Summary: Haritalika Teej is a highly popular festival among Nepali women, beginning from Bhadra Shukla Pratipada and concluding with the worship of Rishi Panchami. On the first day of Teej, it is customary to share a feast called ‘Dar,’ while on the second day, women observe a strict fast and worship Lord Shiva. Male participation in the Teej festival has been increasing day by day.
Teej is an extremely popular festival for Nepali women. According to the Vedic calendar, it starts on Bhadra Shukla Pratipada and ends with the worship on Panchami. Traditionally, this festival is a sacred event for Nepalese, especially Hindu women. It is celebrated with sweets, fasting, singing, dancing, wearing ornaments, cleaning rituals, and worship of sages and deities.
With social changes, Teej traditions have evolved over time. Distorted practices such as loose songs, provocative dancing, unusual attire, and excessive unnecessary expense and eating for months have emerged as some negative traits of the festival. The area near Maiti Ghar is closely associated with Teej. Women who cannot visit their maternal homes throughout the year go to Maiti Ghar with their fathers or brothers during Teej, share delicacies, discuss joys and sorrows, and express their pain through songs. However, some of these customs have diminished in modern times.
The Four Main Days of Teej
The Teej festival is primarily celebrated over four days with various traditional rituals.
- First Day (Dar Eating Day): The first day falls the day before Teej. Married and unmarried sisters gather with family members to receive ‘Dar’ from their brothers. Dar includes various dishes such as meat, milk, yogurt, ghee, and fruits. The night is spent singing and dancing joyfully. Various organizations also organize Dar programs. However, excessive smoking and unhealthy eating have introduced some distortions into the festival.
- Second Day (Haritalika Teej): This is the most sacred fasting day. Women observe either waterless or minimal fasts. They spend the day singing and dancing and worship Lord Shiva in the evening. According to religious scriptures, this day is associated with Sati Devi, Parvati, and Lord Shiva. Married women fast for the well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women fast to find good husbands.
- Third Day (Ganesh Chaturthi): The day after Teej falls Ganesh Chaturthi, which is considered the sacred birthday of Lord Ganesh. It is believed that Parvati, with Lord Shiva’s blessings, gave birth to Lord Ganesh without any labor pain. Women worship Lord Ganesh on this day.
- Fourth Day (Rishi Panchami): The final day of Teej is marked by the Rishi Panchami festival. Women fast and worship the seven sages (Saptarishi). The day begins with baths, cleansing rituals, consuming Panchagavya (five products of the cow), worshiping the sages, singing and dancing, thus concluding the Haritalika Teej festival.
Men’s Participation in Teej
Although traditionally regarded as a women’s festival, men have become increasingly involved in the enjoyment, singing, dancing, and feasting during Teej. Men assist women by facilitating social gatherings, outings, and helping with household chores. They participate in cooking, cleaning, gift-giving, accompanying women to temples, and some men even fast during Teej. In the music industry, men produce Teej songs, energizing the market and partaking in performances. Economically, men also play a significant role by buying clothes and jewelry for the festival.
In conclusion, it is important to honor Teej with religious and mythological respect. Efforts must be made to reduce distortions and remain vigilant to protect religion, culture, and traditions. This applies not only to Teej but also other festivals, where reducing negative influences and the impact of Western culture is essential to keep celebrations simple, affordable, and meaningful.
Heartfelt wishes to all Nepali sisters on the occasion of Haritalika Teej 2083.
(Dr. Naranath Pandey, Professor at Madhyabindu Multiple Campus, Kawasoti, Nawalpur)
