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What is Teej? 

Teej, also known as Haritalika Teej, is one of the biggest festivals in Nepal. Often occurring around August and September, this festival lasts for three days and is celebrated by women all over Nepal. This year,Haritalika Teej occurs on September 9th, 2021. Women dress in intricate red sarees, tika, chura– they sing and dance to folk music for days until the day of Teej itself. Traditionally, married women get invited by their ‘maiti ghar’, their maternal home to rest and feast. Due to this being a significant festival for Nepali Shivaites, hundreds of women gather at the Pashupatinath temple and other temples dedicated to Shiva and Parvati in order to pray on the day of the celebration.

Religious Significance and History

The main significance of this religious holiday is to pay homage and ask lord Shiva for special blessings on their marriage– including their husband’s long, healthy and good life. 

Teej is dedicated to the union of Parvati and Shiva, who is considered to be the symbol of marriage. Parvati and Shiva by many Nepali Hindus are considered to be the ideal husband and wife. Legend has it that on the day of Haritalika Teej, Parvati is incarnated as Shailaputri, the manifestation of the goddess Durga, another highly venerated deity in Nepali Hinduism. 

The Story behind the name “Hartalika Teej”

Hartalika is a combination of two words “harit” and “aalika”. Harit means “abduction”, and aalika means “female friend”. 

As the story goes, Parvati made a Shiva lingam out of her hair and prayed to Shiva. This impressed Shiva and he married Parvati. In order for Parvati to be able to marry Shiva, her female friend ‘aalika’, had to abduct her ‘harit’. Therefore, this day is referred to as Hartalika Teej.

Dar Khane Din

The day before the second day of Teej, women are invited to their maternal home where they engage in a large feast called “Dar”. Women dance and feast and indulge in their merriment. Traditionally, men do not partake in the festivities, instead, they are the ones who host the feast for the women. Women do not do any work and chores during the day of dar, it is a day for them to dress up lavishly, embellish themselves, eat good food, and dance before the day of the fast. Along with jolly and happy music, women also sing and dance about their pains and the struggles of womanhood. This feast and celebration last until midnight, and then the fast begins.

The Day of Fast

On the second day of Teej, women fast. Some women do not eat or drink anything at all, whereas others allow fruit and water. Fasting is not strictly for married women, unmarried women also participate in the fast. Traditionally, it is believed that fasting shows their devotion and loyalties to God. They believe that Shiva will be pleased by his devotees and that their marriage will be blessed. Unmarried women fast with the hopes that they will be blessed with a good husband.

On this day, women visit Shiva mandirs dancing and singing on their way to pray and offer fruits, coins, flowers, etc. to Shiva and Parvati. Pashupati mandir annually records the highest number of devotees on this day. The oil lamp which gets lit during prayer should be lit all throughout the night. It is believed that this light will bring prosperity into the lives of their husband and family. 

The Final Day

The last day of Teej is known as Rishi Panchami. On the final day of this three-day festival, women offer food, money and other supplies to seven saints. Traditionally, they bathe in red mud and brush their teeth with datiwan. This is believed to purify the soul and body. Women participate in ritual bathing and puja. 

Teej Songs

One major and notable part of the Teej festival is the songs and music of choice. Traditionally, these songs were used to reiterate and emphasize the roles of Nepali women in traditional Hindu piety– subservient, submissive, and loyal to their husbands. These songs reinforced religious ideologies and gender norms. However, with the progression and rapid development of Nepali society, songs are now centered around women, feminism, their struggles, and critique about the condition of women in the country. Teej songs have emerged as a way to give voice to nepali women.