Teej Festival

On the occasion of Teej, Goddess Parvati is worshiped by seekers for martial bliss and happiness. Teej is also referred as the festival of swings.

WHEN IS TEEJ CELEBRATED?

Teej is held every year during the Hindu Month of Shravan (July or August) and marks the advent of monsoons. When the monsoon rains fall on parched land, the pleasing scent of wet soil rises into the air and spirits soar high in celebration. Song & dance mark the gaiety of the Teej festival. Women’s observe this festival by fasting and praying to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a happy married life.

WHY IS TEEJ CELEBRATED?

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati was reunited with Lord Shiva on this day.Goddess Parvati did deep meditation for Lord Shiva and took 107 birth but fail to have Lord Shiva as her husband. In her 108th birth Lord Shiva accepted her as his wife and thus this festival celebrates her union with Lord Shiva.

This day is considered auspicious for married women as they observe nirjala vrat and spend sleepless nights during the three day festival. It is believed that whoever prays to Goddess Parvati on this day will be blessed with happy married life.

HOW IS TEEJ CELEBRATED?

Besides the ritual fasting huge celebrations follow this festival. On this festive occasion, an elaborate procession is carried out in Jaipur for two consecutive days which is watched by people in large numbers. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open. The festivity revolves around singing and dancing in praise of Maa Parvati.

Dandia dances are arranged by professionals and performed in courtyards at home and in public places.These dances are also performed by the young girls of the house who dress up in colourful saris, lehangas and chunris.The colorful dandias move in rhythmic beats and are really beautiful to watch. Girls with henna on their hands and feet run about joyously and are excused from household chores on this day.

Teej signifies two occasions –

First where women fast for their husband and seek blessings for their long life. On Teej, it is a must for the girls to receive clothes from their parents. A set of heavy clothes (baya) after marriage is given to the newly weds along with gifts.

A pooja is performed in the morning. The baya which consists of a variety of foodstuff, is placed on a thaali at the place of worship where an idol or a picture of Parvati is installed. The evenings are set aside for singing and dancing.

Second Teej marks the advent of the monsoons and is also the festival of swings. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers.Young girls and women dressed in colourful saris, lehangas and chunris sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. The tie-and-dye chunri in green, red, and yellow with its zari and gota are matched with green, yellow and red bangles, becomes a feast for the eyes.

The festivities end with exchange of gifts and the arrivals of husbands to fetch their wives. The wives then leave their parent’s home just like Ma Parvati and return with gifts to her spouse abode.