Why Do Women Apply Mehndi Before Fasting On Hariyali Teej

A festival celebrated by women in Northern India, especially in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, Hariyali Teej is on the 3rd day of Shukla Paksha in Shravana month (July-August). The festival honors Goddess Parvati. Devotees invoke her blessings for marital bliss and the well-being of family members. Women wear green clothes on this day and observe a fast for the longevity of their husbands. They also perform other rituals. The festival takes place during the monsoon season. Hariyali Teej 2023: Date & Time Hariyali Teej 2023 is on August 18 and 19. The Teej Tithi starts at 08:01 pm on 18th August 2023 and ends at 10:19 pm on 19th August 2023.

Mythology behind Hariyali Teej

Once there was a beautiful maiden by the name of Teej who was very devoted to Shiva and Parvati. She used to worship them daily. She also fasted for many days, consuming only a few drops of water. Pleased by her devotion, the divine couple granted her a boon. Teej wanted to marry a handsome and good man who would love and cherish her always. She got her wish and found a loving husband. But her happiness was short-lived, as her husband’s first wife felt jealous of her. The first wife somehow tricked Teej into breaking her fast. This made Teej fall very sick. Teej was desperate, thinking that she would die. She prayed to Shiva and Parvati to save her life. They appeared before her and restored her health and happiness. A happy and relieved Teej vowed to fast every year and pray for the well-being of her husband. The story is an excellent example of the power of devotion. It also reminds us of the need for love and trust in a marriage.

Why do Women Apply Mehendi on Teej?

Mehndi (henna) has great cultural and symbolic value in Hinduism. It is used to make beautiful and intricate patterns and designs which symbolize joy, prosperity, fertility, and love in a married woman’s life. Its dark red color is auspicious, and people believe that it brings good fortune to the married couple. Applying Mehndi is an important ritual on Hariyali Teej. Women believe that they can get the blessings of the gods and goddesses by applying Mehndi on their hands and feet. Goddess Parvati is worshipped by many to gain marital bliss. Mehndi supposedly bestows happiness, harmony, and longevity. The act of applying Mehndi on Hariyali Teej also brings women together. They gather in groups to apply Mehndi on each other’s hands and feet. This creates a sense of togetherness, and the women take this opportunity to bond with each other and celebrate their married life. Mehndi is also an art form. Women like to adorn their hands and feet with the beautiful and complex Mehndi designs. It is also a chance to express their creativity and artistic talents. Some see it as a form of self-care, as they get to pamper themselves by beautifying their hands and feet. Fasting on Teej Women celebrate Teej by fasting for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. Let us see how the fast is observed:

On the day of the fast, women have a nutritious sattvic meal before sunrise. This meal includes fruits, nuts, and milk. These are easy to digest and keep the women energetic all through the day.

One needs to avoid food and water completely during the fast. Women should not consume even a drop of water.

Women wear traditional green clothes on this day. They symbolize new beginnings and growth. They also wear bangles, sindoor, and other ornaments as it is auspicious.

Women worship Shiva and Goddess Parvati and invoke their blessings for marital bliss and prosperity. For the Pooja, they offer flowers, fruits, incense, etc.

Listening to Kathas or stories related to Hariyali Teej is an important part of the fast. Women make it a point to recite the story of Teej and her devotion to Shiva and Parvati.

After sighting the Moon, the women break the fast with a Sattvic meal.

By observing fast on Hariyali Teej, women express love and devotion towards their husband. It also inculcates patience, discipline, and faith.

Teej Celebrations Hariyali Teej is basically a festival for married North Indian women. Here are the ways in which they celebrate the festival:

Fasting: Women observe a day-long fast and avoid food and water until they perform the evening Pooja. Some observe a Nirjala fast and don’t even drink water.

Pooja rituals: In the evening, women perform the Pooja. They offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Shiva and Parvati and water to the Shivlinga. They also apply sandalwood paste and vermilion to it.

Swing ritual: Women take turns to swing on beautifully decorated swings. This ritual evokes the playful antics of the divine lovers Krishna and Radha.

Eating sweets: After the Pooja, women eat sweets to break the fast. Kheer, ghewar, and malpua are some of the favorites.

Gathering together: Women gather to celebrate and share food and sweets. There are cultural programs and competitions where women sing and dance.

Celebrating nature: ‘Hariyali’ means ‘greenery’. The festival is also a tribute to the monsoon and the greenery it creates.

Astrological Importance of Hariyali Teej Astrologically, the festival has some importance. Planetary positions, especially that of the Moon, at this time can impact the lives of people. The festival takes place during the monsoon season. This is a time of new beginnings, growth, and prosperity. As per astrology, Hariyali Teej is very auspicious for married women. If they worship Shiva and Parvati at this time, they can ensure the longevity of their husband, as well as a happy and prosperous marital life. The festival is beneficial for signs like Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces. Teej festival is in the month of Shravana, which Shiva rules. The position of the planets now increases the power of Shiva and Parvati. So, their blessings on this day attract luck and prosperity. This is also a good time for sowing seeds and launching new ventures. Also, the Teej festival is held during the waxing lunar phase, which is favorable for new beginnings. The lunar energy is very beneficial for people who wish to start something new or embark on a new journey.