Hartalika Teej 2017: Honor The Symbol Of Devotion & Love

Glorious date of Hartalika Teej in 2017 is August 24. Hartalika Teej is an occasion to honor the symbol of love and devotion, Goddess Parvati. Hartalika Teej is an event to celebrate, adorn, and commemorate your marriage.

Hartalika Teej

Teej is a very important festival for women in India. It is observed four times in a year. The four major Teej festivals are - Akha Teej, Kajari Teej, Hariyali Teej, and Hartalika Teej. In this article, we will be discussing about Hartalika Teej and its significance. Let’s begin.

The word Hartalika is the combination of two words “Harat” and “Alika”. On the other hand, Teej signifies the third day.

Hartalika Teej is observed on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Hartalika Teej in 2017 will be celebrated on August 24.

Hartalika Teej is celebrated in the honor of Maa Parvati and Lord Shiva’s union. On the day of Hartalika Teej, married and unmarried females all around the country, observe a Nirjala (without water) fast. This is popularly known as Hartalika Teej Vrat (fast).

The festival of Hartalika Teej will again be observed this year, but firstly, we should know the reasons to celebrate Hartalika Teej. Let’s find out the significance of Hartalika Teej.

Hartalika Teej: What Is The Significance?

Hartalika Teej is a very important Hindu festival for the females all around the world. Hartalika Teej Vrat clearly signifies the devotion of a woman toward the nuptial bond of marriage. On the day of Hartalika Teej, married women observe a Nirjala Vrat (without water) for the longevity and wellness of their husbands. On the other hand, unmarried females also observe the fast in order to get their desired husbands.

But, what does the word ‘Hartalika’ exactly mean? Let’s find out.

Hartalika Teej: Significance Of ‘Hartalika’

We have already discussed above that Hartalika is the combination of two words i.e. Harat and Alika. In this section, we will discuss the significance of the word ‘Hartalika’ and why it is considered such a divine festival. ‘Harat’ means abduction and ‘Alika’ means friend. To understand it in a detailed form, take a look at the mythological evidences, as described below.

According to the mythological evidences and Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha, Lord Vishnu had once longed to marry Parvati and had sent Narada as his messenger to Parvatharaj, Parvati’s father. When Parvatharaj was given the proposal by Narada, he was extremely happy and did give him consent to the marriage; however, Parvati did not want to marry Vishnu.

Seeing Parvati in distress, one of her friends kidnapped her and took to a jungle, where no one would be able to find her. Considering this deed by her friend, the name of Hartalika came into being.

Now, we will discuss the legend of Hartalika Teej that becomes the reason for paying such high regards to the festival.

Hartalika Teej: Legend Of Hartalika Teej

Goddess Parvati used to admire Lord Shiva and had a desire to marry him. However, Shiva was no ordinary being and did not know about Parvati’s feelings. Hence, Parvati Devi observed a penance for many years, before she was accepted by Shiva as his wife in her 108th birth.

Since then, it is believed that if any female observes a fast of Hartalika teej, she would be blessed with a blissful married life. Hence, from time immemorial, the ritual of observing a Nirjala Vrat on Hartalika Teej is practised.

Now, let’s take a look at the rituals and traditions that should be carried out on Hartalika Teej.

Hartalika Teej: Puja Rituals Of Hartalika Teej Festival

Following are the rituals that are to be followed on the day of Hartalika Teej this year:

1. All the married and unmarried females get dressed up in a traditional attire. They gather and worship Parvati on Hartalika Teej.
2. On the occasion of Hartalika Teej, Goddess Parvati is adorned in a beautiful manner with a lot of jewelry.
3. This day is extremely significant for the females. On this day, females observe a Nirjala Vrat for the healthy & long life of husbands and fiancee.
4. Women gather in the temple or in the garden, where Puja is organised in the evening. An idol of Goddess Parvati is established in the middle of the circle, which is made for performing the Puja (worshiping ritual) rituals.
5. In this Puja, Hartalika Vrat Teej Katha is narrated and fruits, flowers, sweets, as well as Dakshina (money as offering) is offered.
6. Another very important part of Teej Puja is the lighting of the oil lamp throughout the night. This ritual is practised because it keeps away all the darkness and bad omens.
7. On the day of Hartalika Teej, women sing traditional songs and express their happiness by performing regional dances.
8. On this day, one can worship anytime after sunset to get the blessings.

