Teej - 'the festival of swings' is celebrated today
Aug 12th, 2010, 07:04 AM
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Teej - 'the festival of swings' is celebrated today
About Teej
Teej - 'the festival of swings' is celebrated with gusto and fervor in various parts of India and Nepal. The festival of Teej commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Married women and young girls celebrate the festival with earnest devotion. Teej falls in the month of Sawan and brings great relax from the scorching summers. Many religious activities takes place at the time of Teej. Such rituals and customs of Teej forces people to become part of grand Teej celebrations.
Teej has many significant roles to play in one's life. Women observing Nirajara Vrat on Teej are said to be blessed with long and healthy life of their husband by Teej Mata Parvati. Various other customs and rituals of Teej make the festival more important. Teej gives a chance to women to express their love and devotion for their husband who in return present beautiful gifts to their wife as a token of love.
To know in detail about Teej and its celebration, please click on the links given below and splurge in the festive mood.
http://www.teejfestival.org/about-teej.html
Teej - 'the festival of swings' is celebrated with gusto and fervor in various parts of India and Nepal. The festival of Teej commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Married women and young girls celebrate the festival with earnest devotion. Teej falls in the month of Sawan and brings great relax from the scorching summers. Many religious activities takes place at the time of Teej. Such rituals and customs of Teej forces people to become part of grand Teej celebrations.
Teej has many significant roles to play in one's life. Women observing Nirajara Vrat on Teej are said to be blessed with long and healthy life of their husband by Teej Mata Parvati. Various other customs and rituals of Teej make the festival more important. Teej gives a chance to women to express their love and devotion for their husband who in return present beautiful gifts to their wife as a token of love.
To know in detail about Teej and its celebration, please click on the links given below and splurge in the festive mood.
http://www.teejfestival.org/about-teej.html
Aug 12th, 2010, 08:10 AM
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Sounds like great fun for everyone especially women.
In India every celebration has some fine food, so tell us what are the special foods prepared during this festival.
Maybe there are some special food growing in the fields these days and they are used in the festival. Is it mango season also?
Also, where do people find swings. Do they all have in the parks or in their backyards.
Would love to hear more information on this interesting festival.
Thanks for sharing.
In India every celebration has some fine food, so tell us what are the special foods prepared during this festival.
Maybe there are some special food growing in the fields these days and they are used in the festival. Is it mango season also?
Also, where do people find swings. Do they all have in the parks or in their backyards.
Would love to hear more information on this interesting festival.
Thanks for sharing.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:05 PM
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Hariyali Teej
Hariyali Teej also called Teejen is celebrated with extreme mirth and devotion by womenfolk. It falls in the Shukla Paksha of Shravana, corresponding to the month of August. As the name says, Hariyali Teej relates to greenery. On this day, many women clad themselves in green colored clothes and wear green bangles. A special puja is performed to worship moon. Traditional singing of songs and dance escalates the verve of Haryali Teej celebrations.
Hariyali Teej Celebrations
A day before Hariyali Teej, women celebrate 'Sindhare'. It is a significant day for newly wed brides. On her first "Sindhara" after marriage, it is customary to receive clothes and ornaments from her Mother-in-law. On Hariyali Teej, women gather to worship moon. The puja performed on this occasion is done with milk, curd and flowers.
Hariyali Teej is mainly related with greenery and commemorates for abundance of greenery and good harvest. Women wear green colored clothes like lehanga, suits and sarees. They wear green bangles and adorn their hands with beautiful mehandi patterns. Women both married and unmarried enjoy the festive spirit by swinging on adorned swings singing songs relating to the month of Sawan. Various delicious food items are cooked which is relished by all in the family.
The day is enjoyed with full craze that even the Gujarati women adopt the Rajasthani traditions. In Gujarat, special Garba dance is arranged. Women in their traditional clothes, carry pots on their heads and dance singing songs in praise of Goddess Parvati.
In Maharashtra, women wear green bangles, green clothes, golden bindis and kajal for luck. They distribute beautifully painted coconuts to their female relatives and friends and offer fresh fruit and green vegetables to the goddess as thanks giving.
Hariyali Teej Celebrations in Vrindavan
There are great festivities in Vrindavan which goes on up to Janmashtmi. Lord Krishna devotees celebrate Hariyali Teej with great enthusiasm and excitement in the holy place of Vrindavan. At the time of Hariyali Teej, swings are laid down in the shrines of Vrindavan for the deities to swing upon. This religious ceremony is called 'Jhullan Leela'. Religious songs and hymns are chanted in the famous 'Banke Bihari' temple. Even leelas of Radha and Lord Krishna are narrated. Hariyali Teej is the most auspicious occasion as on this day idols Lord Krishna and Radha comes out of their 'pat' (place where idols are kept in the temple) to give their devotees a single vision. Idols of Lord krishna and Radha are adorned with fine clothes and jewelry.
The main attraction of Hariyali Teej in Vrindavan is the gold-ornamented swing of Lord Krishna which comes only once a year. After offering prayers in the temple, holy water is sprinkled over the devotees to give a feeling of the advent of the monsoon. Various devotees from India and abroad come to Vrindavan to attend special Hariyali Teej celebrations.
Hariyali Teej also called Teejen is celebrated with extreme mirth and devotion by womenfolk. It falls in the Shukla Paksha of Shravana, corresponding to the month of August. As the name says, Hariyali Teej relates to greenery. On this day, many women clad themselves in green colored clothes and wear green bangles. A special puja is performed to worship moon. Traditional singing of songs and dance escalates the verve of Haryali Teej celebrations.
Hariyali Teej Celebrations
A day before Hariyali Teej, women celebrate 'Sindhare'. It is a significant day for newly wed brides. On her first "Sindhara" after marriage, it is customary to receive clothes and ornaments from her Mother-in-law. On Hariyali Teej, women gather to worship moon. The puja performed on this occasion is done with milk, curd and flowers.
Hariyali Teej is mainly related with greenery and commemorates for abundance of greenery and good harvest. Women wear green colored clothes like lehanga, suits and sarees. They wear green bangles and adorn their hands with beautiful mehandi patterns. Women both married and unmarried enjoy the festive spirit by swinging on adorned swings singing songs relating to the month of Sawan. Various delicious food items are cooked which is relished by all in the family.
The day is enjoyed with full craze that even the Gujarati women adopt the Rajasthani traditions. In Gujarat, special Garba dance is arranged. Women in their traditional clothes, carry pots on their heads and dance singing songs in praise of Goddess Parvati.
In Maharashtra, women wear green bangles, green clothes, golden bindis and kajal for luck. They distribute beautifully painted coconuts to their female relatives and friends and offer fresh fruit and green vegetables to the goddess as thanks giving.
Hariyali Teej Celebrations in Vrindavan
There are great festivities in Vrindavan which goes on up to Janmashtmi. Lord Krishna devotees celebrate Hariyali Teej with great enthusiasm and excitement in the holy place of Vrindavan. At the time of Hariyali Teej, swings are laid down in the shrines of Vrindavan for the deities to swing upon. This religious ceremony is called 'Jhullan Leela'. Religious songs and hymns are chanted in the famous 'Banke Bihari' temple. Even leelas of Radha and Lord Krishna are narrated. Hariyali Teej is the most auspicious occasion as on this day idols Lord Krishna and Radha comes out of their 'pat' (place where idols are kept in the temple) to give their devotees a single vision. Idols of Lord krishna and Radha are adorned with fine clothes and jewelry.
The main attraction of Hariyali Teej in Vrindavan is the gold-ornamented swing of Lord Krishna which comes only once a year. After offering prayers in the temple, holy water is sprinkled over the devotees to give a feeling of the advent of the monsoon. Various devotees from India and abroad come to Vrindavan to attend special Hariyali Teej celebrations.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:07 PM
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Teej festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the women in India. Since Teej fall at the outbreak of the monsoons, it is also popularly known as the 'Sawan Festival'. Teej is usually celebrated in the month of July-August. Festival of Teej is dedicated to the divine couple - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Though Teej is celebrated at various places in India and abroad, major Teej celebrations takes place in the highly cultural city of Jaipur. Here day-long processions and celebrations create a vivid atmosphere.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:09 PM
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Kajari Teej
Kajari Teej is celebrated with immense devotion and love. It falls on the Krishna Paksh Tritiiya, the third day of sawan or shravan - the fifth month in Hindu calendar. On the auspicious occasion of Kajli Teej, women gather to sing songs in honor of Lord Krishna and perform sacred pooja of neem.
Kajli Teej Celebrations
Kajli Teej is celebrated with extreme gaiety and enthusiasm by womenfolk. Women and young girls wear new clothes on Kajli Teej. On this day, swings are laid down in the garden and ladies sing auspicious songs and dance with full enthusiasm. Some Kajari songs are sung to welcome monsoon season while others depict happiness and union of lovers. There are some other songs which portray the pain of separation. Festival of Kajri Teej is also identified with blackish shades of clouds which cover the sky during the monsoon before raining down. On this day, there is a community pooja of neem. Women gather around the holy neem tree and perform specific rituals.
Kajari Teej in Bundi, Rajasthan
Celebrations of Kajari Teej in Bundi, Rajasthan are the most famous one. In Bundi, Kajari Teej is celebrated enthusiastically and joyfully. Here it is celebrated on the third day of the month of 'Bhadra'. The festival of Kajli Teej starts with a procession of Teej Goddess in a decorated palanquin. The procession moves from the picturesque Naval Sagar. It heads with bedecked elephants, camels, performers, musicians, folk dancers and artists. There are stunning performances by artists and cultural performers specially organized for the tourists who have come to see Kajari Teej celebrations in Bundi.
