Well, Teej is a festival of joy—fine traditional elements blended with joy and love. Think of it: when the monsoon rains pour gently down on the land, husbands surprise their wives with colorfully decorated Teej gifts that denounce love and appreciation at the very outset of a historic and devoted festival. Because it has this dynamic history and dedication, Teej holds a special significance for so many people.
The Essence of Teej
This festival is primarily celebrated by people living in India and Nepal. It is celebrated differently in different parts of these countries. The festival is committed to the goddess Parvati. It is also commemorated in conjunction with the union of Goddess Parvati with her husband, Lord Shiva. This union symbolizes marital bliss, love, and devotion. The festival is celebrated by women both married and unmarried. It usually falls between July and August.
There are three main types of Teej:
- Hariyali Teej: It falls on the third day of the bright half of Shravana month.
- Kajari Teej: Celebrated on the third day during the dark half of the month of Bhadrapada.
- Hartalika Teej: This falls on the bright half, the third day of the Bhadrapada month.
Though there are different varieties of Teej and each one of them, in its turn, is significant and possesses a number of traditions, the bottom line of this celebration is praise and homage to womanhood and marital harmony.
The Mythological Roots of Teej
The roots of Teej lie in ancient mythology. It is said that Goddess Parvati underwent penance and austerity to great extremes in order to win the heart of Lord Shiva. It was with the end of her penance that she could win the heart of Lord Shiva, impressed by her devotion and perseverance. In jubilation, this union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is celebrated as Teej, signifying eternal love and the sanctity of marriage.
Women fast, sometimes without food or water, in pursuit of their blessings for a long, happy married life. It is, therefore, an expression of devotion, as unwavering as that of Parvati to her lord, and so the goddess’s blessings will then ensue to grant happiness and prosperity in marriage.
The Celebration Unfolds
The Teej celebrations are a riot of color, music, and dance. Weeks before the onset of Teej, markets wear a festive look with bright, eye-catching saris, fanciful jewelry, and beautiful ‘Mehendi’ designs. Women don their finest attire, mostly in red and green—considered auspicious.
The festival begins with a few rituals and prayers, during which women gather together to worship the goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. These beautiful decorations of temples provide the incense fragrance to the air and resonate with the sound of devotional songs.
The most delightful factor of Teej is its very undulating singing and dancing traditions. Swinging on beautifully decorated swings with women in well-decorated attire, they sing traditional Teej songs that depict their happiness and devotion. The swings, often adorned with flowers and ribbons, tell a lot about the spirit of the festival, which is festive and joyful.
Fasting and Feasting
Fasting forms an integral part of Teej when, for marital bliss and husbands’ welfare, married women undertake a very stringent fast. A Nirjala Vrat, in which even a single drop of water is forbidden, is pretty rigorous. This act of devotion brings home divinity, strengthening the bond between husband and wife.
A special feast called “Sindhara” has been prepared on the eve of Teej. This feast is really very sumptuous, laden with all sorts of delicious sweets and savories that ladies relish with their family and friends. The feast is not only a culinary delight but it is also a way of bonding with your loved ones and sharing the joy of this festival.
The Teej Gifts Tradition
Another sweet tradition of Teej is gift-giving. The husbands present their wives with jewelry, clothes, sweets, and cosmetics. These gifts are a token of love, affection, or appreciation, thus strengthening their bond with one another. The joy gained from a sensitively chosen gift adds to the fun of the celebration, making Teej really unforgettable for both husband and wife.
In return, women respect and thank their mothers-in-law with gifts. Thus, exchanging gifts creates a kind of togetherness and strength in family bonds, thereby manifesting the community part of the festival.
Regional Variations and Modern Celebrations
Though the basic soul of Teej remains the same, it still continues to be celebrated regionally. For instance, the women of Rajasthan come out in bright and vibrant ghagrahs, followed by huge processions carrying the idols of Goddess Parvati. In Punjab, Teej forms a significant festival in which everyone participates in fairs and cultural programs.
Now, in these modern times, it incorporates even community gatherings wherein women come together to rejoice with dance and music. This is often seen in urban areas with their Teej parties wherein the traditional customs seem to blend with the modern ways of celebration. This way, even when lifestyles change, the spirit of Teej lives on.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Love and Devotion
Teej is a festival for the celebration of love and devotion, the sacredness of marriage. When husbands give Teej presents to their wives, they uphold a centuries-long practice, and with it, the love and commitment it represents. Be it the customs followed by the festival in terms of fasting and feasting or singing and dancing, everything comes together to create a joyful atmosphere of being together.
By embracing the spirit of Teej, we celebrate the timeless values of love and devotion, making it a cherished occasion for generations to come.
