Importance of Teej in Shravan Month

Teej is an important festival which is celebrated all over India. This festival is celebrated with lot of zeal and excitement in Northern India. The beginning of monsoon and Shravan month also mark the beginning of Teej festival. Teej festival is celebrated on Tritiya of Shukla Paksha during the Shravan month. This is also known as Hariyali Teej or Shravani Teej. This festival is mostly associated with women.

During this period, the whole earth flourishes. Nature seems to be beautiful and new plants and trees can be seen everywhere. People seem to be happy and excited. On this day, women sing songs and play on swings. The whole earth is drenched rainy water during this period.

During this period, green planets and trees can be seen everywhere. Maybe this is the reason why this festival is also known as Hariyali (Greenery) Teej. Women keep fasts on this day. Unmarried girls fast so that they can get a good husband in the future. On the other hand, married women fast and desire a happy married life. This festival is known as Hariyali Teej in  North East India. People are excited during this season and can be seen happy and playful all around.

Mythological importance of Teej

Teej also has a mythological importance. According to a famous legend, Goddess Parvati kept this fast in order to marry Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was impressed by her devotion and married Goddess Parvati. It is believed that after a period of 100 years on the day of Tritiya of Shukla Paksha in Shravan month, Goddess Parvati was able to meet Lord Shiva. Therefore, women worship Goddess Parvati on this day.

Teej worship and fast

Women keep a fast on this day and wish for a happy married life. An idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is worshipped for the whole night. New clothes are worn and the whole house is decorated. A jagran is also carried out at night. It is believed that women fasting on this day receive the blessings of Goddess Parvati and stay as happy as her for life.

Teej in various parts of India

Teej is celebrated all over India with a lot of zeal and excitement. It is celebrated in regions of North India by the name of Hariyali Teej. These include Bundelkhand, Jhansi, Rajasthan etc. It is celebrated by the name of Kajli Teej in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Banaras, Gorakhpur, Jaunpur, Sultanpur etc.

Effects of Teej on culture

The festival of Teej commences with the beginning of monsoon season. The sky can be seen covered with dark clouds all the time and the whole earth prospers because of the rain. Hariyali or Kajli Teej has a great impact on India’s culture. Mehndi and swings hold a great importance on the day of this festival. Young girls and married women decorate their hands with mehndi and play on swings while singing songs. Swings are tied on trees or terraces. A lot of fairs are also organized on the day of this festival.

A newly married girl is also called back to her home on this day. Married women are offered Sindhara by their in-laws. Sindhara includes clothes, ornaments, mehndi, sweets, objects related to make up etc.