Rajasthan celebrates two major Teej festivals with great enthusiasm and fervor: Hariyali Teej and Hartalika Teej. These festivals hold significant cultural and religious importance, especially among married women, who observe fasts and perform rituals to seek blessings for their husbands’ well-being and marital bliss.
- Hariyali Teej: Also known as Sawan Teej or Chhoti Teej, Hariyali Teej falls during the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August). It marks the arrival of the monsoon season, symbolizing greenery and prosperity. Women dress in vibrant green attire and adorn themselves with intricate mehndi designs. They offer prayers to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva for a happy and prosperous married life.
- Hartalika Teej: Celebrated a month after Hariyali Teej, Hartalika Teej falls during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is also known as Badi Teej. The festival commemorates the reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva after overcoming obstacles and challenges. Women observe fasts, wake up early to perform rituals, and visit temples to seek blessings for a blissful married life.
Both Teej festivals are marked by colorful processions, cultural performances, and traditional rituals. Women swing on decorated swings (jhoolas), sing folk songs (ghoomar), and participate in dance performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. The streets of Rajasthan come alive with music, dance, and joyous celebrations during these auspicious occasions.
In Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, the Teej festival is celebrated with grandeur and splendor. The Teej procession, known as Teej ka Jhanki, features beautifully decorated idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva carried in ornate palanquins. Elephants, camels, and horses adorned with colorful decorations add to the majestic spectacle.
The markets bustle with activity as women shop for traditional Rajasthani attire, jewelry, and decorative items. Sweet shops offer a variety of delectable sweets like ghewar, malpua, and ladoo, adding sweetness to the festive celebrations.
The Teej festivals in Rajasthan aren’t just about religious ceremonies; they’re lively cultural celebrations that showcase the state’s rich heritage and traditions. These events bring communities together, strengthen family ties, and create lasting memories of joy and cultural splendor.
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