Hariyali Teej is a Hindu festival that is celebrated by women in the northern and western regions of India. It is typically celebrated in the month of Sawan, which falls in July or August according to the Gregorian calendar.
Hariyali Teej is a Hindu festival that is celebrated by women in the northern and western regions of India. It is typically celebrated in the month of Sawan, which falls in July or August according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival is marked by the worship of the Hindu goddess Parvati, who is believed to be the embodiment of fertility, strength, and power.
On the day of the festival, women dress in green clothes and jewelry and observe fasts and prayers. They also participate in various rituals and customs, such as singing and dancing, applying mehndi (henna) on their hands and feet, and exchanging gifts. In some regions, women also visit temples and perform puja (worship) to the goddess.
Hariyali Teej is an occasion for women to come together and celebrate their strength, unity, and sisterhood. It is also a time for women to pray for the well-being of their families and for the fulfillment of their desires.
Rituals and Celebrations
There are several customs and rituals that are followed during the celebration of Hariyali Teej. Some of these are:
Fasting: Many women observe fasts on the day of the festival as a way of showing devotion to the goddess and seeking her blessings. The fasts may be strict or lenient, depending on the individual’s preference.
Worship: Women visit temples and perform puja to the goddess Parvati on the day of the festival. They offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the goddess and seek her blessings.
Singing and dancing: Women sing and dance to traditional songs and music during the celebration of Hariyali Teej. These songs are usually devotional in nature and are sung as a way of expressing love and devotion to the goddess.
Applying mehndi: Applying mehndi (henna) on the hands and feet is an important part of the festival. Women apply intricate designs on their hands and feet as a way of celebrating the occasion.
Exchanging gifts: Women exchange gifts with each other on the day of the festival as a way of expressing their love and affection. The gifts may be small tokens of appreciation or more substantial items such as jewelry or clothes.
Socializing: Hariyali Teej is also an occasion for women to come together and socialize. They may visit each other’s homes, exchange stories and gossip, and enjoy each other’s company.
In summary, the celebration of Hariyali Teej involves a combination of religious rituals, cultural practices, and social interactions that are meant to bring joy and happiness to the participants.
Food
During the celebration of Hariyali Teej, women who are observing fasts typically eat simple, vegetarian meals that are easy to digest. Some of the foods that may be consumed during the festival include:
Fruits: Fruits such as apples, bananas, and watermelons are a good source of hydration and nutrients during the fast.
Milk and milk products: Women who are observing fasts may consume milk and milk products such as yogurt and butter as they are rich in calcium and other nutrients.
Sabudana khichdi: This dish is made from soaked and cooked sabudana (tapioca pearls) and is often consumed during fasts as it is easy to digest and provides energy.
Singhare ke atte ki poori: These deep-fried pooris (flatbreads) are made from water chestnut flour and are a popular choice during fasts.
Peanut chikki: This sweet treat is made from roasted peanuts and jaggery and is a popular snack during the festival.
Coconut water: Coconut water is a refreshing and hydrating drink that is often consumed during fasts.
It is important to note that the specific foods consumed during the celebration of Hariyali Teej may vary based on regional and personal preferences.
Attire
During the celebration of Hariyali Teej, women typically dress in green-colored clothes and jewelry as green is considered to be the color of fertility and prosperity. Some of the traditional dresses worn on this occasion include:
Lehenga choli: This is a three-piece garment that consists of a long, flowing skirt (lehenga), a blouse (choli), and a dupatta (long scarf). Lehenga cholis are often adorned with intricate embroidery, beadwork, and other embellishments and are a popular choice for special occasions such as Hariyali Teej.
Saree: A saree is a traditional Indian garment that consists of a long, rectangular piece of cloth that is draped over the body. Sarees are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and fabrics and are a popular choice for formal occasions.
Salwar kameez: This is a traditional Indian dress that consists of a long tunic (kameez) worn with pants (salwar) and a dupatta. Salwar kameezes are comfortable and easy to wear and are available in a variety of colors and styles.
In addition to traditional dresses, women may also wear jewelry such as bangles, earrings, and necklaces on the day of the festival. The jewelry is often made of gold or silver and is adorned with precious or semi-precious stones.
It is important to note that the specific dresses and jewelry worn during the celebration of Hariyali Teej may vary based on regional and personal preferences.
