The bright and joyous festival of Teej is a time for married Hindu women to dress up in their best clothes. They celebrate and pray for the health and well being of their husbands. The monsoon festivals united under the name Teej, include Haryali Teej, Kajari Teej, and Hartalika Teej, marked on different dates in July, August or September.
Haryali Teej is marked on the third day of the bright half of the Shraavana Lunar month when the monsoon starts, and everything becomes green. That's why it is also called Green Teej. It is widely celebrated in Rajasthan. Women usually apply henna ornaments to their hands and feet during Teej. They don't have to do any chores or work on this day. Girls receive presents and new clothes.
In new clothes, young women and girls swing on decorated 'jhoolas.' Swings are hanged on the trees and are decorated with flowers and ribbons. The festival celebrates the abundance of vegetation and a successful harvest. On that day, women wear green coloured clothes and green bangles. Green vegetables and coconuts are given for luck and prosperity.
Kajari Teej is celebrated in Uttar Pradesh and other areas during the third dark half of Bhadrapada Lunar month. It is often called the Bigger Teej. Girls and women get together to sing songs, dance and make prayer rituals. On that day women also go to their parents' home. Many women are following the Kajari Teej Fast and don't have any food or water.
Hartalika Teej is honouring Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, on the third day of the bright half of Bhadrapada Lunar month. It is celebrated in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Jharkhand. The morning starts with puja prayer ritual. Women bring offerings to the idol or picture of Parvati, while evenings are full of singing and dancing.