Kajari Teej in UP and Madhya Pradesh
Kajari Teej is also celebrated with extreme verve in parts of North and Central India also. Women in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, especially in Varanasi and Mirzapur celebrate Teej with enthusiasm. Rich folk heritage of these states are brought to light with Kajari Teej celebrations.
Kajari Teej is celebrated with immense devotion and love. It falls on the Krishna Paksh Tritiiya, the third day of sawan or shravan - the fifth month in Hindu calendar. On the auspicious occasion of Kajli Teej, women gather to sing songs in honor of Lord Krishna and perform sacred pooja of neem.
Kajli Teej Celebrations
Kajli Teej is celebrated with extreme gaiety and enthusiasm by womenfolk. Women and young girls wear new clothes on Kajli Teej. On this day, swings are laid down in the garden and ladies sing auspicious songs and dance with full enthusiasm. Some Kajari songs are sung to welcome monsoon season while others depict happiness and union of lovers. There are some other songs which portray the pain of separation. Festival of Kajri Teej is also identified with blackish shades of clouds which cover the sky during the monsoon before raining down. On this day, there is a community pooja of neem. Women gather around the holy neem tree and perform specific rituals.
Kajari Teej in Bundi, Rajasthan
Celebrations of Kajari Teej in Bundi, Rajasthan are the most famous one. In Bundi, Kajari Teej is celebrated enthusiastically and joyfully. Here it is celebrated on the third day of the month of 'Bhadra'. The festival of Kajli Teej starts with a procession of Teej Goddess in a decorated palanquin. The procession moves from the picturesque Naval Sagar. It heads with bedecked elephants, camels, performers, musicians, folk dancers and artists. There are stunning performances by artists and cultural performers specially organized for the tourists who have come to see Kajari Teej celebrations in Bundi.
Kajari Teej in UP and Madhya Pradesh
Kajari Teej is also celebrated with extreme verve in parts of North and Central India also. Women in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, especially in Varanasi and Mirzapur celebrate Teej with enthusiasm. Rich folk heritage of these states are brought to light with Kajari Teej celebrations.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:12 PM
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artalika Teej
Hartalika Teej is the biggest of the various variation of Teej. Hartalika Teej falls on the third day of the first fortnight of the month of 'Bhadra'. It is a three-day festival which is celebrated by women in honor of Parvati Ma. On this day, womenfolk keep fast for long and conjugal life of their husband. Hartalika Teej fast proceeds without even drinking a drop of water. By rigorous fasting and praying to Goddess Parvati on Hartalika Teej, married women are blessed with healthy life of their husband while the unmarried girls are said to be blessed by a husband like Lord Shiva.
Hartalika Teej Celebrations
Hartalika Teej commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day, idol of Parvati Mata clad in bright colorful clothes is taken out in a palanquin in a procession. The procession of Hartalika Teej is represented by various artists and performers. Parvati idol is also accompanied by several elephants and camels which is the most attractive part of the Teej procession. A fair is also organized on Hartalika Teej.
Women celebrate the festival of Hartalika Teej with immense fervor and enthusiasm. Married ladies come back to their parents home to celebrate the festival. Hartalika Teej is the time to adorn oneself with new clothes and jewelry. Applying mehndi on hands and feet is a unique feature of Hartalika Teej celebrations. Women usually dress up in green colored clothes, wear golden bindi and apply a thick layer of kajal. They do their best to look beautiful at the time of Hartalika Teej.
Women also distribute beautifully painted coconuts to their female relatives and friends. Fresh fruits, sweets and green vegetables are offered to Goddess Parvati as thanks giving. The fasting day proceeds with evening prayers and traditional dancing and singing activities.
Hartalika Teej Katha
Hartalika Teej falls on the third day of the first fortnight of Bhadra. The day moves forward with colorful rituals and customs. Like Kajli Teej, a special prayer is narrated at the end of the day to pay homage to deities especislly Goddess Parvati.
Teej Puja Process
Teej Puja is a vital part of Teej celebration. Women, both married and unmarried, start preparing for the final puja well in advance. The verve, enthusiasm and devotion is apparent on their face. On the puja day, women wear new and beautiful clothes. This is the day to look best of all. Teej Puja is not a very long affair. Women read aloud the Teej Katha and offer their worship to Goddess Parvati.
Teej Puja Rituals
Lot of activities and rituals are performed at the time of Teej Puja. Attired in traditional sarees and lehangas, women congregate in a temple to worship Parvati Ma, who took 108 births to reunite with Lord Shiva. On this day, idol of Goddess Parvati is bedecked with rich silk cloth and heavy jewelry. This day is considered very important as married women and engaged girls observe fast for long and healthy life of their husband and to-be-husband.
Teej Puja Process
Women either gather at a nearby temple or a garden where the puja is arranged. The main puja takes place with holy offerings of flowers, sweets and coins. A semi-circle is created and an idol of Goddess Parvati is kept in the middle. A pujarin or all the ladies together narrate the holy Teej Katha. Young girls also sit to listen the auspicious katha. While listening to the katha, women are expected to put their mind and thoughts towards their soul mate.
When the puja gets over women offer fruits, flowers and other holy items and seek blessings of Goddess Parvati for marital bliss. Another very important part of Teej Puja is the oil lamp which should be kept alight throughout the night as it is bad omen if it dies away.
At some places, after paying homage to Goddess Parvati, women bath with red mud found on the roots of the sacred Datiwan bush. This is an act of purification. It is believed that a woman is absolved from all sins after taking this holy bath.
At the end of the day, women share their happiness and joy by dancing and singing traditional songs in praise of Lord Shiva and her consort Parvati.
Hartalika Teej is the biggest of the various variation of Teej. Hartalika Teej falls on the third day of the first fortnight of the month of 'Bhadra'. It is a three-day festival which is celebrated by women in honor of Parvati Ma. On this day, womenfolk keep fast for long and conjugal life of their husband. Hartalika Teej fast proceeds without even drinking a drop of water. By rigorous fasting and praying to Goddess Parvati on Hartalika Teej, married women are blessed with healthy life of their husband while the unmarried girls are said to be blessed by a husband like Lord Shiva.
Hartalika Teej Celebrations
Hartalika Teej commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day, idol of Parvati Mata clad in bright colorful clothes is taken out in a palanquin in a procession. The procession of Hartalika Teej is represented by various artists and performers. Parvati idol is also accompanied by several elephants and camels which is the most attractive part of the Teej procession. A fair is also organized on Hartalika Teej.
Women celebrate the festival of Hartalika Teej with immense fervor and enthusiasm. Married ladies come back to their parents home to celebrate the festival. Hartalika Teej is the time to adorn oneself with new clothes and jewelry. Applying mehndi on hands and feet is a unique feature of Hartalika Teej celebrations. Women usually dress up in green colored clothes, wear golden bindi and apply a thick layer of kajal. They do their best to look beautiful at the time of Hartalika Teej.
Women also distribute beautifully painted coconuts to their female relatives and friends. Fresh fruits, sweets and green vegetables are offered to Goddess Parvati as thanks giving. The fasting day proceeds with evening prayers and traditional dancing and singing activities.
Hartalika Teej Katha
Hartalika Teej falls on the third day of the first fortnight of Bhadra. The day moves forward with colorful rituals and customs. Like Kajli Teej, a special prayer is narrated at the end of the day to pay homage to deities especislly Goddess Parvati.
Teej Puja Process
Teej Puja is a vital part of Teej celebration. Women, both married and unmarried, start preparing for the final puja well in advance. The verve, enthusiasm and devotion is apparent on their face. On the puja day, women wear new and beautiful clothes. This is the day to look best of all. Teej Puja is not a very long affair. Women read aloud the Teej Katha and offer their worship to Goddess Parvati.
Teej Puja Rituals
Lot of activities and rituals are performed at the time of Teej Puja. Attired in traditional sarees and lehangas, women congregate in a temple to worship Parvati Ma, who took 108 births to reunite with Lord Shiva. On this day, idol of Goddess Parvati is bedecked with rich silk cloth and heavy jewelry. This day is considered very important as married women and engaged girls observe fast for long and healthy life of their husband and to-be-husband.
Teej Puja Process
Women either gather at a nearby temple or a garden where the puja is arranged. The main puja takes place with holy offerings of flowers, sweets and coins. A semi-circle is created and an idol of Goddess Parvati is kept in the middle. A pujarin or all the ladies together narrate the holy Teej Katha. Young girls also sit to listen the auspicious katha. While listening to the katha, women are expected to put their mind and thoughts towards their soul mate.
When the puja gets over women offer fruits, flowers and other holy items and seek blessings of Goddess Parvati for marital bliss. Another very important part of Teej Puja is the oil lamp which should be kept alight throughout the night as it is bad omen if it dies away.
At some places, after paying homage to Goddess Parvati, women bath with red mud found on the roots of the sacred Datiwan bush. This is an act of purification. It is believed that a woman is absolved from all sins after taking this holy bath.
At the end of the day, women share their happiness and joy by dancing and singing traditional songs in praise of Lord Shiva and her consort Parvati.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:18 PM
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Importance of Teej Festival
Teej festival is an important festival. Two very vital factors govern its celebration. One is that it is a monsoon festival and the other relates to the most popular legend of Shiva-Parvati.
Legend of Teej
According to Hindu mythology, in the month of Shravan, Goddess Parvati reunited with Lord Shiva after a penance of hundred years. In her 108th birth, Lord Shiva realized her devotion for him and accepted her as his wife. This legend is said to be the basis of Teej celebrations.
