In India, you can find Kajari Teej festivals in most of the states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. This is a happy moment for women who come together to observe different traditions and rituals.
The activities marking Teej festival include fasting, praying Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati-the symbol of eternal love and devotion songs and dances that are traditional. They reflect rich cultural heritage from the areas being observed by the people.
Uniquely Teej is split into three types of festivals which have their own individual significance to be discussed below.
For an explanation about Kajali Tij
Also referred to as Badi Teej, Kajalia teej or Satudi Teej; Kajari is celebrated by married women in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh as well as parts of Haryana and Jharkhand in some cases.
Fasting throughout the festival ensures one longs for the happiness of their husband besides praying for prosperity of their family. In this light, 2024 Kajari Teej will fall on August 22 involving beautiful ceremonies full of deep devotion and cultural celebrations. Tritiya Tithi starts at 5:06 pm on August 21 st, ending it on August 22 nd at 1:46 pm.
The Origin And Meaning Of Kajari Teej
Kajari Teej has a great importance from both cultural and spiritual point of view especially among married women. Family prosperity through marriage harmony is what this festival means.
Kajri-Teej meaning goes back to the immortal love story between Parvati Mata and Mahadeva because goddess Parvati renounced the world for achieving divine love with her husband Shiva. In Hindu mythology there is a belief that goddess parvati did severe penances and spiritual practices to win over shivas heart. Her constant worship finally led them into sacred union where they celebrated their love and commitment.
Kajari Teej honours this divine love and the sanctity of marriage. Women worship Goddess Parvati in order to have a long life partner like Shiva. Therefore, fasting and rituals are done by Hindu women where they pray for durable husbands as well as happy families. This festival also lays emphasis on the general prosperity and well-being of an entire family besides marriage.
For Unmarried Women: Kajari Teej is also very auspicious for unmarried girls or those who are looking forward to get married soon. It is believed that observing it brings good luck in finding a suitable spouse. It is a spiritual chance to seek divine help for solving problems related to marriage as well as attracting a loving partner.
Celebrations, Rituals and Traditions of Kajari Teej
The propitious day of Kajri starts with women waking up early in the morning before sunrise and preparing themselves for the day’s rituals by fasting from sunrise until moon rise. The house was thoroughly cleaned and decorated with vibrant rangolis, fresh fragrant flowers and lights. They wear traditional clothes which look beautiful.
Special pujas are held dedicated to Goddess Parvati followed by Lord Shiva who represents marital harmony coupled with devotion. Offerings including fresh fruits, exclusive sweets together with melodious prayers.
Another unique tradition specific only to kajari teej; they dig small ponds right outside their homes. These small holes are made using clay mixed with cow dung. The pond was filled with raw milk and water, and a lamp was placed beside the pond. People offer water, Rali and Molli to Nimdi Mata.
For example married women take on fasts wishing their husbands long lives. While unmarried ones abstain from food or water praying for good husbands. This custom merges special devotion with intense prayerfulness .
At temples or in the village, women gather as groups singing folk songs and telling festival related stories while dancing to mark Kajari Teej.
Moreover, families and communities take time to make aromatic traditional food that is eaten during this occasion. Accordingly, applying kajal onto children’s eyes at home is one of the special rituals associated with Kajari Teej that is believed keeps them safe from evil and brings good fortune.
How does Kajari Teej differ from other types of Teej?
Besides Kajri Tej, Hinduism celebrates two other Teej festivals which are Hariyali Teej and Hartalika Teej. Let us find out more about these ones below:
Hariyali Tiji
Northern India including places like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh consider Hariyali Teej a significant festival. In shravana month of shukla paksha tritiya, women put on green clothes symbolizing wealth and enjoy singing traditional songs sitting on beautifully decorated Jhoolas with fresh flowers. Uniquely, Sindhara characterizes Hariyali Teej.
The package consists of sweets; bangles (churies) and henna applied by her parents to the bride to strengthen family ties. Women pray for their husband’s life. When they fast and visit temples on this day these prayers are offered to lord shiva and goddess parvathi. Additionally, it also marks the celebration of monsoon’s greens along with the divine wedding linking among gods.
Hatalika Tiji
A very important Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal is Hartalika teeji. Which honours the story about Goddess Parvati who was kidnapped by her friends so that she can marry Lord Shiva. This name “Hartalika” means kidnapping in Sanskrit language; thus female friend.
To celebrate such a sacred event that only happens once a year there are various gifts given especially clothes or jewelries and females always paint their hands with henna and dress in traditional green and red attire. Fasting, singing all night long which ends in Teej Puja next morning is what completes the celebrations.
Thus, all these Teej festivals are highly regarded as being propitious as well as important each having its own unique custom and meaning. They symbolize devotion, nature, and seasons various facets that bring out rich cultural practices found in this region.
