Teej 2024 in Kathmandu

Teej is a festival of Nepali women, which celebrates a happy marriage, prosperity and family values. On this day women visit temples to play for well-being of their husbands and children and for purification of their own soul.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reunited only after she went through 108 incarnations. She fasted and prayed a lot to be with her husband again. Like Parvati, Hindu women are supposed to fast on this day for their prayer to be heard.

Teej in Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath, the temple of Lord Shiva in Kathmandu, is one of the most important Hindu temples in Nepal. During Teej, the temple is visited by women dressed in scarlet clothes. The red color is traditionally worn by brides in Nepal, and it also symbolizes power. On this day, all women look especially pretty in their best outfits—red sari with gold ornaments and green bead necklaces. The festive spirit is all around the temple as women sing, dance, and celebrate.

Dar Khane Din

The day before Teej is called ‘Dar Khane Din‘. That's when married women return to their parents' home to feast. There is a lot of singing and dancing. But the next day is all about fasting and praying. On the third day—‘Rishi Panchami‘—women pray for forgiveness for their sins.

Rishi Panchami

Rishi Panchami is not just for praying but also for bathing. After honoring seven saints, Nepali women take a ritual bath in the Bagmati or the Bishnumati Rivers. Hundreds of people gather near rivers, lakes, and ponds to take a dip. Some use red mud found on the roots of the sacred diwan bush to wash off all the sins. On this day, husbands also cook a special meal, karkalo bhat, for their wives. Foods include a special bean or mutton soup and carrot desserts.