In Pics: Hartalika Teej 2017 | Know teej puja vidhi and importance

Hartalika Teej 2017

The festival of Teej is celebrated to mark the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day, married women observe fast for the longer life of their husbands. Unmarried women observe vow to get a husband like Lord Shiva. It is celebrated during Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month. Hartalika Teej comes one month after Hariyali Teej and it is often celebrated one day before Ganesh Chaturthi. This year Hartalika Teej will be observed on August 24. Teej is also known as Tay, Baya and Teeyan. Teej is celebrated by different names in different parts of the country. These are: Hariyali Teej, Akha Teej, Hartalika Teej, and Kajari Teej. The names of Teej vary from region to region. This Teej is known as Hartalika Teej due to the legend associated with it. Hartalika word is combination of "Harat" and "Aalika" which means "abduction" and "female friend" respectively. According to the legend of Hartalika Teej, the friend of Goddess Parvati took her to the thick forest so that her father can't marry her to Lord Vishnu against her wish.

Hartalika Teej 2017

Married women are presented with items of Shringaar (make up) by her in-laws. This Shringaar includes Kumkum (vermilion), Henna (mehndi tattoo), Bindi (decorative mark on forehead), bangles, and Sari (traditional attire).

Hartalika Teej 2017

During the fast, females dress up elegantly, wearing the Shringaar items and apply Mehendi (Henna) to their hands. This ritual is a depiction of a blissful married life.

Hartalika Teej 2017

In the evening, women pray to Goddess Parvati and listen or recite the Teej Vrat Katha.

Hartalika Teej 2017

As a part of the Teej festival rituals, women visit the nearest temple and pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.