Devi · Shiva, Parvati
Hariyali Teej
A green monsoon festival of swings, songs and mehndi, when women honour Shiva and Parvati.
Also known as: Shravani Teej, Chhoti Teej
Date and muhurat
✓ 28.6519°N, 77.2315°E · Asia/Kolkata
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When is it observed?
On the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight of the month of Shravana, in the height of the rainy season. It comes about two weeks before Raksha Bandhan.
About Hariyali Teej
Hariyali Teej is a festival of the first heavy rains, when fields and hills turn green and the heat of summer finally breaks. It is kept mostly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar and neighbouring states, and it belongs especially to women and girls.
Women dress in green clothes and bangles, apply mehndi on their hands, and hang swings from trees and courtyard beams. Married daughters are often invited to their parents' home, where songs are sung, sweets such as ghewar are shared, and the elders send gifts called sindhara.
Significance
The day celebrates the reunion of Shiva and Parvati, and is seen as a model of devoted, lasting companionship. Married women traditionally pray for the well-being of their husbands, and unmarried girls pray for a good life partner, following Parvati's example.
Beyond the ritual, Teej celebrates nature's renewal and gives women a day of leisure, music and friendship in the busiest farming season. For many families it is also an occasion that brings daughters home and strengthens bonds between households.
Teej puja and vrat
- 1Rise early, bathe and put on fresh green or bright clothes. Many women keep a fast for the day, some without water and others with fruit, according to family custom.
- 2Make small images of Shiva and Parvati from clean clay or sand, or place their pictures on a decorated wooden seat.
- 3Light a lamp and invoke Ganesha first with flowers and rice, then take the sankalp for the vrat.
- 4Offer Parvati the sixteen articles of adornment (solah shringar): sindoor, bangles, bindi, a new cloth and similar items. Offer Shiva bilva leaves, dhatura flowers, water and incense.
- 5Read or listen to the Teej katha, then sing the aarti of Shiva and Parvati.
- 6Offer the same adornment articles to an elder woman, such as a mother-in-law, and take her blessings.
- 7In the evening enjoy the swings, songs and mehndi, and break the fast with simple sweet food after the puja, as your family custom directs.
The story
According to the Puranic tradition, Parvati was born again as the daughter of the Himalayas after her earlier life as Sati, and resolved to have Shiva as her husband. She performed severe penance for many years, and her devotion eventually won his acceptance; some accounts speak of 108 years of penance.
Their union is said to have been settled on the third day of the bright half of Shravana, which is why the day is dedicated to the divine couple. The tradition is remembered in the folk songs that women sing on swings, which describe the longing of the rains and the joy of reunion.
What to do
- ✓Wear green and apply mehndi, as is the custom.
- ✓Keep the vrat according to your health and family tradition.
- ✓Worship Shiva and Parvati together with sincere devotion.
- ✓Send or share sindhara gifts and sweets with family.
- ✓Take care that swings are tied securely, especially for children.
What to avoid
- ✕Do not insist on a waterless fast if you are unwell, pregnant or elderly; a fruit fast is an accepted choice.
- ✕Avoid quarrels and harsh words on this day.
- ✕Do not use broken or frayed ropes for swings.
- ✕Many families avoid black clothing on this day, as green and bright colours are preferred.
- ✕Do not skip the elders' blessings.
Around the country
- Rajasthan: Jaipur holds a royal Teej procession with a decorated idol of Teej Mata, and women fill the markets for ghewar and bangles.
- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: swings in village courtyards, with kajri and sawan songs.
- Haryana and Punjab: the festival is called Teeyan and is a time for dance and girls' gatherings.
- Nepal: celebrated with great fervour by women, with songs and dance in red clothes, though the main Teej there falls later in the year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Hariyali, Kajari and Hartalika Teej?
All three are Teej festivals dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. Hariyali Teej is in Shravana Shukla, Kajari Teej falls on the third day of the dark half of Bhadrapada, and Hartalika Teej comes in the bright half of Bhadrapada, usually with the strictest fast.
Why is green so important on this day?
Green stands for the monsoon, fresh crops and fertility, and it is traditionally linked with the good fortune of married women. Wearing green is a way of joining in the season's renewal.
Is the fast compulsory?
No. Many women keep a fast out of devotion, but the festival can also be observed with worship, songs and family time. Those who cannot fast should follow a lighter option.