Heeriyali Teej, also known as Shravan Teej, is a significant festival in the Hindu tradition celebrated predominantly by women in the northern parts of India, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. This vibrant festival falls during the monsoon season, marking the third day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravan (July-August).
Heeriyali Teej is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva. According to mythology, it commemorates the day when Goddess Parvati was reunited with Shiva after a long period of penance. The festival symbolizes marital bliss, the well-being of the spouse, and the fertility of the earth nourished by monsoon rains.
Regional Variations
Rajasthan : The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. Women wear bright lehengas, and special fairs are organized where artisans sell handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional dresses.
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar : Here, the festival also emphasizes social gatherings and community feasts, with women coming together to sing and dance.
Madhya Pradesh : The rituals are similar, but there is a unique focus on environmental awareness, with tree planting drives being a common practice during the festival.
Rituals and Traditions
1. Fasting and Pujas : Women observe a strict fast on Heeriyali Teej, praying for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands. The day begins with a ceremonial bath and the wearing of new, often green-colored, attire symbolizing new beginnings and fertility. Women perform special pujas, offering fruits, flowers, and traditional sweets to Goddess Parvati.
2. Swings and Songs : An iconic aspect of Heeriyali Teej is the use of beautifully decorated swings hung from trees. Women and young girls enjoy swinging on them, singing traditional folk songs that celebrate the season and the divine love of Shiva and Parvati.
3. Henna and Adornments : Applying intricate henna designs on hands and feet is a beloved custom. Women adorn themselves with bangles, jewelry, and traditional attire, embodying the essence of beauty and tradition.
4. Feasts and Sweets : After the day-long fast, the evening is marked by feasting. Special dishes and sweets like ghevar, a traditional Rajasthani dessert, are prepared and shared among family and friends.
5. Cultural Performances : Communities come together to witness and participate in cultural programs that include music, dance, and storytelling, further enhancing the festive spirit.
Heeriyali Teej, also known as Hariyali Teej, is a significant festival for Hindu, particularly those in the northern regions of India. It is celebrated with great fervor and devotion, marking the onset of the monsoon season. The name itself, “Heeriyali,” signifies greenery, reflecting the lush and vibrant nature that surrounds during this time.
Celebration of Fertility and Abundance : The festival is deeply connected to the monsoon season, a period of rejuvenation and growth for crops and nature. It symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and abundance.
why celebrating Haariyali teej ?
According to legend, Parvati’s devotion and penance to win Lord Shiva’s heart were rewarded on this day. She is said to have fasted and prayed to reunite with Shiva, and her unwavering dedication led to their union.
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