India is a country where every month people get a chance to celebrate different festivals from different cultures. It shows the cultural diversity of India which is popular all over the world. All festivals have their significance in Indian society, but there is one festival that is highly auspicious and appreciated by Indian women, known as Haryali Teej. Hariyali Teej is a monsoon festival for women.

What is Hariyali Teej ? 

Hariyali Teej is a festival celebrated in the month of Sawan or Shravan according to the Hindu calendar, whereas according to the English calendar Teej is celebrated in the months of July and August. Generally, Teej refers to the third day that comes after the Amavasya and the Poornima every month. Hariyali Teej is particularly celebrated in North India, West India, and in some parts of Nepal.

What is the significance of the celebration of Haryali Teej?  

Hariyali Teej symbolizes greenery represented in monsoon season. The raindrops of monsoon season brighten and freshen up the surroundings. This festival also signifies the courage of Goddess Parwati who took 108 births until Lord Shiva gave in to her dedication and tied the marital knot with her. That’s why Goddess Parwati is also known as Teej Mata.

How is the Haryali Teej celebrated? 

Haryali Teej is a festival for both married and unmarried women. They keep fast and pray all night on Hariyali Teej. In the morning, after bathing women get dressed up in green dresses, worn green bangles, and apply Heena to their palms. Women make idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parwati, and Lord Ganesh by using clay or flour. All family members, friends, and loved ones get together to listen to Hariyali Teej Katha. They also sing  Teej festival songs while women swing the Jhulla. Jhulla is a notable thing of Teej. In every house and park, you may see women singing and enjoying the swing.

On the occasion of the Teej festival, girls who are engaged but not married receives the gift from their in-laws that include bangles, dress, Mehandi, and sweets while married daughters receive a gift from their maternal house. These gifts are known as Sindhara. Women also distribute Halwa and Malpua as Prashad. People eat Ghewar as this is the main sweet dish of this festival. 

This year, Haryali Teej is on 23rd July 2020. We hope this Teej brings colors and happiness in your life. May the love between you and your partner always stay strong like Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati.