CELEBRATING TEEJ: A FESTIVAL OF MONSOON

Teej, derived from the word meaning 'third', is celebrated on the third day after the new moon and the third day after the full moon night of every month during the monsoon season. This means Teej is observed on the third day of the waxing moon (from new moon to full moon) and waning moon (from full moon to new moon) during the Hindu months of Shravan and Bhadrapad.

Significance of Teej Festival in India

In India, festivals are often tied to the cycles of nature, and Teej is no exception. The monsoon season is vital for agriculture, which employs a large portion of the population and relies on rainfall for irrigation. Teej celebrates the abundance of nature, greenery, and rain. Hindu women and girls mark this occasion with music, dance, and various rituals performed with family and friends.

Mythological Significance of Teej

Teej is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her sacred union with Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Devi Parvati is an incarnation of Sati, Lord Shiva’s first wife. Sati's father disapproved of her relationship with Lord Shiva, leading to her self-sacrifice. Lord Shiva, heartbroken, saw Sati undergo 108 cycles of birth and rebirth to be accepted as his wife again. Her 108th birth was as Goddess Parvati. This day, marking her reunion with Lord Shiva, is celebrated as Teej, earning Parvati the name Teej Mata.

Customs and Rituals of Teej

Hindus celebrate Teej with grandeur. Women dance, sing, and share stories and folklore with loved ones. They listen to the "Teej Katha," which recounts the legends related to the festival, and pray for their husbands' good health. Henna is applied on hands, and women dress in their finest attire and jewelry.

A significant ritual is the full-day fast observed by many women, praying throughout the night for their families' well-being. This fast honors the penance Devi Parvati endured for over 100 years to reunite with Lord Shiva. The fast is broken only when the moon appears, followed by a festive feast. Women worship the Goddess, sing special Teej songs, and enjoy swinging on swings tied to tree branches. There is also a custom of lighting an oil lamp that remains lit throughout the day.

Embracing Teej with Devotional Attire

Celebrate Teej with devotion and traditional rituals, and embrace the festive spirit with attire that reflects your faith. Wear Hanuman t-shirts, Ganesh t-shirts, Krishna t-shirts, Ganpati t-shirts, Anjaneya t-shirts, Krsna t-shirts, Lord Krishna t-shirts, T-shirt Krishna, and Hindu t-shirts to express your devotion and love for Hindu culture. To buy a variety of hindu t shirts like shivji t shirt, hanuman t shirt, ganesh t shirt, Krishna t shirt, ram t shirt, bajrang bali t shirt etc. click here!

[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just for entertainment purposes]

~Mimansa Sharma