Teej
Teej is a collection of festivals celebrating the monsoon season, marital bliss, and the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.
Why It's Significant
It celebrates the devotion of Goddess Parvati, who performed severe austerities for 108 lifetimes to win Lord Shiva as her husband — representing the power of unwavering devotion and love.
The Story
Parvati is the reincarnation of Sati. In her new life, she performed intense tapas on the mountains, enduring extreme heat and cold, eating nothing, to prove her devotion to Lord Shiva. Impressed by her dedication, Shiva accepted her as his consort. Teej celebrates this union.
How It's Observed
Married women fast and pray for their husbands' well-being. Unmarried women pray for a good spouse. Swings are decorated with flowers, and women sing Teej songs. Mehndi (henna) application is an important ritual. Processions with Goddess Parvati's idol.
Traditional Foods
Ghewar (Rajasthani sweet), malpua, fini, dal baati churma
Regional Traditions
Hartalika Teej (Bhadrapada): primarily in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh. Hariyali Teej (Shravana): in North India. Kajari Teej: celebrated in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Associated Mantras
Om Namah Shivaya; Om Parvati Pataye Namaha