Hartalika Teej: What Married Women Should Avoid Doing On This Auspicious Day

The auspicious occasion of Hartalika Teej is known as the most crucial and important festivals of the three different “Teej” celebrated in Hinduism. Hartalika Teej is a festival that is celebrated mainly in parts of North India. During this festival, married Hindu women observe a fast for the well being and prosperity of their husbands and families and cleanse her soul and body. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union to Lord Shiva and married women across various age groups observe this festival in not just India and Nepal, but wherever Indian communities are present across the globe. So let’s take a look at what happens during this beautiful festival and learn about some things married women should avoid doing during this time.

What Is Hartalika Teej And Why Is It Celebrated?

Well, another name for the festival is “the festival of sisterhood”. Teej is both a traditional and a modern festival at the same time. Many women who’ve had to leave their parental homes after marriage get to come back and celebrate Teej with their sister and other female friends. This celebration gives women some much needed time away from their in-laws’ place and allows them to reconnect with old childhood friends. Many unmarried women too celebrate and fast on this occasion in hopes of finding their dream partner.

So what are the true origins of this festival? Well, legend has it that according to Hindu mythology, Parvati was going to marry Lord Vishnu in a match that was set in place by her father. She was abducted by her female friends who knew she wanted to be with Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati then retired to the jungle and prayed to Shiva for around 108 births. It was after this that Shiva finally took notice and granted her his love. Henceforth, on this day of Hartalika Teej, Parvati blessed all women who celebrated this occasion with joyous married life.

How Is Hartalika Teej Celebrated?

The women who observe this festival fast or keep a vrat to achieve a happy married life and women who are married already, fast to give their husbands a long life. There are some who even maintain a fast without water and avoid sleeping during these three days. This feat is symbolic of the penance Parvati took when she meditated for the 108 births. Women observing this festival usually adorn themselves in green bangles and golden bindis for good luck.

On the occasion of this festival, women wake up early, take a bath, wear their finest jewelry, and dress in new clothes. The women then receive presents from their parents or parents-in-law. These gifts consist of a special kind of Laheria dress, henna, bangles, sindoor, and delicious sweets like traditional ghewar. In order to perform the special Puja, they sit together with Goddess Parvati’s idol placed in the middle. The Hartalika Puja starts with holy offerings of floral decorations, delicacies, and fruits while the holy Teej Katha is narrated by the women. Once the puja is over, the women seek blessings from Parvati to ensure that they have marital bliss and prosperity in the future. During the Puja, the women have to light a diya made of mud and ensure that it is kept lit all throughout the night.

5 Things That Married Women Observing Hartalika Teej Should Avoid Doing

• Fasting If Pregnant

It is not medically advisable for pregnant women to observe fasts as they are responsible for not only their own welfare but the welfare of their fetus as well. While there might not be adequate research that shows it has a severe impact on the birth weight of the child, it is still a smarter decision to skip it. In fact, most religions make exceptions for women when it comes to fasting during pregnancy and they are allowed to skip fasting. You can always make up for not fasting this year in many other years to come (1).

• Let A Young Girl Go Hungry

Since Hartalika Teej is the festival of sisterhood, there is no act more sisterly than feeding a poor or undernourished young girl during this time. Many believe that no hungry young woman must be turned away on this occasion and must be fed to their heart’s content.

• Not Use A Glass Covering Around The Mud Lamp

If you are worried about the lamp fizzling out overnight, you can leave a glass covering over it to stop the flame from dying. According to customs, the diya is supposed to last for around 24 hours for good tidings. You must also ensure that you keep refilling the diya with oil.

• Don’t Just Pray And Fast
  Hartalika Teej is not just about praying and fasting for your husband or future husband. It is also about celebrating sisterhood and decking yourself up in fancy new clothes and jewelry and just having an all-round good time with all the women you love and admire. While the main intention of Teej might be to pray and fast, approaching it with that intention will just make it seem like a chore.

• Harbour Ill Feelings
  Hartalika Teej is a day where you let go of any ill feelings or resentment that you may be harboring towards someone in your life. On this day it is important to keep ill feelings aside and think out of the pureness of your heart and mind. Since this is such a happy day, why not approach it with happy thoughts, right?

  At the end of the day, whether you choose to celebrate the festival or sit this one out due to pregnancy or other underlying health reasons, know that the festival will come again next year with the same aplomb and happiness it held in the previous years. Do let us know your thoughts on this article in the comment section below.

Banner Image Credits: DNA India

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Niharika NayakBA (Media & Communication)

 

Niharika has a passion for all things art, music, and travel and has over 4 years of experience in writing for social media. During her spare time, she likes experimenting in the kitchen, playing video games, and hanging out with stray animals.

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