Kajari Teej 2017: Adorn The Women In you!

Kajari Teej in 2017 is scheduled to show its colors of festivity on August 10. Kajari Teej is known by various pronunciations, such as Badi Teej and Kajli Teej. On Kajari Teej, strengthen your bond of love. Find out how...

Kajari Teej

Kajari Teej is considered to be one of the most important Teejs out of the three other Teej festivals. The other major Teej festivals are popularly known as Akha Teej, Hariyali Teej and Hartalika Teej.

In India, Kajari Teej is also known as ‘Badi Teej’ or ‘Kajli Teej’. Kajari Teej is celebrated on the third day of the Krishna Paksha (dark half) of the Hindu month Bhadrapada as per the Hindu calendar . The word ‘Kajri’ is derived from the Hindi word Kajla or Kohl. It is a semi-classical singing form, which is extremely popular in the Indian states Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Kajari Teej : Significance

Kajari Teej in India holds a lot of significance for the devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On the day of Kajli Teej, married women observe fast (Teej Vrat) for the long life and wellness of their husbands. The real significance can be best understood by knowing the legends behind the occasion of Kajari Teej.

Kajari Teej has more than one legend associated with the celebration, let’s find out.

Kajari Teej : Legend Of Kajari Teej Festival

As per the mythological significance, Kajri Teej has originated from the famous Kajri Raga. This Raga Kajiri has three main points of origination.

1. It is believed that the people in the central part of India invented Raga Kajari. This happened because they were engulfed in sorrow, as their popular King Dadurai faced a sudden death, following which the King’s Queen, Nagamati observed Sati Pratha.

2. Another myth which exists is that there existed a dense forest in the kingdom of King Dadurai and was called ‘Kajali’. The inhabitants of this forest used to sing songs and these were named as Kajali songs.

3. The third most important point is that Kajari is the Teej of monsoon season, which is observed in the months of July or August. On this Teej, Kajari songs are sung by the people in various parts of the country. Hence, this Madhur Svar Vani Sangeet is also given the name Kajari Teej.

This is how Kajari Teej got its origin from the Raga Kajiri, as per the traditional stories.

Kajari Teej : Devotional Aspect

As far as the devotional aspect of Badi Teej is concerned, it holds its relation to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati desired Lord Shiva and wanted to marry him. Hence, Goddess Parvati prayed with full devotion and dedication for a period of 107 years. Post this period, in the 108th year, Goddess Parvati was accepted by Lord Shiva as his wife. Therefore, it is said to be very auspicious to worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva on the day of Badi Teej or Kajari Teej. As Goddess Parvati’s desire of marrying Lord Shiva was fulfilled, females who observe a fast on Kajli Teej get their desires fulfilled.

Now, as you know the reason to celebrate Kajli Teej and the mythological origin of the festival, let’s know how Kajli Teej should be celebrated.

Kajari Teej : Rituals

1. On this day, women wear new clothes and sing songs in the honor of Lord Krishna.
2. Nirjala Vrat (without water) is observed by them for the long and healthy life of their husbands.
3. Newly wed females visit their parents’ house and are gifted with Sringara (makeup) items along with clothes and jewelry.
4. Neem tree is also worshiped on this day. Women gather around the holy tree and Puja is performed with specific rituals.
5. Swings are hung from the trees. Women take swing rides, singing and dancing to the auspicious songs of Kajli Teej.

We are sure that females would like to have some exotic delicacies after so much of forbearance. Let’s find out what could be the exotic delicacies that you can have during the Kajari Teej.

Kajari Teej : Food Delicacies

Some of the famous dishes that are prepared on the occasion of Kajari Teej are:

• Ghevar (traditional Rajasthani sweet-dish)
• Kheer Puri
• Dal Bati Churma (oriental Rajasthani dish)
• Coconut Laddoo
• Strawberry Muffins
• Badam ka Halwa
• Besan Laddoo
• Gujiya

The festival of Kajari Teej is also associated with vibrancy and enthusiasm.

Kajari Teej : Celebrations

The celebrations of Kajari Teej are witnessed by the females across the country. Some of the places where celebrations of Kajari Teej are noticed are Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, and Mirzapur.

Kajari Teej is celebrated with great verve in Rajasthan, especially in a place called Bundi. In Bundi, a procession of Goddess Parvati known as ‘Teej Mata’ is taken from Sagar (a place dedicated to King Sagar in Rajasthan) in a beautiful palanquin. This palanquin is usually accompanied by decorated elephants and camels. Special performers perform various folk dances. One of the most popular form is Gomar.

These celebrations are the most colourful and beautiful procession during the Kajari Teej.

AstroCAMP wishes you a Very Happy Kajari Teej..!