Click here to read more about
Sawan Festival
Teej Festival heralds the beginning of monsoon season. It is celebrated in the month of Shravan which brings a great relief from the scorching heat of summers. Teej has special importance in the state of Rajasthan as it is celebrated in the rainy season which transforms the dry-parched lands of Rajasthan totally green. Teej becomes more auspicious and special if it rains on this day. With the arrival of monsoon, peacocks come out to dance while women enjoy themselves by swinging and dancing in the rain.
Teej Rituals
At the time of Teej, certain rituals and customs are followed by women so as to be blessed by Goddess Parvati. Married women return back to their parents house to celebrate the festival of Teej. It is considered very auspicious for married and engaged women to receive Teej gifts from their parents-in-law and to be parents-in-law. Future in-laws of engaged girls gift them 'Shrinjhara' (a gift pack) which consists of henna, lac bangles, a special laheria dress and ghewar (a sweet dish). Other gifts are also received by women from their relatives and in-laws.
Ritual of Teej Henna
Applying henna to one's hands and feet is a special and most beautiful tradition of Teej. Special Mehndi designs are applied to match the mood of the festival. Women can be seen in the markets getting their palms decorated with henna. It is said, "the darker the henna, the more a woman is loved by her husband and in-laws". Sometimes, women also hide name of their husband in the mehndi design which later becomes part of the search game. Husbands search out their name and gift something to their beloved wife.
Tradition of Adorning Oneself
Women wear colorful clothes and gold-diamond jewelry to look like a new bride at the time of Teej. Some women even visit beauty parlors to look different on the special occasion of Teej. Many women especially the newly weds wear their wedding dress on the day. Most prominent colors of Teej are red, pink and green.
Tradition of Vat Vriksha
Another important ritual is to worship Nyagrodha tree or Vat Vriksha. The tree is considered highly auspicious with its hanging branches reflecting knowledge. Women tie swings to the Vat Vriksha and dance while enjoying the showers of rain.
Tradition of Teej Fasting
Women both married and unmarried observe Teej fast in which they do not even take a sip of water. They keep a 24-hour long fast as it is believed that the invocation of Parvati's blessings on this day results in continued marital bliss.
Tradition of Worshiping Teej Mata
Charmingly decorated idol of Goddess Parvati is kept at the center of the place where women gather to offer Teej prayers. Different Teej songs are sung praising Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women dance merrily on various Teej and sawan songs and enjoy the festive mood.
Teej Celebrations
Teej is celebrated with extreme joy and craze in Rajasthan. Many tourists flock the princely state to be part of Teej celebrations. A few days before the festival, the image of Goddess Parvati is repainted and beautifully decorated with fine clothes and jewelry. Idol of Teej Mata is taken out in the special Teej procession. Thousands of devotees wait on streets for hours to have a glimpse of Parvati Ma.
Number of artists like folk singers, dancers and other performers follow the Teej procession and becomes the main attraction. Apart from this, there are caparisoned elephants, bullock carts, and chariots.
Legends Behind Teej
Teej is a major festival of women. It is celebrated every year in the month of July-August with great enthusiasm and verve. Festival of Teej dedicates the day's celebration to Goddess Parvati. The festival's theme is the devotion of women towards their husbands or to-be-husbands. Married and unmarried women adorn themselves to their best and pray for long life of their husband. Though Teej celebrates the advent of monsoon but there is a legend associated with it which makes the day more auspicious.
One of the most popular legend of Goddess Parvati led to Teej celebrations and women's devotion towards their husband.
Legend of Goddess Parvati
Teej celebrations originated from an age-old legend of Goddess Parvati. Hindu mythology states that Goddess Parvati reunited with Lord Shiva on this day. She went through hard-core tapasya or penance and took 108 births on the earth. The myth also states that she failed to have Lord Shiva as her husband till 107th birth. In her 108th birth, Lord Shiva realized her devotion and love for him and accepted as his wife.
It is said Goddess Parvati declared this moment to be highly auspicious for womenfolk and proclaimed that whoever invokes her on this day will be blessed with happy married life and whatever one desires. Women observe nirjala vrat and spend sleepless nights during the three day festival. This is symbolic to the penance which Goddess Parvati went through.
At the time of Teej, women dress up like a newly wed. They wear green, red and yellow attires, decorate their hands and feet with fascinating mehndi designs and sing devotional songs on Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Women express their happiness, thank and pray God for marital bliss.
Teej festival is an important festival. Two very vital factors govern its celebration. One is that it is a monsoon festival and the other relates to the most popular legend of Shiva-Parvati.
Legend of Teej
According to Hindu mythology, in the month of Shravan, Goddess Parvati reunited with Lord Shiva after a penance of hundred years. In her 108th birth, Lord Shiva realized her devotion for him and accepted her as his wife. This legend is said to be the basis of Teej celebrations.
Click here to read more about
Sawan Festival
Teej Festival heralds the beginning of monsoon season. It is celebrated in the month of Shravan which brings a great relief from the scorching heat of summers. Teej has special importance in the state of Rajasthan as it is celebrated in the rainy season which transforms the dry-parched lands of Rajasthan totally green. Teej becomes more auspicious and special if it rains on this day. With the arrival of monsoon, peacocks come out to dance while women enjoy themselves by swinging and dancing in the rain.
Teej Rituals
At the time of Teej, certain rituals and customs are followed by women so as to be blessed by Goddess Parvati. Married women return back to their parents house to celebrate the festival of Teej. It is considered very auspicious for married and engaged women to receive Teej gifts from their parents-in-law and to be parents-in-law. Future in-laws of engaged girls gift them 'Shrinjhara' (a gift pack) which consists of henna, lac bangles, a special laheria dress and ghewar (a sweet dish). Other gifts are also received by women from their relatives and in-laws.
Ritual of Teej Henna
Applying henna to one's hands and feet is a special and most beautiful tradition of Teej. Special Mehndi designs are applied to match the mood of the festival. Women can be seen in the markets getting their palms decorated with henna. It is said, "the darker the henna, the more a woman is loved by her husband and in-laws". Sometimes, women also hide name of their husband in the mehndi design which later becomes part of the search game. Husbands search out their name and gift something to their beloved wife.
Tradition of Adorning Oneself
Women wear colorful clothes and gold-diamond jewelry to look like a new bride at the time of Teej. Some women even visit beauty parlors to look different on the special occasion of Teej. Many women especially the newly weds wear their wedding dress on the day. Most prominent colors of Teej are red, pink and green.
Tradition of Vat Vriksha
Another important ritual is to worship Nyagrodha tree or Vat Vriksha. The tree is considered highly auspicious with its hanging branches reflecting knowledge. Women tie swings to the Vat Vriksha and dance while enjoying the showers of rain.
Tradition of Teej Fasting
Women both married and unmarried observe Teej fast in which they do not even take a sip of water. They keep a 24-hour long fast as it is believed that the invocation of Parvati's blessings on this day results in continued marital bliss.
Tradition of Worshiping Teej Mata
Charmingly decorated idol of Goddess Parvati is kept at the center of the place where women gather to offer Teej prayers. Different Teej songs are sung praising Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women dance merrily on various Teej and sawan songs and enjoy the festive mood.
Teej Celebrations
Teej is celebrated with extreme joy and craze in Rajasthan. Many tourists flock the princely state to be part of Teej celebrations. A few days before the festival, the image of Goddess Parvati is repainted and beautifully decorated with fine clothes and jewelry. Idol of Teej Mata is taken out in the special Teej procession. Thousands of devotees wait on streets for hours to have a glimpse of Parvati Ma.
Number of artists like folk singers, dancers and other performers follow the Teej procession and becomes the main attraction. Apart from this, there are caparisoned elephants, bullock carts, and chariots.
Legends Behind Teej
Teej is a major festival of women. It is celebrated every year in the month of July-August with great enthusiasm and verve. Festival of Teej dedicates the day's celebration to Goddess Parvati. The festival's theme is the devotion of women towards their husbands or to-be-husbands. Married and unmarried women adorn themselves to their best and pray for long life of their husband. Though Teej celebrates the advent of monsoon but there is a legend associated with it which makes the day more auspicious.
One of the most popular legend of Goddess Parvati led to Teej celebrations and women's devotion towards their husband.
Legend of Goddess Parvati
Teej celebrations originated from an age-old legend of Goddess Parvati. Hindu mythology states that Goddess Parvati reunited with Lord Shiva on this day. She went through hard-core tapasya or penance and took 108 births on the earth. The myth also states that she failed to have Lord Shiva as her husband till 107th birth. In her 108th birth, Lord Shiva realized her devotion and love for him and accepted as his wife.
It is said Goddess Parvati declared this moment to be highly auspicious for womenfolk and proclaimed that whoever invokes her on this day will be blessed with happy married life and whatever one desires. Women observe nirjala vrat and spend sleepless nights during the three day festival. This is symbolic to the penance which Goddess Parvati went through.
At the time of Teej, women dress up like a newly wed. They wear green, red and yellow attires, decorate their hands and feet with fascinating mehndi designs and sing devotional songs on Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Women express their happiness, thank and pray God for marital bliss.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:19 PM
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Teej Customs and Rituals
Just as in the case of several other Hindu festival, many traditions and rituals are associated with Teej celebrations. On Teej, women keep fast and perform other customs for long and healthy life of their husband. Every ritual has its own significance and so ladies perform all Teej customs with extreme devotion. Women start preparing for Teej well in advance and go out shopping to bring all the items used in performing Teej rituals.
