Hartalika Teej 2017: Significance and History
'Harat' translates to abduction and 'aalika' translates to a female friend. According to the Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati was abducted by her friends so that she didn't get married to Lord Vishnu, a match set by her father. Goddess Parvati was in love with Lord Shiva. Considering the ascetic he was, it was a difficult task to woo him. Goddess Parvati decided to put all her efforts to make Lord Shiva know about her undying love and affection for him. It is believed that she took 108 births and penance to receive the love from Lord Shiva. The dedication led to Lord Shiva's acceptance of her love towards him. It is said that this day onwards, Goddess Parvati declared this day auspicious for women and proclaimed that whoever will perform certain rituals on this day will be blessed with a happy married life.
Teej is observed to celebrate triumph of love and a hope to lead a blessed marital life
Hartalika Teej 2017: Rituals and Celebrations
On the day of Hartalika Teej, women wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear new clothes and adorn the best jewellery. In some regions, solah shringar (16 elements) is prevalent among women. Then they proceed to visit temples for the early morning puja. While doing the puja, they have to light a mud diya, which should be kept lit all night long. They also observe a Nirjala (without water) Vrat so as to be blessed by Goddess Parvati. Women decorate Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva's clay idols and in the evening, they get together to sing traditional Teej songs and swing on beautifully decorated swings in the garden.
On this day, women receive gifts from their parents, parents-in-law, which generally consists of traditional laheria dress, bangles, henna, sindoor and sweets like ghewar. These gifts are collectively known as Shrinjhara or Sindhare.
Hartalika Teej 2017: Prasad and Bhog
Although women observe fast on this day and restrict themselves from food and water for about 24 hours, but they offer fresh fruits, sweets like ghewar and pedas, and suhaag (sindoor, mangal sutra, etc) items that are relevant for married ladies to Goddess Parvati.
Hartalika Teej 2017: Mahurat Timings
Pratahkal Hartalika Pooja Mahurat- 06:22 am to 08:54 am.
Pradoshkal Hartalika Pooja Mahurat- 19:00 pm to 20:27 pm.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
