Hariyali Teej Festival 2023: Date, History, Significance, Celebrations - A Revered Hindu Festival celebrating Greenery and Holy Union

Introduction

The Hariyali Teej Festival, also known as Teej, is a revered Hindu festival celebrated mainly in the Indian subcontinent. It falls on the third day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Shravana. In 2023, it will be celebrated on the 18th of August. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, honoring her union with Lord Shiva. Hariyali Teej is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly by married women, who fast and pray for marital bliss, well-being of their spouses, and overall prosperity. 

History and Legend

The origins of Hariyali Teej can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology and scriptures. According to legend, Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, learned about her impending marriage during Teej. Overjoyed, she shared the news with her friends, who then started celebrating the festival as a mark of marital bliss and harmony. The festival symbolizes the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, celebrating their eternal love.

Another popular legend associated with Hariyali Teej revolves around the parrot. It is believed that on this auspicious day, all birds and animals in nature get married. Hence, women dress up in green attire, adorn themselves with beautiful jewelry, and celebrate Teej with zeal and fervor.

Significance and Rituals

Hariyali Teej holds immense significance in Hindu culture. It is considered an auspicious day for married women to pray for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands. Women observe a strict fast without consuming food or water, offering prayers to Goddess Parvati. Alongside fasting, they also adorn themselves with vibrant green attire and jewelry, symbolizing the onset of monsoon and growth of greenery.

The rituals associated with Teej include women applying henna patterns on their hands, swinging on decorated swings (known as jhulas), and singing traditional folk songs. These activities add to the joyous atmosphere and create an aura of celebration. Additionally, women exchange beautifully decorated swings, jewelry, and other gifts with their married friends and family members.

The festival is not only for married women but also holds a special significance for unmarried girls. They observe the fast with aspirations of getting married to an ideal partner. The Teej fast is seen as a way to seek blessings from Goddess Parvati for finding a suitable life partner.

Celebrations and Festivities

The celebrations of Hariyali Teej are marked by various cultural events and gatherings. Women gather together to sing and dance, showcasing their joy and celebrating the essence of the monsoon season. Traditional food and sweets, such as ghevar and malpua, are prepared and enjoyed by all. In some regions, processions or parades take place to honor the Goddess and display the rich cultural heritage associated with the festival.

The festival is observed with great fervor in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, and Haryana, among other states in India. Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, hosts the largest Teej procession, known as the Teej Parade. The parade is a grand spectacle, featuring beautifully decked-up elephants, palanquins with the idol of Goddess Parvati, folk dancers, and musicians.

Conclusion

Hariyali Teej festival is a joyous occasion that celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as well as the beauty of nature. Through fasting, prayers, and various rituals, devotees seek blessings for marital bliss, prosperity, and well-being. The festival brings together women from all walks of life, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness. With its vibrant celebrations and cultural significance, Hariyali Teej remains an integral part of Hindu traditions and continues to be cherished by millions each year.