Hartalika Teej

Hartalika Teej is observed annually on the third day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha Tritiya) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, just a day before Ganesh Chaturthi.

The festival is celebrated mainly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and parts of Maharashtra and Nepal.

It holds deep cultural and religious significance, especially for women, as it commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The Roots of Hartalika Teej

The origin of Hartalika Teej is deeply rooted in the glorious mythological legend of Goddess Parvati, who wished to marry Lord Shiva and underwent immense penance to win his heart.

The term “Hartalika” is derived from two words - “Harat” that means abduction and “Aalika” that translates to female friend. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati's father wanted her to wed Lord Vishnu, but she was in love with Lord Shiva.

To protect Parvati from this unwanted marriage, her female friend helped her elope which is why the term Hartalika.

Goddess Parvati was set to marry Lord Shiva who had an extremely simple and humble lifestyle. It was not an easy task to win his heart, so Goddess Parvati began a long and intense penance to prove her love and devotion. 

It is said that she went through years of tough meditation and solitude and took 108 births to earn Lord Shiva's love and affection. Pleased by her dedication, Lord Shiva eventually accepted her devotion and married her.

On that day, Shailputri and her friend observed a fast, which fell on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Bhadrapada month.

Lord Shiva himself narrated this legend once to remind Goddess Parvati of her past life as Shailputri, the daughter of King Himalaya. 

Meanwhile, her father searched for her everywhere, thinking she had been abducted. When he found her, she agreed to return home only if he promised to let her marry Lord Shiva. He agreed, and the two were finally married.

As her female friend helped Parvati escape and stay true to her heart's desire, the day came to be known as Hartalika Teej to honor the role of the friend and Parvati's dedication. 

It’s believed that women who observe this day with devotion are blessed with a happy and loving married life, just like Goddess Parvati.

As a young girl, Shailputri began praying to Lord Shiva and continued for 12 years, followed by 64 more years of severe penance.

The Rituals of Hartalika Teej

• Nirjala Vrat: Women observe a difficult fast without consuming any food or a single drop of water from sunrise to moonrise which is believed to cleanse and purify the soul and blessings for a happy married life. 

• Morning Puja and Storytelling: After waking up early, taking a bathe and wearing fresh traditional attire, they perform a ritualistic puja. Offerings are made to clay idols of Shiva and Parvati, and the Hartalika Teej Katha (sacred story) is read or heard with devotion.

• Traditional Attire and Shringar: Women adorn themselves in bright sarees or lehengas, often in shades of red, orange, or green. Mehendi, bangles, bindi, and other ornaments complete the festive look.

• Group Celebrations and Bhajans: Communities often gather for group pujas, devotional singing (bhajans), and folk dancing. Swings are decorated in rural areas, adding joy and festivity to the occasion.

Hartalika Teej Celebrations Across India

Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

In these states, Hartalika Teej is celebrated with full devotion. Women gather in temples and community centers for group pujas. The fast is taken very seriously, with a focus on spiritual discipline.

Madhya Pradesh

Women in MP perform grand worship rituals, and temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati see large crowds. Devotees create beautiful clay idols for the puja, decorated with flowers and lights.

Rajasthan

Although Hariyali Teej is more prominent here, Hartalika Teej is also observed by many women, especially in Shiva temples. In Rajasthan, it is a bit of a humble affair but filled with devotion. 

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, Hartalika Teej is popular among Marathi-speaking communities. Married women celebrate it with similar rituals, wearing green sarees and performing the puja with baya (offerings) including coconut, rice, fruits, and sweets.

Nepal

Hartalika Teej is one of the most important festivals for women and lasts for three days:

• Dar Khane Din (feasting day),
• the Teej Vrat (fasting day), and
• Rishi Panchami. Women dress in red, dance in temples, and sing traditional Teej songs.

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