Hariyali Teej
Hariyali Teej in 2025 will be observed on Sunday, July 27.
Hariyali Teej, or Green Teej, is observed every year on the third day after the new moon in the month of Shraavana or Sawan according to the Hindu calendar.
Known by different names across regions, Hariyali Teej is also called Sindhara Teej, Chhoti Teej, or Shravana Teej.
This festival symbolizes the arrival of the monsoon season and represents nature, devotion, and love.
It is mainly observed in the northern states of India, such as Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh,and, Punjab.
The festival holds immense cultural and religious significance as it commemorates the divine reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The Roots of Hariyali Teej
Hariyali Teej finds its roots in Hindu mythology, centered around the unwavering devotion of Goddess Parvati to Lord Shiva. According to legend, Parvati underwent rigorous penance and observed fasts across 108 lifetimes before Shiva finally accepted her as his consort. This sacred union symbolizes devotion and marital harmony, making the festival especially significant for married women, who observe it to pray for their husbands' well-being and long life.
The Significance of Hariyali Teej
It is a special occasion for married women to seek blessings for a happy and prosperous married life, praying for their husbands’ well-being and longevity.
Women observe a day-long fast, engage in traditional rituals, and offer prayers, demonstrating their devotion and seeking divine blessings for marital harmony.
The celebration is filled with cheery customs, including wearing bright clothes, especially green, applying mehendi, singing folk songs, and enjoying swings, adding joy and festivity to the occasion.
Unmarried women also participate with devotion, praying for a loving and ideal life partner.
The Rituals of Hariyali Teej
- Sindhara: A special gift set including clothes, bangles, bindi, mehndi, and sweets like Ghevar. Married daughters receive these gifts from their mothers as a symbol of love, blessings, and prosperity.
- Fasting and Sacred Worship: Women observe a strict fast, often without food or water, praying for their husband’s well-being and a happy married life. The morning puja honors Goddess Parvati, with offerings known as ‘baya’ placed on a beautifully decorated plate (thaali) at a sacred spot in the home.
- Swings and Festive Songs: Swings are set up in gardens and courtyards, where women dressed in vibrant green attire enjoy swinging while singing traditional folk songs. The color green symbolizes prosperity and the refreshing beauty of the monsoon season.
Hariyali Teej Celebrations Across The Country
Haryana
Hariyali Teej is a major festival in Haryana and is even a public holiday.
The government organizes cultural events like folk dances and kite-flying competitions.
In villages, girls get new clothes from their parents, and women decorate their hands with mehndi.
Punjab
In Punjab, the festival is called Teeyan and is full of joy.
Women gather to dance ‘Gidda,’ a traditional folk dance.
Married women visit their parents’ homes and receive gifts. Schools and colleges host fairs with cultural competitions.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan celebrates this festival with grand processions, especially in Jaipur.
A beautifully decorated idol of Goddess Parvati, also called Teej Mata, is carried through the city.
Women wear green sarees, sing devotional songs, and pray for a happy married life.
Chandigarh
Chandigarh’s celebrations take place in Rock Garden, where school children perform plays and folk dances. Women receive gifts, and the city comes alive with cultural performances.
Celebrating Hariyali Teej
To celebrate Hariyali Teej, start by dressing in green attire, applying henna, and adorning yourself with traditional jewelry to embrace the festive spirit.
Decorate swings with flowers and enjoy singing folk songs with family and friends.
Observe the traditional fasting ritual, which married women follow for the well-being of their husbands.
Offer prayers to Goddess Parvati, seeking her blessings for a happy and harmonious married life.
Participate in grand processions, where beautifully decorated idols, music, and prayers create a vibrant atmosphere.
Indulge in festive delicacies to make the occasion even more special. Enjoy Ghevar, a signature Rajasthani sweet made from flour, ghee, and sugar syrup.
Savor other treats like malpua, kheer, and coconut laddoos to add sweetness to the celebrations.
Celebrate Hariyali Teej by embracing its traditions, strengthening familial bonds, and appreciating the beauty of nature.
As the monsoon brings renewal and prosperity, let the festival serve as a joyful reminder of love, devotion, and togetherness.