Teej Customs and Rituals
Teej customs and rituals make the festival more interesting and full of colors. Women who observe fast for their husband take proper care that no carelessness is committed while carrying out the rituals. Teej festival calls for performance of all rituals seriously if one wants to be blessed with marital bliss.
Shrinjhara
To celebrate the auspicious occasion of Teej, women perform some serious rituals. It is customary for married women to return to their parents' home at the time of Teej. Married women and engaged girls get lot of presents from their father-in-law as per Teej customs. A traditional gift package called 'Shrinjhara' or 'Sindhare' is gifted to their daughter-in-law. This traditional name originated from the Hindi word shringaar meaning adornment. Shrinjhara package consists of Ghewar (sweet), traditional laheria dress (tie & dye), henna and lac bangles. All these items are used by the ladies to adorn herself.
Baya
Baya is another traditional package given to women observing fast on Teej. It includes dry fruits, mathris, new clothes, bangles and jewelry. It is given by mothers of the newly wed girls on the Teej Festival day.
Tradition to Adorn Oneself
On Teej, both married and unmarried girls dress up in traditional colored clothes. Women are usually seen in auspicious red, green and yellow colored lehangas, suits and sarees. Women start shopping for Teej well in advance. It gives them the opportunity to look beautiful of all.
Mehandi and Alta
The most important ritual is to beautify hands with special mehandi designs and alta. Girls and women apply intricate patterns of alta and mehandi to their hands and feet. This is also a part of Teej Shringar. Women usually hide name of their love in these mahendi designs and later ask them to find out their name. This tradition becomes a playful activity and adds vigor to the day's celebration.
Jewelry
Ladies also wear new gold and diamond jewelry. Some women wear very heavy jewelry while some wear light jewelry. Women have full liberty to ask for anything they wish. Even their husband do not stop them from doing anything and gift them whatever they desire as they starve themselves for well-being of their husband.
Teej Fast
The most important ritual of Teej Festival is Teej Fast. Women and unmarried girls keep fast for long and healthy life of their husband. Teej fast goes for 24 long hours. It is the most rigorous fast in which a woman neither drinks nor eat.
Tradition of Lighting a Lamp
As per the ritual of Teej fasting, a woman should keep an oil lamp lit all night. If the oil lamp dies away, it is considered a bad omen.
Goddess Parvati
The most important ritual of Teej is to bedeck Parvati Mata and carry out auspicious processions on the streets. Idol of Goddess Parvati is decorated with fine jewelry and new colorful clothes. The fasting day of Teej is very vital as women pray to Goddess for marital bliss and happy life.
Swings
Last but not the least, swings are the common sight when Teej is near. Beautifully decorated swings are hung from trees in the garden and gaily dressed up women swing and sing traditional Teej songs. Some women also dance while singing the holy songs.
Just as in the case of several other Hindu festival, many traditions and rituals are associated with Teej celebrations. On Teej, women keep fast and perform other customs for long and healthy life of their husband. Every ritual has its own significance and so ladies perform all Teej customs with extreme devotion. Women start preparing for Teej well in advance and go out shopping to bring all the items used in performing Teej rituals.
Teej Customs and Rituals
Teej customs and rituals make the festival more interesting and full of colors. Women who observe fast for their husband take proper care that no carelessness is committed while carrying out the rituals. Teej festival calls for performance of all rituals seriously if one wants to be blessed with marital bliss.
Shrinjhara
To celebrate the auspicious occasion of Teej, women perform some serious rituals. It is customary for married women to return to their parents' home at the time of Teej. Married women and engaged girls get lot of presents from their father-in-law as per Teej customs. A traditional gift package called 'Shrinjhara' or 'Sindhare' is gifted to their daughter-in-law. This traditional name originated from the Hindi word shringaar meaning adornment. Shrinjhara package consists of Ghewar (sweet), traditional laheria dress (tie & dye), henna and lac bangles. All these items are used by the ladies to adorn herself.
Baya
Baya is another traditional package given to women observing fast on Teej. It includes dry fruits, mathris, new clothes, bangles and jewelry. It is given by mothers of the newly wed girls on the Teej Festival day.
Tradition to Adorn Oneself
On Teej, both married and unmarried girls dress up in traditional colored clothes. Women are usually seen in auspicious red, green and yellow colored lehangas, suits and sarees. Women start shopping for Teej well in advance. It gives them the opportunity to look beautiful of all.
Mehandi and Alta
The most important ritual is to beautify hands with special mehandi designs and alta. Girls and women apply intricate patterns of alta and mehandi to their hands and feet. This is also a part of Teej Shringar. Women usually hide name of their love in these mahendi designs and later ask them to find out their name. This tradition becomes a playful activity and adds vigor to the day's celebration.
Jewelry
Ladies also wear new gold and diamond jewelry. Some women wear very heavy jewelry while some wear light jewelry. Women have full liberty to ask for anything they wish. Even their husband do not stop them from doing anything and gift them whatever they desire as they starve themselves for well-being of their husband.
Teej Fast
The most important ritual of Teej Festival is Teej Fast. Women and unmarried girls keep fast for long and healthy life of their husband. Teej fast goes for 24 long hours. It is the most rigorous fast in which a woman neither drinks nor eat.
Tradition of Lighting a Lamp
As per the ritual of Teej fasting, a woman should keep an oil lamp lit all night. If the oil lamp dies away, it is considered a bad omen.
Goddess Parvati
The most important ritual of Teej is to bedeck Parvati Mata and carry out auspicious processions on the streets. Idol of Goddess Parvati is decorated with fine jewelry and new colorful clothes. The fasting day of Teej is very vital as women pray to Goddess for marital bliss and happy life.
Swings
Last but not the least, swings are the common sight when Teej is near. Beautifully decorated swings are hung from trees in the garden and gaily dressed up women swing and sing traditional Teej songs. Some women also dance while singing the holy songs.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:20 PM
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Teej Sringar
Teej is a festival for womenfolk and time for Teej Sringar. On this day, women love to pamper themselves. The market places are abuzz with activity as women both married and unmarried move out to shop for good clothes and accessories. They visit shops of sarees, jewelry and other accessories and splurge themselves. Teej calls for looking one's best and women make the most of the occasion.
Importance of Teej Sringar
Adorning oneself is the most vibrant and colorful ritual of Teej Festival. Teej Sringar is performed with utmost happiness and craze by the womenfolk. They make a proper schedule for the festival very well in advance. Both married and unmarried women loves to dress up like the newly wed bride and so enthusiastically make preparations to look beautiful. Festival of Teej is totally dedicated to women as they keep fast for long and good health of their husband. They are free to do anything which can bring happiness to her and her family. Women beautify themselves in the following manner:
Clothes
On Teej, young girls and women dress up in bright clothes, mostly green as it is considered aupicious and symbolize the month of sawan. Usually women wear sarees, suits and lehangas which symbolize that a woman is married. Some women prefer wearing heavy designer wear dress while others love to wear their wedding attire. Engaged girls prefer wearing dress with some light work on it.
Jewelry
When the dress to be worn on Teej is selected, women goes for a fine jewelry selection. There is a great demand for gold, diamond and even artificial jewelry. These days ladies prefer to wear artificial jewelry as it can easily match the type of dress they would wear. Married women usually buy heavy necklaces and bangles to make a different style statement. Some women also receive beautiful jewelry from their husband as a token of love and her dedication.
Footwear
Another very important item is to have a good pair of footwear. Shops and malls are lined up with variety of designer footwear and sandals. These days, special stone-studded juttis and sandals are much in fashion. These footwear are available in plenty of colors matching the ultimate standards of the Teej dress.
Bangles
Always in fashion and demand, bangles are a woman's favorite. Be it any occasion, women love to wear colorful bangles. On Teej, shops and stalls are stocked up with colorful glass and metal bangles. These bangles range from very low to high rates. Women visit bangle shops with dupatta or a small piece of their dress to match with the colorful bangles. When it comes to Teej Shringar, women want everything to be perfect.
Mehndi
Teej Shringar also includes application of intricate mehndi designs on hands and feet. Young girls and women apply mehndi a day before the festival and some get their husband's name hidden in it. In villages, women apply alta to their feet and hands.
Women also visit beauty salons and parlors to get ready for Teej. Parlors are booked in advance for make up and hair styles by young girls and women to look special on this Teej.
Teej is a festival for womenfolk and time for Teej Sringar. On this day, women love to pamper themselves. The market places are abuzz with activity as women both married and unmarried move out to shop for good clothes and accessories. They visit shops of sarees, jewelry and other accessories and splurge themselves. Teej calls for looking one's best and women make the most of the occasion.
Importance of Teej Sringar
Adorning oneself is the most vibrant and colorful ritual of Teej Festival. Teej Sringar is performed with utmost happiness and craze by the womenfolk. They make a proper schedule for the festival very well in advance. Both married and unmarried women loves to dress up like the newly wed bride and so enthusiastically make preparations to look beautiful. Festival of Teej is totally dedicated to women as they keep fast for long and good health of their husband. They are free to do anything which can bring happiness to her and her family. Women beautify themselves in the following manner:
Clothes
On Teej, young girls and women dress up in bright clothes, mostly green as it is considered aupicious and symbolize the month of sawan. Usually women wear sarees, suits and lehangas which symbolize that a woman is married. Some women prefer wearing heavy designer wear dress while others love to wear their wedding attire. Engaged girls prefer wearing dress with some light work on it.
