Without performing this ritual, the Shingara Teej festival is incomplete. It is a common idea that the colour of Mehendi on the hands indicates how much love a husband has lavished on his wife. The darker the henna colour on her palm, the more her fiancé or husband will adore her. In some locations, ladies use henna to write their husband’s or beloved’s name on their hands.
The Vat Vriksha tradition is also an essential aspect of the ‘Shravani teej.’ Swings are hanging from the branches of Banyan trees or Vat Vriksha in most areas and even in residences. Women spend the day swinging, singing, and dancing with one another. On this day, women are given the freedom to enjoy themselves and have a good time. The Banyan tree is considered sacred in Hindu mythology, and its hanging branches represent knowledge. As a result, worshipping the Vat Vriksha on Hariyali Teej is also considered auspicious.
Women also follow a severe fast known as ‘Nirjala Vrat’ on this day, during which they are not allowed to drink even water for the entire day. Both married and unmarried ladies can participate in the Hariyali Teej vrat. After worshipping the moon, the fast is broken. Teej Mata (Goddess Parvati) is worshipped by women on this day for the prosperity and well-being of their husbands. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s idols are worshipped, and hymns dedicated to them are sung.
Hariyali Teej is a festival that honours the nuptial connection of marriage. The celebration of this holiday by Indian women symbolises their love for their families and how they are always ready to protect them from all dangers. Hariyali Teej festivities are quite complex in all of Vridavan’s Krishna Mandirs. The ceremony is termed as the ‘Jhullan Leela,’ and it involves laying swings for their goddess.
In all of the mandirs, religious hymns and songs are chanted, and devotees celebrate this holiday with zeal and enthusiasm. The statues of Lord Krishna and Radha are ornately decked, and water is poured over the devotees after the celebrations to signal the arrival of the monsoons.
Hariyali Teej Vrat Katha
It is believed that this story was told by Lord Shiva to remind Parvati ji about her past birth. The story goes like this-
Shiva says: O Parvati. A long time ago you did extreme tenacity on the Himalayas to get me as a groom. During this time you had to spend the day chewing dried leaves after giving up food and water. You meditated continuously, regardless of the weather. Seeing this situation of yours, your father was very sad and angry. In such a situation Naradji came to your house.
When your father asked him the reason for his arrival, Naradji said – “O Giriraj! I have come here after sending Lord Vishnu. Pleased with your girl’s severe penance, he wants to marry her. I want to know your opinion about this. ”On hearing Naradji, Parvataraj said with great pleasure- O Naradji. If Lord Vishnu himself wants to marry my daughter, then nothing could be more important. I am ready for this marriage. “Shivji says to Parvati ji, “Naradji, after getting the approval of your father, went to Vishnu and told this good news. But when you came to know about this marriage, you were very sad. Husband had agreed.
You told your distraught mind to your friend. He suggested to your friend that she will hide you by taking you to a dense forest and do the meditation to get Shiva there. After this, your father was very worried and sad because he could not find you at home. He started thinking what would happen if Vishnu brought a procession and you did not get it at home. They made you search the earth, but you could not be found.
You were absorbed in my worship inside a cave in the forest. You worshiped me on Bhadrapad III Shukla by constructing a Shiva lingam from the sand, which pleased me and I fulfilled your desire. After this you told your father that ‘Father, I have spent a long time of my life in the penance of Lord Shiva. And Lord Shiva has accepted me, pleased with my penance. Now I will follow you on the same condition that you will marry me with Lord Shiva only. “Parvat Raj accepted your wish and took you back home. After some time he married us with full legal practice. ”
Lord Shiva then told that – “O Parvati! As a result of the fast you worshiped on Bhadrapad Shukla Tritiya by worshiping me, the marriage of both of us was possible. The significance of this fast is that I give the desired fruit to every woman who observes this fast with full devotion.