Hartalika Teej (हरितालिका तीज), in short Teej, is the fasting festival celebrated by women all over Nepal. Teej is traditionally dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, remembering her union with Lord Shiva. It generally falls in late August or early September (Nepali Bhadra Month).
This year it’s today i.e. September 12, 2018 (Nepali Date: Bhadra 27, 2075) and we have a public holiday today in Nepal whereas in Government Offices it’s holiday for women only.
Teej lasts for three days, including enjoying a grand feast, observing a rigid fasting, praying to Lord Shiva, bathing in the holy river along with performing some traditional activities.
On this festival, women wear Red Dress (Red Saree, Red Tika, Red Bangles) and gather together to sing and dance in Folk songs / Teej songs (You can find plenty of songs on Youtube if you search for Teej Songs ).
Three Days of Teej Festival is divided into following parts:
Dar (Fancy Dinner) Day: Daar Khane Din
On this day we have a big feast that in the evening with Hearty Meal, Tasty Sweets, Nepali Foods (Khir, Dhakani and so on ) Desserts, Fruits whereas some communities prefer Non-Vegetarian food items.
Fasting Day: Main Day of Teej
On this day the women, sit for a 24-hour long fasting, where they do not eat anything neither drink a drop of water but some of them take fruits and water.
Women of all age group, young and old, dance for hours in the heat, rain, without a drop of water or food for an entire day which is really interesting to watch.
On this very special day, Married women make a wish for longevity and prosperity of their husband whereas unmarried girls pray for a good husband by worshipping Lord Shiva.
Rishi Panchami: Holy Bath Day
This is the final day known as Rishi Panchami (Holi Bath Day) where women take bath with Red Mud and brush their teeth with Datiwan bush along with leaves hoping that it will purify their body and soul. They also worship Lord Ganesh and pay homage to seven saints before taking bath.
Here are some photos of Today’s Teej Celebration taken at Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal. The celebration is going on currently and there’s a huge crowd of women who have come here to worship Lord Shiva. Hope you will like these photos.
Link to full Photo Album: Teej 2075 at Pashupatinath
I enjoyed taking pictures, watching the dance activities of women at Pashupatinath, I hope you enjoyed the reading post and looking at these photos taken by me.
Namaste,
Niraj