Jewelry
When the dress to be worn on Teej is selected, women goes for a fine jewelry selection. There is a great demand for gold, diamond and even artificial jewelry. These days ladies prefer to wear artificial jewelry as it can easily match the type of dress they would wear. Married women usually buy heavy necklaces and bangles to make a different style statement. Some women also receive beautiful jewelry from their husband as a token of love and her dedication.
Footwear
Another very important item is to have a good pair of footwear. Shops and malls are lined up with variety of designer footwear and sandals. These days, special stone-studded juttis and sandals are much in fashion. These footwear are available in plenty of colors matching the ultimate standards of the Teej dress.
Bangles
Always in fashion and demand, bangles are a woman's favorite. Be it any occasion, women love to wear colorful bangles. On Teej, shops and stalls are stocked up with colorful glass and metal bangles. These bangles range from very low to high rates. Women visit bangle shops with dupatta or a small piece of their dress to match with the colorful bangles. When it comes to Teej Shringar, women want everything to be perfect.
Mehndi
Teej Shringar also includes application of intricate mehndi designs on hands and feet. Young girls and women apply mehndi a day before the festival and some get their husband's name hidden in it. In villages, women apply alta to their feet and hands.
Women also visit beauty salons and parlors to get ready for Teej. Parlors are booked in advance for make up and hair styles by young girls and women to look special on this Teej.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:21 PM
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Teej Mata – Goddess Parvati
Teej honors Goddess Parvati – symbol of utter devotion and love. Hence Teej is also called Teej Mata Festival. Both married and unmarried Hindu women observe the three-day-long festival seeking blissful married life and happiness for their husband. Teej festivities and its celebrations are dedicated to Goddess Parvati this is why it's purely a festival of womenfolk.
Goddess Parvati
The divine figure of Goddess Parvati is worshiped with earnest dedication at the time of Teej. The day's celebration has an ancient legend associated with it. It is said on this day Goddess Parvati reunited with her consort Lord Shiva. Mata Parvati went through rigorous fasting and a penance of 100 years. She took 108 births to be accepted by Lord Shiva in the form of his wife. Even today the auspicious day is celebrated to honor Goddess Parvati for her true love and positive spirit. And since the celebration of Teej totally relate to Goddess Parvati, so she is also called Teej Mata.
Procession of Teej Mata
On the last day, Teej idol is taken out from the pat (holy place where she is kept). The idol is freshly painted and bedecked with pure gold and other fine jewelry. Bright colors are used to decorate the Goddess. The idol is offered fruits, milk, chapati, nookti, ghewar and pure jal by saints performing prayers and chanting holy shlokas.
Teej idol covered with a canopy is taken out in the procession. Specially decorated 'band baaza' with a team of performers precede the procession. The 'Teej Mata Palki' or 'Takht-e-Rawan' is carried by 8 men dressed in red color. In the Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur where grand celebrations for Teej takes place carries out Teej Mata in a royal procession from the city palace so that the general public can pay homage to the festival Goddess and get their desires fulfilled.
In the Teej Mata procession there are around 10-12 elephants, 16 well-adorned horses and performers including dancers, singers and folk-artists. Beautifully decorated camels and bullock carts are an added attraction to the festival procession. Bhog is also given to the devotees who come closer to pay homage to the deity.
There is a huge rush to have a single glimpse of Teej Mata Palki. People in colorful traditional dresses even reach the top of houses and tree tops to have a splendid view of the holy procession. As the procession moves forward people keep offering precious ornaments to the idol. The time when “Mata” is about to reach back its place, the idol gets almost covered with gold and silver jewelry.
Teej honors Goddess Parvati – symbol of utter devotion and love. Hence Teej is also called Teej Mata Festival. Both married and unmarried Hindu women observe the three-day-long festival seeking blissful married life and happiness for their husband. Teej festivities and its celebrations are dedicated to Goddess Parvati this is why it's purely a festival of womenfolk.
Goddess Parvati
The divine figure of Goddess Parvati is worshiped with earnest dedication at the time of Teej. The day's celebration has an ancient legend associated with it. It is said on this day Goddess Parvati reunited with her consort Lord Shiva. Mata Parvati went through rigorous fasting and a penance of 100 years. She took 108 births to be accepted by Lord Shiva in the form of his wife. Even today the auspicious day is celebrated to honor Goddess Parvati for her true love and positive spirit. And since the celebration of Teej totally relate to Goddess Parvati, so she is also called Teej Mata.
Procession of Teej Mata
On the last day, Teej idol is taken out from the pat (holy place where she is kept). The idol is freshly painted and bedecked with pure gold and other fine jewelry. Bright colors are used to decorate the Goddess. The idol is offered fruits, milk, chapati, nookti, ghewar and pure jal by saints performing prayers and chanting holy shlokas.
Teej idol covered with a canopy is taken out in the procession. Specially decorated 'band baaza' with a team of performers precede the procession. The 'Teej Mata Palki' or 'Takht-e-Rawan' is carried by 8 men dressed in red color. In the Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur where grand celebrations for Teej takes place carries out Teej Mata in a royal procession from the city palace so that the general public can pay homage to the festival Goddess and get their desires fulfilled.
In the Teej Mata procession there are around 10-12 elephants, 16 well-adorned horses and performers including dancers, singers and folk-artists. Beautifully decorated camels and bullock carts are an added attraction to the festival procession. Bhog is also given to the devotees who come closer to pay homage to the deity.
There is a huge rush to have a single glimpse of Teej Mata Palki. People in colorful traditional dresses even reach the top of houses and tree tops to have a splendid view of the holy procession. As the procession moves forward people keep offering precious ornaments to the idol. The time when “Mata” is about to reach back its place, the idol gets almost covered with gold and silver jewelry.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:22 PM
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Teej Celebrations
Teej celebrations takes place in various parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat. Being an important women festival, Teej is celebrated with full verve and enthusiasm. It is held to mark the advent of monsoon season and also a very important festival for engaged and married women. On this day, women pray to Goddess Parvati for long and healthy life of their husband. There are many activities performed by women to celebrate the holy festival of Teej. Women feel immense pleasure in celebrating the festival and make various preparations before hand.
Why is Teej Celebrated?
Teej commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Goddess Paravati took 108 births to have Lord Shiva as her husband. Since then it is proclaimed that who so ever worships Parvati Ma is blessed with happy married life. At the time of Teej, women observe Nirjara Vrat so that Goddess Parvati becomes happy and bless their husband with long and healthy life.
How is Teej Celebrated?
Teej is celebrated in a very colorful way. Women start preparing for Teej a week before the festival. For Teej celebration, women buy new clothes, jewelry and accessories to wear on the festival day. Markets are usually crowded with women shopping for various items to adorn oneself. On Teej, women try to look as beautiful as they can. Intricate mehndi designs are also applied to hands and feet. On the main Teej day, women even visit beauty parlors. Women spend a lot of money of Teej preparations. Even husbands do not say anything to their wife and help them in festival preparations.
Teej celebrations are not only confined to the women celebrating the festival. Teej celebrations take place round the city. A special Teej procession is organized in which the bedecked idol of Goddess Parvati is kept on a palanquin and carried out in the procession. Numerous artists, performers, band members and folk dancers follow the procession showing their magnificent skills. People dance down the streets along with other performers as they completely engross in Teej festivities.
Apart from this, women love to celebrate the festival by making their own special arrangements. Beautifully decorated swings are hung from trees and attractively dressed women dance and sing various Teej and Sawan songs. Fragrance of flowers on Teej swings pervade the atmosphere. After this, women offer prayers to Parvati Mata and the Teej Vrat successfully completes.
At the end of the day, husbands come to pick their wife and sometimes even bring presents for them. This way Teej Celebrations bring lot of happiness for both married and unmarried couples and create some everlasting memories.
Teej celebrations takes place in various parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat. Being an important women festival, Teej is celebrated with full verve and enthusiasm. It is held to mark the advent of monsoon season and also a very important festival for engaged and married women. On this day, women pray to Goddess Parvati for long and healthy life of their husband. There are many activities performed by women to celebrate the holy festival of Teej. Women feel immense pleasure in celebrating the festival and make various preparations before hand.
Why is Teej Celebrated?
Teej commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Goddess Paravati took 108 births to have Lord Shiva as her husband. Since then it is proclaimed that who so ever worships Parvati Ma is blessed with happy married life. At the time of Teej, women observe Nirjara Vrat so that Goddess Parvati becomes happy and bless their husband with long and healthy life.
How is Teej Celebrated?
Teej is celebrated in a very colorful way. Women start preparing for Teej a week before the festival. For Teej celebration, women buy new clothes, jewelry and accessories to wear on the festival day. Markets are usually crowded with women shopping for various items to adorn oneself. On Teej, women try to look as beautiful as they can. Intricate mehndi designs are also applied to hands and feet. On the main Teej day, women even visit beauty parlors. Women spend a lot of money of Teej preparations. Even husbands do not say anything to their wife and help them in festival preparations.
Teej celebrations are not only confined to the women celebrating the festival. Teej celebrations take place round the city. A special Teej procession is organized in which the bedecked idol of Goddess Parvati is kept on a palanquin and carried out in the procession. Numerous artists, performers, band members and folk dancers follow the procession showing their magnificent skills. People dance down the streets along with other performers as they completely engross in Teej festivities.
Apart from this, women love to celebrate the festival by making their own special arrangements. Beautifully decorated swings are hung from trees and attractively dressed women dance and sing various Teej and Sawan songs. Fragrance of flowers on Teej swings pervade the atmosphere. After this, women offer prayers to Parvati Mata and the Teej Vrat successfully completes.
