Why Is Teej Celebrated?

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Teej is an Indian festival which is celebrated by women during the monsoons. Hindu women observe a strict fast during this festival to obtain the blessings of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva for a happy married life.

The word Teej comes from a red insect that emerges from the Earth during the time of monsoons. Teej also means third. Therefore Teej falls on the third day after Amavasya (new moon) and the third day after full moon of every month. But the third day after Amavasya of the Shravan month holds a special significance. It is believed that on the day of Teej Goddess Parvati came to Lord Shiva's abode, thereby marking the re-union of husband and wife.

Teej is celebrated in almost all the regions of Northern India. People of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryan and Rajasthan celebrate Teej with great enthusiasm. This festival marks the celebration of sexual bliss, well-being of spouse and children and personal purification. Teej is also the celebration of the arrival of monsoons and fertility. That is why this Teej in Shravan is also known as Hariyali Teej.

Take a closer look at the rituals, significance and celebration of Teej in different parts of India.

Re-union Of Shiva & Parvati

Teej marks the re-union of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva. It is said that the Goddess took 108 births to get Lord Shiva as her husband. In Her 108th birth Goddess Parvati performed severe penance and fasting to please Lord Shiva. She gave up on food and started surviving on leaves. Seeing Her immense devotion, Lord Shiva agreed to marry Her and they were finally united. This is the reason women fast during Teej to experience the pain of Goddess Parvati which She had to go through in order to get Lord Shiva as Her husband.

A Monsoon Festival

Teej is a monsoon festival which celebrated in a grand manner in states of Rajasthan and nearby areas. It marks the onset of monsoons and relief from the scorching heat of summer. A grand fair known as the Sawan Mela is also organised in Rajasthan to celebrate the essence of Teej.

Rituals

Woman observe a fast throughout the day for a happy married life. Parents of the married women send their daughters a gift pack during Teej which is known as Sinjara. This gift pack includes all the essentials of a married woman: bindi, vermillion, bangles, mehendi, sweets, saree etc. Women adorn themselves with these things and putting mehendi on palms forms the most crucial part of the celebrations. The idol of Goddess Parvati is kept and worshipped. The womenfolk get together during the festival and participate in a number of activities like singing and dancing. In the evening they break their fast after seeing the moon.

Celebrations All Over India

The festival of Teej is celebrated in almost whole of Northern India. It is specially celebrated in a large scale in the UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. In the states of Punjab and Haryana, swings are set on trees to celebrate the Teej festival, since monsoon is the best time to have a swing ride. Apart from that Teej in all the places of India is a time for fasting and feasting.

Significance Of Teej

Teej is mainly a festival of women. It is a celebration of the love of a wife for her husband. It is symbolised by the union of Shiva and Parvati. Teej ushers in the monsoons and provides relief from the heat. Thus, it is extremely significant.