Hartalika Teej, undoubtedly the greatest festival for woman. Teej, a celebration of womanhood and feminity, has a unique place in the heart of Nepali woman. Since, Teej commemorates the Goddness Parvati marriage with Lord Shiva, it is typically dedicated to her. It is celebrated for three days, within that three days, the celebration is joyfully and excitably observed.
Teej is predominantly celebrated in Nepal, Northern and Western India to mark the arrival of monsoon season. Woman in Nepal celebrate Hartalika Teej as a celebration of their husband long lives and their committed marriage, which will last until their deaths and the deaths of all future generation. It is practiced to promote martial harmony, the harmony, the health of spouse and children, as well as the purification of own body and soul. Woman observe strict fasts and large feasts to celebrate this day.
Traditional Belief
According to the Hindu mythology, the goddess Parvati father, Himalaya, made a marriage commitment to Vishnu, however, she refused and ran away, fearfully with her friends and ended up in the forest. She then made her way to the woods and began pleading with Shiva to grant her request to marry him. When he stated "tathastu", he was promising to grant her request.
On Teej, Parvati finally received her Shiva as her husband, fulfilling her unwavering wish. In order to obtain their ideal husband, unmarried woman commemorate this day. And by married women for the long, healthy and prosperous life of their husband.
How Do Women Celebrate Teej?
During the Teej, the streets are crowded with woman dancing and singing in groups while wearing red sarees and kurtas with gold jewelry. A celebration of sisterhood and female joy-sharing is also observed around this time. These three-day event contains unique rites and rituals, adding the value of Hinduism cultural festival.
First Day
The first day of Teej is know as "Dar Khane Din", during which the woman gather in one place wearing the bright red traditional attires, in order to sing and dance to the traditional music. The unique aspect of this day is that males prepare the best supper to honor woman while leaving nothing to do for them.
Men host the feast, while woman participate by dressing up, applying cosmetics, and dancing. Sisters are invited to the feast by brothers. Additionally, woman express their suffering and sorrows via the song they dance to. These days, woman also use this platform to discuss the social issues and prejudice against them.
Second day
The second day is the fast day. Women fast throughout the day without drinking a drop of water. Both married and single women take action quickly. Married women fast in the hope that their devotion to the gods will provide their husbands and families long life, peace, and wealth. Women who are not married follow the fast in the hopes of finding a decent spouse. Visitors visiting the nearby Shivaya do puja there while giving Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati offerings of flowers, fruits, and other items.
Third day
Rishi Panchami is observed on the festival's third day. Women do puja for seven saints or sages, pray to the gods, and take a bath once the previous day's puja is finished. The purity of women is the central theme of the Rishi Panchami. Women use this period to purge themselves of any potential "sin of contacting a male when they are menstruating." Two days after Teej, at this festival, the ladies take part in pujas and ceremonial baths.
How Has Teej Changed Over the Time?
The way that Teej is celebrated has evolved with the passage of time and the advancement of women. Previously, the songs had been used to express their suffering and anguish. Songs from the modern Teej style portray the advancements and changes in women's life. The songs also portray gender-related topics critically and call for equality. Today's songs also address topics related to sexual interactions. Even some tunes encourage profane behavior. Songs no longer have a specific significance because of industrialization and western influence since they have been overly glamorized.
Many women have even questioned the practice of celebrating Teej over time. They tend to wonder if doing religious rituals will actually improve their husband's health and length of life. They want to reinterpret the event in a way that gives them more authority rather than rejecting Teej's ideas.
Even worse, others claim that Teej supports patriarchal ideals and fasts in order for her spouse to have a happy existence. However, a lot of ladies have been participating in this celebration for a very long time, and their love and respect for the tradition do not appear to be waning. Additionally, as gender equality grows, even men fast for their spouses, and everyone participates in singing and dancing throughout the holiday.