At the end of the day, husbands come to pick their wife and sometimes even bring presents for them. This way Teej Celebrations bring lot of happiness for both married and unmarried couples and create some everlasting memories.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:23 PM
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Regional Celebrations
Regional celebrations of Teej is more or less the same. The festival is celebrated with extreme joy and enthusiasm by both married and unmarried women. Different places take great interest in celebrating the festival. In India, Teej is celebrated in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.
Most popular Teej celebrations take place in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. One can see vibrant colors of Rajasthani culture in Teej celebrations. In India, vibrant Teej celebrations are apparent in other states of India as well. On Teej, women in Gujarat perform their traditional dance of Garba and Dandia. They adorn themselves in their traditional lehnga-choli on the day of Teej. Similarly, in Punjab, Teej is celebrated with extreme fervor. Special Teej fairs called Teelan are organized which form a unique feature of the festival's celebration. Teej is celebrated with extreme gusto in Nepal as well. Nepalese women adorn themselves with red color and visit the famous Pashupatinath Temple.
Regional celebrations of Teej is more or less the same. The festival is celebrated with extreme joy and enthusiasm by both married and unmarried women. Different places take great interest in celebrating the festival. In India, Teej is celebrated in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.
Most popular Teej celebrations take place in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. One can see vibrant colors of Rajasthani culture in Teej celebrations. In India, vibrant Teej celebrations are apparent in other states of India as well. On Teej, women in Gujarat perform their traditional dance of Garba and Dandia. They adorn themselves in their traditional lehnga-choli on the day of Teej. Similarly, in Punjab, Teej is celebrated with extreme fervor. Special Teej fairs called Teelan are organized which form a unique feature of the festival's celebration. Teej is celebrated with extreme gusto in Nepal as well. Nepalese women adorn themselves with red color and visit the famous Pashupatinath Temple.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:24 PM
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Teej in Nepal
Teej is the fasting festival of women in Nepal. It falls in the month of August or early September. Married women observe Teej fast to honor Lord Shiva and for long and healthy life of their husband. Unmarried girls also observe fast on this day for a good husband. Teej celebrations lasts for three pious days. Traditional dances and songs form an important feature of Teej celebrations. Red color is considered auspicious for women observing Teej fast and so most of them dress up in red or bridal clothes.
Teej Celebrations
Teej is an annual festival of Nepali women. The festival is celebrated with utmost dedication and love by the women in Nepal. Preparations for the festival begin well in advance. Fabric stores, sarees and suit outlets are stocked with the bridal red color fabric. Women spend most of the time shopping when Teej is near.
Teej festival celebrations are carried further with sumptuous feasts and traditional performances. On this day, women dress up beautifully. They clad themselves in red colored apparels, wear glass bangles, heavy ornaments and apply henna. Teej gives women an opportunity to dress like the newly wed. They worship the epitome of divine marriage - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, for longevity and prosperity for their husband and family.
Three Days of Teej
Teej is a three-day-long festival in Nepal and each day has its own significance.
1. First day is called 'Dar Khane Din', the day to make merry.
2. Second day is a 'fasting day'.
3. The third day is called 'Rishi Panchami' in Nepal which is a day to
perform Teej Puja.
Dar Khane Din
The first day of Teej in Nepal is called the 'Dar Khane Din'. On this day, the womenfolk dressed in the finest clothed gather at one place and perform traditional dance and sing devotional songs. A special food called 'dar' is eaten. Celebrations continue till midnight after which the 24-hour-long fast begins.
Fasting Day
The second or the fasting day of the Teej festival is dedicated to pujas and prayers. The holy Pashupatinath temple is thronged by women in red sarees to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Women gather in the temple and circumambulate the Lingam (phallic symbol of the Lord) adorned with flowers, sweets and coins. The beautifully decorated idols of Shiva and Parvati are offered fruits and flowers to seek blessings of the divine spirits. Lighting of an oil lamp is very important part of the puja ceremony. It is said that the oil lamp should be kept lit all night to avoid bad omen.
Rishi Panchami
The third day of the Teej Festival is called Rishi Panchami. On this day, the seven sages of the Hindu pantheon are worshiped by women in a belief that it will cleanse all sins of the previous year. Womenfolk take a holy bath with red mud found on the roots of the sacred Datiwan bush, along with its leaves. After three hours of rigorous cleansing, they come out purified and absolved from all sins. After this they sit in a semicircle while a priest sitting in the middle chants devotional prayers.
Teej is the fasting festival of women in Nepal. It falls in the month of August or early September. Married women observe Teej fast to honor Lord Shiva and for long and healthy life of their husband. Unmarried girls also observe fast on this day for a good husband. Teej celebrations lasts for three pious days. Traditional dances and songs form an important feature of Teej celebrations. Red color is considered auspicious for women observing Teej fast and so most of them dress up in red or bridal clothes.
Teej Celebrations
Teej is an annual festival of Nepali women. The festival is celebrated with utmost dedication and love by the women in Nepal. Preparations for the festival begin well in advance. Fabric stores, sarees and suit outlets are stocked with the bridal red color fabric. Women spend most of the time shopping when Teej is near.
Teej festival celebrations are carried further with sumptuous feasts and traditional performances. On this day, women dress up beautifully. They clad themselves in red colored apparels, wear glass bangles, heavy ornaments and apply henna. Teej gives women an opportunity to dress like the newly wed. They worship the epitome of divine marriage - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, for longevity and prosperity for their husband and family.
Three Days of Teej
Teej is a three-day-long festival in Nepal and each day has its own significance.
1. First day is called 'Dar Khane Din', the day to make merry.
2. Second day is a 'fasting day'.
3. The third day is called 'Rishi Panchami' in Nepal which is a day to
perform Teej Puja.
Dar Khane Din
The first day of Teej in Nepal is called the 'Dar Khane Din'. On this day, the womenfolk dressed in the finest clothed gather at one place and perform traditional dance and sing devotional songs. A special food called 'dar' is eaten. Celebrations continue till midnight after which the 24-hour-long fast begins.
Fasting Day
The second or the fasting day of the Teej festival is dedicated to pujas and prayers. The holy Pashupatinath temple is thronged by women in red sarees to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Women gather in the temple and circumambulate the Lingam (phallic symbol of the Lord) adorned with flowers, sweets and coins. The beautifully decorated idols of Shiva and Parvati are offered fruits and flowers to seek blessings of the divine spirits. Lighting of an oil lamp is very important part of the puja ceremony. It is said that the oil lamp should be kept lit all night to avoid bad omen.
Rishi Panchami
The third day of the Teej Festival is called Rishi Panchami. On this day, the seven sages of the Hindu pantheon are worshiped by women in a belief that it will cleanse all sins of the previous year. Womenfolk take a holy bath with red mud found on the roots of the sacred Datiwan bush, along with its leaves. After three hours of rigorous cleansing, they come out purified and absolved from all sins. After this they sit in a semicircle while a priest sitting in the middle chants devotional prayers.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:25 PM
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Teej in Rajasthan
Teej is one of the most widely celebrated festivals of Rajasthan. Swings, traditional songs and dancing are the unique features of Teej celebrations in Rajasthan. Women perform traditional folk dance dressed in green colored clothes and sing beautiful Teej songs while enjoying their sway on swings bedecked with flowers.
Teej Activities in Rajasthan
Teej is celebrated with immense fun and fanfare in the capital city of Jaipur. On this day, women and young girls wear their best clothes and adorn themselves with fine jewelry. They gather at a nearby temple or a common place and offers prayers to Goddess Parvati for well-being of their husband.
On the occasion of Teej, markets in Jaipur are stocked with trendiest women accessories and clothes. Most of the fabric clothes display laheria (tie and dye) prints. Sweet shops keep different Teej sweets but ghewar is the main sweet of the season. At some shops malpuas are also prepared in great quantities.
All over Rajasthan, swings are hung from trees and decorated with fragrant flowers. Women both married and unmarried love to swing on these swings to celebrate the 'sawan festival'.
Click here for:
Ghewar and Malpua Recipe
Teej Fair
Teej fairs are held in number of cities in Rajasthan. Most impressive ones take place in Jaipur. Whole city is immersed in the color of the festival. There are number of stalls showcasing the culture of Rajasthan. Handicrafts, traditional Rajasthani dresses and junk jewelry are some of the major attractions for tourists visiting the fairs. Other attractions of the Jaipur Teej fair is the traditional Rajasthani mehndi.
Teej Procession
Teej procession of Jaipur not just attracts visitors from India but also lures a large number of international tourists. High point of Teej procession is the magnificently decorated idol of Goddess Parvati which is kept on a palanquin and carried through the Pink City of Jaipur.
Thousands of devotees throng the procession which is carried out for two consecutive days. Antique gilt palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, caparisoned elephants, camels, bands, and dance groups form a part of the grand Teej procession. The palanquin of Goddess Parvati is carried by eight men dressed in red color. Teej procession is a very huge affair which moves through various places in Jaipur. Lot of Teej songs are sung when the procession moves further. Folk artists and performers enchant the crowd with their splendid performance. Some people even dress up like Gods and Goddesses and play various musical instruments. Teej prasad is distributed among the crowd of devotees.
Teej is one of the most widely celebrated festivals of Rajasthan. Swings, traditional songs and dancing are the unique features of Teej celebrations in Rajasthan. Women perform traditional folk dance dressed in green colored clothes and sing beautiful Teej songs while enjoying their sway on swings bedecked with flowers.