Now, it’s time to know a bit more about Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha before proceeding forward.

Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha is considered to be an important custom for the followers of the Hartalika Teej Vrat. During Hartalika Teej Vrat, it is customary to read Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha to the women, who are observing the fast.

Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha consists of the occurrences in Devi Parvati’s life. Hence, we can also say that Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha depicts Parvati’s greatness and inspires each and every woman who observe Hartalika Teej Vrat. It is believed that after Parvati was accepted by Shiva as his wife, he narrated her the events that occurred in her previous birth. The events are collectively known as Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha.

Apart from the above mentioned rituals, there are few more rituals that are performed on Hartalika Teej. Some of the other important Hartalika Teej customs are as follows:

Hartalika Teej: Puja Rituals Of Adorning Oneself

On the occasion of Hartalika Teej, both married and unmarried girls get adorned in vibrant dresses. Some of the most prominent colors witnessed during the occasion of Hartalika Teej are red, pink, and green. Females wear heavy jewelry and are elegantly dressed on this occasion. On Hartalika Teej, we all will witness the same rituals in various parts of the country.

Hartalika Teej: Ritual Of Applying Mehndi

One of the most important ritual observed during the Hartalika Teej is applying Mehndi (henna tattoo). Females on the occasion of Hartalika Teej apply Mehndi on their hand and feet. This is another important ritual of Hartalika Teej.

Hartalika Teej: Ritual Of worshiping the Nyagrodha Tree

On the occasion of Hartalika Teej, we will observe females worshiping the Vat Vriksha or Nyagrodha tree (banyan tree). The Vat Vriksha holds a lot of significance as it reflects knowledge. On this Hartalika Teej, this ritual will be practised in various parts of the country.

Hartalika Teej: Ritual Of Teej Fasting

The holy custom of fasting will form an integral part of Hartalika Teej. Females all around the country observe a 24-hour refrain from food and water to ensure long life of their husbands.

Teej Vrat is 24-hour long fast and begins immediately after the first day of Teej. This fast begins during the midnight. It is a pre-fasting day on which ladies gather to sing and dance.

On the occasion of Hartalika Teej, Goddess Parvati is worshiped as Teej Mata in Rajasthan. Women on the occasion of Hartalika Teej dress up elegantly. Shringara items (items of adornment) are gifted to the married females by their in-laws. In Rajasthan, Baya is an another item package given to females who observe a Hartalika Teej Vrat. This package usually includes dry fruits, Mathris, clothes, and jewelry.

Hartalika Teej: Ritual Of Swings

Hartalika Teej is incomplete without the ritual of swinging. Decorated swings are organised at various fairs and Teej songs are sung. Women spend the day swinging on cradles, symbolizing liberty. Hence, we can also say that it is the celebration of a woman’s liberty.

Hartalika Teej: Delicacies Of Hartalika Teej

On the occasion of Hartalika Teej, some special delicacies are prepared while observing the Hartalika Teej Vrat. Just take a look at them.

• Ghevar
• Namak Paare
• Gujiya
• Kaju Barfi
• Besan Laddu

These are some of the delicacies which will be prepared by the females on the occasion of Hartalika Teej.

Hartalika Teej: Celebrations Of Hartalika Teej

The festivity of Hartalika Teej begins a day prior to the main day. The festive celebrations continue for three days. Hartalika Teej is celebrated in northern and western parts of India.

Some of the major places where the celebration of Hartalika Teej will be witnessed are Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and also, in some parts of Maharashtra. This year, Hartalika Teej will once again be celebrated with a huge gusto amongst the Marwari and Baniya community.

Hartalika Teej is an occasion which honors Maa Parvati, who is considered to be the symbol of utter devotion and love. Females around the globe will celebrate the festival of Hartalika Teej with immense fervor and enthusiasm.

Hopefully, you have got to know everything about the festival of Hartalika Teej. Now, don't’ wait and hurry up to get the preparations done, as Hartalika Teej is round the corner.

AstroCAMP wishes you a very Happy Hartalika Teej..!