Hartalika Teej is observed on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the month of Shravana in honour of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. (Representative Image/ PTI)
Hartalika Teej festival is marked by fasting, prayers, and colourful rituals. Women fast from sunrise to sunset for a happy married life.
Hartalika Teej, an important festival observed by Hindus, will be celebrated on September 6 this year. This festival, celebrated mostly in the northern part of the country, is observed with fasting, prayers, colourful clothing, and cultural activities – all centred around marital happiness.
On this day, women fast and perform rituals to receive blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Married women pray for marital joy, prosperity, well-being, and the longevity of their husbands. The Hartalika Teej Vrat is a strict fast as women abstain from not only food but also water and fruits, from sunrise on the day of the Vrat until sunrise of Chaturthi next day.
According to Dr Ganesh Mishra, an astrologer at Central Sanskrit University in Puri, there are specific do’s and don’ts to observe during the fast. Failing to follow these rules can make the fast ineffective.
What is Hartalika Teej Fast and How it Got Its Name?
Hartalika Teej is observed on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the month of Shravana in honour of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The fast is kept for the long life of the husband and a happy married life. The term “Hartalika” is derived from two words: “Harat,” meaning abduction, and “Aalika,” meaning friend, thus translating to ‘abduction by friends.’ “Teej” refers to the Tritiya Tithi.
Goddess Parvati’s father wanted to marry her to Lord Vishnu, but she wished to marry Lord Shiva. To prevent this, her friends took her from the palace and hid her in the forest. There, by performing rigourous penance for many years, Goddess Parvati pleased Lord Shiva and eventually won him as her husband.
Rules for Hartalika Teej
Preparation: One day before the fast, consume only satvik food and make preparations for the Teej puja and Sargi.
Fasting: The Hartalika Teej fast is observed without drinking water or eating food or fruits. This fast lasts from sunrise on Teej to sunrise on Chaturthi, totaling 24 hours.
Sargi: On the day of Teej, consume Sargi in the Brahma Muhurta between 4:30 AM to 5:16 AM after completing daily chores. Sargi can include fruits, sweets, etc. The fast begins at 6:02 AM.
Puja: Use clay idols or pictures of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha for the Teej Puja. Install the idol for Puja in the afternoon and perform the Puja during Pradosh Kaal, which is after sunset at 6:36 PM.
Attire: Wear new clothes and all 16 traditional ornaments. Use yellow sindoor while worshiping Goddess Parvati, as it is considered a symbol of good fortune.
Offerings: In the Teej Puja, offer suhaag items like red sarees and dupattas to Goddess Parvati. Married women should narrate the story of Hartalika Teej Vrat and perform the Aarti for Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.
Post-Puja: After the puja, present gifts, prasad, and suhaag items to your mother-in-law and seek her blessings. Those fasting for a desired life partner should also seek blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for the fulfillment of their wishes.
Stay Awake: Remain awake throughout the night. On September 7, take a bath in the morning, perform the daily puja, and give donations (Dakshina) to Brahmins. Complete the fast with prayers.
Health Considerations: Do not sleep during the afternoon while fasting. If your health is not good, you may choose not to observe the ‘Nirjala’ fast. Instead you can ask your husband to fast in your place.