Teej Activities in Rajasthan
Teej is celebrated with immense fun and fanfare in the capital city of Jaipur. On this day, women and young girls wear their best clothes and adorn themselves with fine jewelry. They gather at a nearby temple or a common place and offers prayers to Goddess Parvati for well-being of their husband.
On the occasion of Teej, markets in Jaipur are stocked with trendiest women accessories and clothes. Most of the fabric clothes display laheria (tie and dye) prints. Sweet shops keep different Teej sweets but ghewar is the main sweet of the season. At some shops malpuas are also prepared in great quantities.
All over Rajasthan, swings are hung from trees and decorated with fragrant flowers. Women both married and unmarried love to swing on these swings to celebrate the 'sawan festival'.
Click here for:
Ghewar and Malpua Recipe
Teej Fair
Teej fairs are held in number of cities in Rajasthan. Most impressive ones take place in Jaipur. Whole city is immersed in the color of the festival. There are number of stalls showcasing the culture of Rajasthan. Handicrafts, traditional Rajasthani dresses and junk jewelry are some of the major attractions for tourists visiting the fairs. Other attractions of the Jaipur Teej fair is the traditional Rajasthani mehndi.
Teej Procession
Teej procession of Jaipur not just attracts visitors from India but also lures a large number of international tourists. High point of Teej procession is the magnificently decorated idol of Goddess Parvati which is kept on a palanquin and carried through the Pink City of Jaipur.
Thousands of devotees throng the procession which is carried out for two consecutive days. Antique gilt palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, caparisoned elephants, camels, bands, and dance groups form a part of the grand Teej procession. The palanquin of Goddess Parvati is carried by eight men dressed in red color. Teej procession is a very huge affair which moves through various places in Jaipur. Lot of Teej songs are sung when the procession moves further. Folk artists and performers enchant the crowd with their splendid performance. Some people even dress up like Gods and Goddesses and play various musical instruments. Teej prasad is distributed among the crowd of devotees.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:29 PM
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Teej Recipes
Bring in the taste of Teej Festival for your family and yourself by preparing the most tempting Teej Recipes!! Here are a selected recipes to be prepared for Teej Festival and create some sweet memories of the festival for your dear ones.
List of Teej Recipe
Ghevar
Ghevar is the delightful delicacy linked with the monsoon festival of Teej. It is a round cake made made from plain ghee and flour.
Ingredients
Plain Flour : 3 cups
Solidified ghee : 1 cup
Water : ½ cup
Milk : ½ cup
Ice cubes : 3-4 pcs
Yellow food color : ¼ tsp
Ghee : 1 cup (for deep frying)
Kewra essence : 5-6 drops
Syrup
Sugar : 1 ½ cups
Water : 1 cup
Topping
Cardomum powder : 1 tsp
Chopped almonds : 1 tbsp
Pistachios : 1 tbsp
Milk with saffron : 1 tbsp
Method of Preparation
1. Add sugar to the boiled water to prepare a sugar syrup of 1 thread consistency.
2. Take solidified ghee in a large bowl and rub it with ice cubes till it turns white.
3. Add milk, flour and 1 cup water. Mix together to make a smooth batter.
4. Dissolve some color in the water with kewra essence and to the batter. Add more water if required.
5. Batter should be very smooth and thin.
6. Take an aluminum cylinder or a long cylindrical container with height 12 inches and diameter 5-6 inches.
7. Fill half the container with ghee and heat.
8. When ghee is hot, take 50ml glass full of batter and pur it slowly in the centre of the ghee.
9. Allow foam to settle. Similarly, pour one more glassful in hole formed in the centre.
10. When foam settles again, loosen ghevar with an iron skewer inserted in the hole.
11. Place ghevar on the wire mesh to drain excessive oil.
12. Pour hot sugar syrup in the flat bottomed container to fit in ghevar.
13. Put ghevar in it and drain excessive syrup.
14. Cool it for a while, cover with silver foil.
15. Splash a few drops of saffromn milk and sprinkle some pistachios and almonds with cardomum powder.
16. Ghevar is ready to serve.
Vermicelli (Seviyan)
Ingredients
Ghee : 1 cup
Vermicelli : 100 gms
Milk : 4 cups
Sugar : 4 tbsp
Raisins : for garnishing
Almonds : chopped
Whipping cream : 470 ml
Method of Preparation
1. Heat ghee in a round vessel.
2. Put vermicelli in the vessel and cook till it turns brown.
3. Pour in the milk and stir over medium till it boils. Put in the raisins and almonds.
4. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes.
5. Add whipping cream and stir it for a while.
6. Remove from heat and place it in the refrigerator when it cools.
7. Vermicelli is ready to serve.
Dal Baati
Ingredients
Urad dal soaked in water with sodium bicarbonate : ¾ cups
Soaked rajma beans : 2 cups
Ginger-garlic paste : 1 tbsp
Chopped onions : 3-4
Chopped tomatoes : 2-3
Garam masala powder : 2 ½ tsp
Red chilli powder : 2 tsp
Chopped green chillies : 2-3
Coriander leaves : 10-12
Ghee : 4 tbsp
Cream : 2 ½ tbsp
Oil : ½ cup
Salt : according to taste
For dumplings
Ghee : 1 cup
Wheat flour : 5 cups
Curd : 2 ½ tbsp
Salt : according to taste
Method of preparation
1. Pressure cook rajma and urad dal.
2. Heat oil in a round vessel. Fry onions till it turns brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry.
3. Add rajma beans with all the masalas in the fried paste. Add some salt to it and blend it well.
4. Make a thick paste and pour over ghee and cream.
5. Prepare a dough with flour, ghee, curd, salt and little water.
6. Make out small soft balls from it and keep for one hour.
7. After that roast these balls till puffed. It should be golden outside and spongy inside.
8. Dip hot dumplings in dal and garnish the dal with coriander leaves and chillies. Serve hot.
Malpua
Ingredients
Milk : 1 litre
Suji : 1 cup
Maida : 2 ½ cup
Ghee : for roasting
Water : 1 cup
Grated Jaggery : 2 cups
Curd : 1 tbsp
Lime : 1
Salt and soda : a pinch
Method of Preparation
1. Boil the milk for 15-20 minutes till it reaches half the total quantity.
2. Mix maida and suji with milk, curd, jaggery and a pinch of salt in a big pan.
3. Beat the mixture for 5-7 minutres so that the mixture becomes light.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan.
5. Pour the mixture over it.
6. Cover the mixture and keep it in a warm place for 6-7 hours.
7. Now the mixture would have become fluffy. Stir it well and add a little water or milk if it becomes thick.
8. Add a pinch of soda and lime juice to it. Blend well.
9. Heat ghee in a round vessel and put 1 tablespoon of the ready batter into the smoky ghee. 10. Fry it to golden brown.
11. Take it out in a wired mesh to drain excess ghee.
12. Similarly, fry all malpuas.
Kheer-Puri
For Kheer
Ingredients
Milk : 1 litre
Rice : 100 gms
Sugar : 100 gms
Almonds : 6-7
Kesar : 1 ½ tsp
Elaichi : 2-3
Water : 2 tbsp
Method of Preparation
1. Boil milk for 15-20 minutes. Add rice to it.
2. Stir milk until it gets thick.
3. Keep it aside for few minutes. Allow the mixture to cool.
4. Add saffron and sugar to it and mix it well.
5. Garnish the mixture with elaichi and almonds when the sugar dissolves.
For Puri
Ingredients
Whole wheat flour : 2 cups
Vegetable oil : for frying
Water : ¾ cup
Salt : according to taste
Method of Preparation
1. Slowly add ¾ cup of water and a pinch of salt to whole wheat flour. Knead the mixture to a firm dough.
2. Divide the dough into small balls. Grease your palm with a few drops of oil and roll out int 6 inches rounds.
3. Heat the oil in a round vessel. Fry the round puri one at a a time. Hold them under the oil on one side till it puffs.
4. Take out the puri and drain excess oil.
5. Puris are ready to be served with Kheer.
Bring in the taste of Teej Festival for your family and yourself by preparing the most tempting Teej Recipes!! Here are a selected recipes to be prepared for Teej Festival and create some sweet memories of the festival for your dear ones.
List of Teej Recipe
Ghevar
Ghevar is the delightful delicacy linked with the monsoon festival of Teej. It is a round cake made made from plain ghee and flour.
Ingredients
Plain Flour : 3 cups
Solidified ghee : 1 cup
Water : ½ cup
Milk : ½ cup
Ice cubes : 3-4 pcs
Yellow food color : ¼ tsp
Ghee : 1 cup (for deep frying)
Kewra essence : 5-6 drops
Syrup
Sugar : 1 ½ cups
Water : 1 cup
Topping
Cardomum powder : 1 tsp
Chopped almonds : 1 tbsp
Pistachios : 1 tbsp
Milk with saffron : 1 tbsp
Method of Preparation
1. Add sugar to the boiled water to prepare a sugar syrup of 1 thread consistency.
2. Take solidified ghee in a large bowl and rub it with ice cubes till it turns white.
3. Add milk, flour and 1 cup water. Mix together to make a smooth batter.
4. Dissolve some color in the water with kewra essence and to the batter. Add more water if required.
5. Batter should be very smooth and thin.
6. Take an aluminum cylinder or a long cylindrical container with height 12 inches and diameter 5-6 inches.
7. Fill half the container with ghee and heat.
8. When ghee is hot, take 50ml glass full of batter and pur it slowly in the centre of the ghee.
9. Allow foam to settle. Similarly, pour one more glassful in hole formed in the centre.
10. When foam settles again, loosen ghevar with an iron skewer inserted in the hole.
11. Place ghevar on the wire mesh to drain excessive oil.
12. Pour hot sugar syrup in the flat bottomed container to fit in ghevar.
13. Put ghevar in it and drain excessive syrup.
14. Cool it for a while, cover with silver foil.
15. Splash a few drops of saffromn milk and sprinkle some pistachios and almonds with cardomum powder.
16. Ghevar is ready to serve.
Vermicelli (Seviyan)
Ingredients
Ghee : 1 cup
Vermicelli : 100 gms
Milk : 4 cups
Sugar : 4 tbsp
Raisins : for garnishing
Almonds : chopped
Whipping cream : 470 ml
Method of Preparation
1. Heat ghee in a round vessel.
2. Put vermicelli in the vessel and cook till it turns brown.
3. Pour in the milk and stir over medium till it boils. Put in the raisins and almonds.
4. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes.
