Festival of Haryali Teej is celebrated in the month of Shraavan with joy and enthusiasm. It is an integral part of Indian culture and religion and is followed mainly by Indian married women. The northern states of India such as Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are the main locations for the celebration of this festival. Celebrated at the beginning of monsoon season, Haryali Teej commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The word ‘Haryali’ means ‘greenery”. It matches the verdant surroundings that accompany the monsoon season. This event usually takes place on the third day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of Shraavan, the Hindu month of July–August, which is revered for its wealth and spiritual vigor.
It is said that Goddess Parvati, after a long penance and devotion, on this very day was united to Lord Shiva. So, married women celebrate this festival with all zeal by offering prayers for longevity, well-being, and prosperity bestowed upon their husbands.
They wear green-colored attire, which itself symbolizes fertility and growth; these dresses are heavily embroidered with beautiful jewels and henna designs, believed to be quite holy. Fasting is one of the important aspects of HaryaliTeej. Women fast for an entire day, neither eating nor drinking, seeking the blessings of Goddess Parvati. This fast can only be opened up after offering the prayers and having the festive meal cooked from traditional goodies. Without songs and dancing, the celebration will be incomplete: women gather and sing different folk songs while dancing, something that adds vibrancy to the atmosphere.
Swings, mostly decorated with flowers, are hung from trees as women sing songs reflecting the joy brought to them by the season and the festival. Ornamented swings with colorful flowers hanging in the middle of greenery are a feast to the eyes—a way to symbolize nature's emotions and harmony with humans.
The significance of HaryaliTeej is also marked by great emphasis on the family bond and social connections. This is when married women visit their parents' homes and spend some days with their people to deepen those relationships and relive memories. Essentially, HaryaliTeej is a festival, but again its significance is in the embodiment of love, devotion, as well as nurturing elements both in nature and human relationships. Indicating deep cultural values as well as the importance of marital harmony, this makes it an honorable festival looked up to across the country.
With warm regards
Team Cyber Astro
