- Written by Smriti Joshi, Fifth Semester, Media Technologies, 2023
In the heart of India and Nepal, when the monsoon clouds gather in the skies and the fragrant scent of wet earth fills the air, a time-honored celebration of love, devotion, and tradition unfolds. It is Teej, a Hindu festival that brings women together in a joyful and colorful display of cultural significance.
Gorkha Durga Mandir
As the date of Teej approaches, anticipation fills the hearts of women throughout the region. The festival, which typically falls in the months of August or September, is a vivid tapestry woven with myriad customs and shared joys.
Teej is a day of celebration, particularly for married women. They embark on a day-long fast, not for the sake of deprivation but as a testament to their unwavering devotion. With the rising sun, they rise too, their minds and hearts focused on the well-being and longevity of their beloved husbands. In the embrace of their fast, they pray for a prosperous life together.
But Teej is not solely for married women; it beckons the unmarried with the promise of future love. Unwed girls join the festivities, their dreams entwined with the hope of finding a caring partner, one day, in the loving tapestry of life.
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati preside over Teej, and women, clad in vibrant red and green attire, throng the temples. They offer sweet-smelling flowers, fruits, and sweets as tokens of their love and devotion. In the tranquil sanctum of the temples, they seek blessings, not just for their marriages but for the world itself.
A temple at Gorkha Pathshala
A sea of bright colors envelops the landscape on Teej, and women adorn themselves with intricate jewellery and graceful mehendi designs, their beauty a reflection of their inner devotion. Swings, known as "jhulas," are an essential part of the festivities. Women and young girls sway gracefully, their laughter blending with the rhythm of folk songs, while the monsoon rains bless the earth with life-giving water.
For my mother Manika, Teej is more than simply a festive; it's a commemoration of the unbreakable tie between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as well as love and devotion. Her eyes convey a deep spiritual connection as she ignites the customary oil lamp. A fast that represents steadfast commitment is observed throughout the day, which is a testimonial to her spiritual.
Manika Joshi
The air resonates with traditional songs and dances, their melodies echoing the joy that fills the hearts of those gathered.
At Upper Mawprem Community Hall
At Gorkha Durga Mandir
Yet, Teej isn't just about rituals; it's about the bonds that tie women together. It's a time for sharing joys, for expressing concerns, and for coming together as a community of sisters. In a world filled with daily routines and responsibilities, Teej provides a respite, a moment to cherish one another.
In the colorful celebration of Teej, love blooms, devotion finds expression, and traditions endure. It's a festival that transcends boundaries and connects generations, a tapestry of faith, culture, and solidarity that women have woven for centuries. With every swing, every song, and every shared moment, Teej reminds us that love, devotion, and the bonds that tie us together are timeless and enduring.
These celebrations are not just annual events; they are stories of devotion, agriculture, and traditions passed down through generations.
Indira Chettri Thakuri and Afshara Thakuri
Hariyali Teej: As the first drops of rain touch the parched earth, Hariyali Teej is celebrated with great enthusiasm. In North India, the arrival of the monsoon season is a cause for jubilation. It's a time when the landscape turns lush and green, and the air is heavy with the scent of new life. Women dress in vibrant hues and come together to mark the arrival of fresh crops and the promise of prosperity.
Kajari Teej: Farther east, in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Kajari Teej is celebrated on the third day of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada. This Teej is closely intertwined with the agricultural cycle. It's a time when farmers rejoice in the anticipation of a bountiful harvest. Women sing songs about the upcoming rains and the fertile fields, their voices filling the air with hope.
Hartalika Teej: Across the land, there's a day of fasting, prayer, and storytelling. It's Hartalika Teej, where the Hartalika Vrat Katha is narrated. This tale recounts the daring kidnapping of Parvati by her friends to prevent her marriage to a menacing demon. On this day, women gather, fast, and recite these ancient stories. It's a celebration of courage and the indomitable spirit of women.
Nag Panchami Teej: When the bright fortnight of Shravan arrives, it brings with it Nag Panchami Teej. This is the day when serpents, particularly the cobra, are honored and worshipped. In a land where mythology and nature are inextricably linked, this Teej symbolizes the harmonious relationship between humans and the animal kingdom. Devotees offer prayers to the revered snake gods for protection and well-being.
While the specific customs may vary from one Teej to another, there's a unifying thread that runs through them all: fasting and worship. Women and girls rise with the dawn, determined to offer their devotion to the divine. From sunrise to moonrise, they abstain from food and water, their hearts focused on the goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Temples come alive with the fragrance of flowers, the sweetness of fruits, and the resonance of hymns.
Teej is not just a festival; it's a testament to the deep-rooted traditions and faith that bind communities together. It is a celebration of the changing seasons, the bounties of the earth, and the unwavering devotion of those who celebrate it. Each Teej variety, a unique chapter in the grand narrative of India's cultural heritage, weaves its own story of love, faith, and the eternal connection between humans and the divine.
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