KATHMANDU: The vibrant and culturally significant festival of ‘Teej’ is in full swing, bringing joy and blessings to Nepali Hindu women across the country. Celebrated on the third day of the dark half of the lunar month in the Nepali month of Bhadau, this festival holds deep religious and cultural significance.
A Day of Fasting and Prayers
Teej, also known as ‘Haritalika,’ is a day when women observe fasting and offer prayers, seeking a prosperous life and perpetual good luck. It is a day of devotion and celebration of the Hindu faith, and it holds a special place in the hearts of Nepali women.
Honoring Lord Shiva and Parvati
One of the central aspects of the Teej festival is the worship of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Hindu Nepalese women flock to the iconic Pashupatinath Temple and various other Lord Shiva temples across the country to offer their prayers and seek blessings for their families and loved ones.
According to the Hindu religious scripture ‘Skanda Puran,’ the festival is named ‘Haritalika Teej’ because it was on this day in the ‘Satya Yug’ (the golden epoch of truth) that the daughter of the Himalayas, Parvati, was hidden by her maids due to her refusal to marry Lord Vishnu.
A Feast of Delicious Dishes
Teej celebrations begin a day before the festival when, on the night of the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadau, women gather at their parental homes. Here, they are treated to a delectable spread of dishes known as ‘Dar.’ This feast is a special invitation to the women and marks the start of their Teej celebrations.
Dancing, Singing, and Jubilation
On the day of Teej itself, women are often seen joyfully dancing and singing, reveling in a care-free mood. The atmosphere is filled with enthusiasm and a sense of unity among the participants.
Dressing in Red and Adorning with Ornaments
Symbolism plays a significant role in Teej celebrations. Women wear red saris or other red outfits and adorn themselves with various ornaments, including bangles, ‘Pote’ (a necklace made of glass beads), ‘Tilahari,’ and ‘Sindur’ (crimson powder). These are considered symbols of good luck and are believed to bring blessings to their married lives.
Rituals and Traditions
The Teej festival involves a series of rituals and traditions. Women begin their day with ritual baths and offerings of worship. In the evening, they pay homage to Lord Shiva, light lamps, and stay awake through the night in prayer and devotion.
The final day of the festival sees women performing religious and traditional rituals, including the use of 108 stems of ‘Datiwan,’ a holy plant, during their mud bath. They also worship the legendary ‘Saptarishis’ (seven sages) and offer alms, marking the conclusion of their fast.
A Prayer for Happiness and Prosperity
Both married and unmarried women participate in Teej, each with their own set of prayers and wishes. Married women celebrate the festival with the hope of securing long and prosperous lives for their husbands. Unmarried women, on the other hand, worship Lord Shiva and Parvati in the belief that they will find an eligible groom.
As Teej fills the air with devotion, song, and dance, it remains a cherished tradition that unites Nepali Hindu women in their quest for happiness and prosperity. It is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Nepal, where traditions and faith continue to thrive.
