Teej, Celebrating Everlasting Love
Celebrating
Everlasting Love: The Significance of Hartalika Teej #HartalikaTeej
Every year,
Hindu women across India observe the beautiful festival of Hartalika Teej, a
celebration rooted in love, devotion, and marital bliss. This strictly observed
fast, traditionally held by married women, also welcomes unmarried girls who
seek blessings for a future husband like the mighty Lord Shiva.
A Fast
Rooted in Devotion
The legend
behind Hartalika Teej tells the captivating story of Goddess Parvati's
unwavering devotion towards Lord Shiva. To win his hand in marriage, she
endured years of intense penance and hardship, defying her father's wishes who
desired her to marry another. This festival is a testament to the powerful bond
between Shiva and Parvati.
Observing
the Fast
Hartalika
Teej is a day of preparation and purity. Women traditionally consume Sattvik
food (simple, vegetarian meals) before embarking on the strict fast, which
begins at sunrise on Teej and continues until sunrise on Chaturthi. This fast
is observed for the well-being of their husbands and future husbands.
A Day of
Vibrant Traditions
On the day
of the festival, women dress in vibrant red sarees or lehengas, symbolizing the
enduring love between Shiva and Parvati. This color is believed to bring
prosperity and happiness in married life.
Celebrating
with Rituals and Prayers
Hartalika
Teej is a time for women to come together and honor Goddess Parvati. They
perform special prayers and pujas, seeking her blessings for a blissful married
life and the protection of their husbands.
Preparing
for the Fast
Before the
fast begins, women typically wake up before sunrise and enjoy a light meal of
fruits and sweet treats like Gujhiya, Ghewar, and Malpua. During this time,
staying well-hydrated is crucial.
A Shared
Experience
The husbands
of women observing the fast are also encouraged to abstain from Tamsik food
(non-vegetarian meals) and alcohol.
The Story
Behind the Festival
Legend has
it that Hartalika Teej falls in the month of Bhadon and commemorates the day
when Parvati's friends took her away to escape her father's plans to marry her
off elsewhere. Undeterred, Parvati continued her devotion and ultimately won
the heart of Lord Shiva.
Performing
the Puja
For the
puja, devotees prepare clay idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord
Ganesha, adorned with beautiful flowers, jewelry, and fruits. These idols are
installed within the home, and the puja commences in the evening.
Hartalika
Teej is a beautiful festival that celebrates love, devotion, and the strength
of marital bonds. As women observe the Nirjala fast and focus their prayers on
Parvati, they seek the blessings of a life filled with love and happiness, just
like the eternal love story of Shiva and Parvati.
Photo
Details: Women
worshipping Haritalika Teej at a famous Boring Road temple in Patna.
Text and
Photo by: Ashok
Karan,
Ashokkaran.blogspot.com
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एक टिप्पणी भेजें