PRENEETA SHARMA
Hindus celebrate Hartalika Teej to symbolize the celestial marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is celebrated during the month of Bhadrapada on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha. The celebration is particularly significant for married ladies who keep this fast for their husbands’ longevity, marital peace, and wealth, while single females do so in the hopes of meeting their ideal life mate.
This name is given to Hartalika Teej because of the folklore surrounding it. The words “Harat” and “Aalika,” which signify kidnapping and female companion, respectively, are combined to form the term “Hartalika.” In the myth of Hartalika Teej, Goddess Parvati’s companion led her into the dense forest so that her father could not force her to marry Lord Vishnu against her will.
Women who participate in the Hartalika Teej fast abstain from food and drink (nirjala) for a whole day, making it one of the most challenging fasts. Devotees bathe, dress cleanly, and create clay idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for adoration as the day begins at dawn during Brahma Muhurat. Women spend the day singing devotional songs, listening to the vrat katha, and praying and worshipping into the night.
Hartalika Teej Vrat Represents
Women celebrate the occasion to symbolize the celestial marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women who participate in this fast abstain from food and water for a full day. They worship fervently at night while listening to the holy tale of Shiva and Parvati. Married ladies present Goddess Parvati with “Solah Shringar” gifts, while Lord Shiva receives clothing and other ceremonial offerings.
Worshiping Goddess Parvati with “Solah Shringar” is said to appease her and secure her heavenly benefits of contentment, harmony, and success in marriage.
In India, three main Teej festivals are celebrated:
During the monsoon season, Hariyali Teej is celebrated for fertility and wealth. Two weeks later, Kajari Teej is observed to honor marital happiness.
Hartalika Teej: Celebrated the day before Ganesh Chaturthi, this Teej is regarded as the most significant.
Akha Teej (Akshaya Tritiya) and Gangaur Tritiya are two more comparable celebrations that are equally revered in some areas.
The festival’s story of faith and tenacity continues to uplift women. Hartalika Teej 2025 promises to be a day of devotion, celebration, and heavenly benefits for everyone, whether it is observed as Gowri Habba in the South or in the busy towns of North India.
