Hartalika Teej 2023: Date, History, Significance, and more

India which is known for its diversity in culture, religion, races, and festivals also has various forms in one single festival. Teej is one of those festivals that has 3 types such as Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej, and Hartalika Teej. Recently, India celebrated Hariyali Teej on 19 Aug 2023. The upcoming Hartalika Teej shall be celebrated on 18th September 2023. This festival is celebrated widely across India, especially in the northern states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. It is an all-women festival where they seek the blessings of Devi Parvathi. The festival of Teej falls in the month of July – Sept as per the Gregorian calendar and in the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada on the third day (Tritiya) of Sukla Paksha (diminishing phase of the moon).

Hartalika Teej 2023 Date & Timings

History of Hartalika Teej

According to the legends, Goddess Parvathi wanted to marry Lord Shiva but Parvathi’s father wanted his daughter to get married to Vishnu. Parvathi requested her friend to kidnap her and take her to the forest so that she could get away from her marriage with Vishnu.
In the forest, she observed serious penance and devoted herself completely to Lord Shiva. One day, Lord Shiva saw deep devotion towards himself and finally agreed to marry her.

Hartalika Teej Significance

Hartalika is made up of two words Harat and Aalika and it means ‘kidnapping of a woman friend’. Women who celebrate this festival believe that it was on the day of Hartalika Teej that Lord Shiva accepted Parvati as his wife after she took 108 rebirths. The festival is celebrated with great excitement and devotion to commemorate the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

How is this festival celebrated?

Women who celebrate this festival keep fast for a peaceful and happy married life. They also pray for the happiness of their husbands and family members. The two other Teej, Haryali Teej, and Kajari Teej are celebrated by women visiting their parent’s houses. However, Hartalika Teej is celebrated when they come back to their in-law’s house. Most of the people wake up early in the morning on the day of this festival and wear new clothes, mostly saris. 

They also put on the best jewellery that they have and receive many gifts from their parents and in-laws. The gift is known by various names such as Shrinjhara or Sindhare and it includes bangles, dresses, sindoor, etc. Many women also organize Hartalika Pooja and they gather near a temple or in a garden for this. The idol of Goddess Parvati is placed at a particular place and women encircle it from all around. They offer sweets, flowers, and fruits, and the stories of Teej Katha are narrated.

Things To Do on Hartalika Teej 2023

There are various dishes being prepared in different regions of India on this occasion, Below are some of the things you can do on this auspicious day.

Ghevar

This is one of the most widely prepared dishes during the festival seasons. Generally, it is round-shaped and made using flour, ghee, dry fruits, sugar, and malai. It is prepared mainly in Rajasthan, western parts of Uttar Pradesh, and other northern states of India. 

Thekua

This sweet dish is prepared in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. It is prepared by mixing flour dough with sugar syrup, coconut, etc. 

Gujiya

Without gujiya, the festival of Teej is incomplete. It is quite popular in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, etc. This dish is made using dough, dry fruits, suji, khoya, etc.

Kheer

It is the most popular sweet dish of any festival in India and it is prepared by people from all sections of society. Rice is mixed and boiled in milk along with sugar for some time.

Halwa Puri

People on this day also prepare Halwa-puri which is one of the favorite dishes in India. It is quite well-liked by the children and the elderly groups. 

Traditional dresses

Women across India wear traditional and cultural attires such as saris, Lehenga, Ghagra-Choli-chunni, etc. The man also wears new clothes such as Kurta-pyjama. These dresses are quite colourful and they represent the festive mood of the day. 

Swinging on the Jhulas

In many parts of India, swings are tied and both men and women celebrate this festival by enjoying rides on these swings. These traditions and customs strengthen the bond between the husband and the wife. 

Women apply Mehendi

On this day, women in different states of India such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, etc gather together and apply Mehendi on their farms, hands, and feet. While applying Mehendi, they also sing festive songs that bring joy and happiness to their faces. 

Celebration of Hartalika Teej in Nepal

This festival is celebrated in Nepal for the well-being of spouses and children. It is also meant for the purification of one’s body and mind. In Nepal, it is celebrated for three days when fasting and feasting are combined together. Hartalika Teej is celebrated by women of various castes such as Bahun, Chettri, Magars, Kiratis, etc. 

Best places to visit to experience the fervour of Hartalika Teej

Jaipur, Rajasthan

This place is famous for celebrating Hartalika Teej with lots of zeal and enthusiasm. On this day, a procession is held that takes place for two days and attracts a lot of crowds. The idol of Teej is also made and the idol of Goddess Parvati is worshipped. 

Karnataka

In Karnataka, Hartalika Teej is known as Gowri Habba and it goes by the same name in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. God is Gowri and is considered to be the incarnation of the Devi Parvathi. 

Chandigarh

In the city of Chandigarh, many special kinds of arrangements are made on the day of this festival in the well-known Rock Garden. Many types of cultural programs are also held where school children organize plays and dramas to highlight the importance of the festival. 

Teej is a very important festival in India and people celebrate it with lots of love, excitement, and devotion. It is the representation of the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. 

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Frequently asked questions about Hartalika Teej