5. Add whipping cream and stir it for a while.
6. Remove from heat and place it in the refrigerator when it cools.
7. Vermicelli is ready to serve.
Dal Baati
Ingredients
Urad dal soaked in water with sodium bicarbonate : ¾ cups
Soaked rajma beans : 2 cups
Ginger-garlic paste : 1 tbsp
Chopped onions : 3-4
Chopped tomatoes : 2-3
Garam masala powder : 2 ½ tsp
Red chilli powder : 2 tsp
Chopped green chillies : 2-3
Coriander leaves : 10-12
Ghee : 4 tbsp
Cream : 2 ½ tbsp
Oil : ½ cup
Salt : according to taste
For dumplings
Ghee : 1 cup
Wheat flour : 5 cups
Curd : 2 ½ tbsp
Salt : according to taste
Method of preparation
1. Pressure cook rajma and urad dal.
2. Heat oil in a round vessel. Fry onions till it turns brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry.
3. Add rajma beans with all the masalas in the fried paste. Add some salt to it and blend it well.
4. Make a thick paste and pour over ghee and cream.
5. Prepare a dough with flour, ghee, curd, salt and little water.
6. Make out small soft balls from it and keep for one hour.
7. After that roast these balls till puffed. It should be golden outside and spongy inside.
8. Dip hot dumplings in dal and garnish the dal with coriander leaves and chillies. Serve hot.
Malpua
Ingredients
Milk : 1 litre
Suji : 1 cup
Maida : 2 ½ cup
Ghee : for roasting
Water : 1 cup
Grated Jaggery : 2 cups
Curd : 1 tbsp
Lime : 1
Salt and soda : a pinch
Method of Preparation
1. Boil the milk for 15-20 minutes till it reaches half the total quantity.
2. Mix maida and suji with milk, curd, jaggery and a pinch of salt in a big pan.
3. Beat the mixture for 5-7 minutres so that the mixture becomes light.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan.
5. Pour the mixture over it.
6. Cover the mixture and keep it in a warm place for 6-7 hours.
7. Now the mixture would have become fluffy. Stir it well and add a little water or milk if it becomes thick.
8. Add a pinch of soda and lime juice to it. Blend well.
9. Heat ghee in a round vessel and put 1 tablespoon of the ready batter into the smoky ghee. 10. Fry it to golden brown.
11. Take it out in a wired mesh to drain excess ghee.
12. Similarly, fry all malpuas.
Kheer-Puri
For Kheer
Ingredients
Milk : 1 litre
Rice : 100 gms
Sugar : 100 gms
Almonds : 6-7
Kesar : 1 ½ tsp
Elaichi : 2-3
Water : 2 tbsp
Method of Preparation
1. Boil milk for 15-20 minutes. Add rice to it.
2. Stir milk until it gets thick.
3. Keep it aside for few minutes. Allow the mixture to cool.
4. Add saffron and sugar to it and mix it well.
5. Garnish the mixture with elaichi and almonds when the sugar dissolves.
For Puri
Ingredients
Whole wheat flour : 2 cups
Vegetable oil : for frying
Water : ¾ cup
Salt : according to taste
Method of Preparation
1. Slowly add ¾ cup of water and a pinch of salt to whole wheat flour. Knead the mixture to a firm dough.
2. Divide the dough into small balls. Grease your palm with a few drops of oil and roll out int 6 inches rounds.
3. Heat the oil in a round vessel. Fry the round puri one at a a time. Hold them under the oil on one side till it puffs.
4. Take out the puri and drain excess oil.
5. Puris are ready to be served with Kheer.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:31 PM
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Teej in Gujarat
Festival of Teej is a devotional and pious festival of women in Gujarat. It falls on the moonlit fortnight of sawan month (July/August). People splurge in the colorful festival of Teej and perform the rituals earnestly. Both married and unmarried women of Gujarat desperately wait for the season to begin the celebrations of the holy festival.
Teej Celebrations in Gujarat
Teej is celebrated with same rituals and customs in Gujarat as performed in many other parts of the country. Since the state lies closer to Rajasthan so it has adopted many festivals from the colorful culture of the state. Teej is one such festival which is now celebrated as a major festival in Gujarat. Teej Festival preparations begin well in advance. The most attractive part of Teej celebration are Teej fairs. These fairs and markets are stocked with women ornaments, embellishments and other household stuff. Most of the Gujaratis are busy shopping for Teej celebrations when the festival is near. In most towns and villages, processions are taken out with beautifully adorned elephants and horses to celebrate the festival. At some places, special Gujarati dance performances are also organized. Women perform garba and dandia dance in traditional lehanga-choli.
Teej for Womenfolk
Teej is a woman centric festival. To celebrate the auspicious occasion, married women return to their parents house. On Teej, women observe fasts for the longevity and well-being of their husband. Long queues of devotees can be seen outside various Shiva temples to worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati - symbols of an ideal marriage.
Beautifully decorated swings are hung from trees or in the courtyard of the house which recreate memories of childhood. A special sweet dish called seviyan is prepared on Teej in various parts of Gujarat. Women dressed up in colorful sarees, lehangas and suits sing traditional folk songs. Gujarati women dress themselves in different colors depicting the symbol of married life. One can see them in the auspicious green, yellow and red colored duppattas with zari and gota work on it. Most of them wear red colored sarees with a front pallu or vibrant lehanga-choli. Some women in Gujarat specially practice steps from garba or dandia and perform them in celebrations after Teej puja ceremony.
Just as in other states, married and engaged women in Gujarat also receive sweets and clothes from their parents and parents in-law. This is considered as a marital blessing for long and happy life of their husband.
Festival of Teej is a devotional and pious festival of women in Gujarat. It falls on the moonlit fortnight of sawan month (July/August). People splurge in the colorful festival of Teej and perform the rituals earnestly. Both married and unmarried women of Gujarat desperately wait for the season to begin the celebrations of the holy festival.
Teej Celebrations in Gujarat
Teej is celebrated with same rituals and customs in Gujarat as performed in many other parts of the country. Since the state lies closer to Rajasthan so it has adopted many festivals from the colorful culture of the state. Teej is one such festival which is now celebrated as a major festival in Gujarat. Teej Festival preparations begin well in advance. The most attractive part of Teej celebration are Teej fairs. These fairs and markets are stocked with women ornaments, embellishments and other household stuff. Most of the Gujaratis are busy shopping for Teej celebrations when the festival is near. In most towns and villages, processions are taken out with beautifully adorned elephants and horses to celebrate the festival. At some places, special Gujarati dance performances are also organized. Women perform garba and dandia dance in traditional lehanga-choli.
Teej for Womenfolk
Teej is a woman centric festival. To celebrate the auspicious occasion, married women return to their parents house. On Teej, women observe fasts for the longevity and well-being of their husband. Long queues of devotees can be seen outside various Shiva temples to worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati - symbols of an ideal marriage.
Beautifully decorated swings are hung from trees or in the courtyard of the house which recreate memories of childhood. A special sweet dish called seviyan is prepared on Teej in various parts of Gujarat. Women dressed up in colorful sarees, lehangas and suits sing traditional folk songs. Gujarati women dress themselves in different colors depicting the symbol of married life. One can see them in the auspicious green, yellow and red colored duppattas with zari and gota work on it. Most of them wear red colored sarees with a front pallu or vibrant lehanga-choli. Some women in Gujarat specially practice steps from garba or dandia and perform them in celebrations after Teej puja ceremony.
Just as in other states, married and engaged women in Gujarat also receive sweets and clothes from their parents and parents in-law. This is considered as a marital blessing for long and happy life of their husband.
Aug 12th, 2010, 06:32 PM
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Teej in Punjab
Teej is an important festival for the women of Punjab. The sawan month is eagerly waited by the people of Punjab as different festivals fall at this time period. The festival of Teej brings exuberance and chance to get along each other. Young girls and boys actively participate in events taking place in various towns and districts in Punjab. Celebration of Teej begins from the third day of sawan - the fifth Hindu month beginning from Chaitra.
Teej Celebrations in Punjab
Young women and men enthusiastically celebrate the occasion of Teej. At the time of Teej, many schools and colleges in Punjab organize competitions and cultural programs. Some competitions are organized on higher scale and are attended by senior government officials. The theme of the competitions is totally traditional and cultural. Competitive categories include rangoli, mehndi, dance, singing, painting etc. In colleges, Teej beauty contests take place where young girls passionately participate and win various titles like “Miss Teej”, “Teej Queen” and “Baby Teej”.
Teej celebrations in villages too, are full of joy and verve. Young girls and women get along to perform Teej rituals. Girls swing on decorated swings called peeng and adorn their hands and feet with intricate mehndi designs.
Girls who perform gidda on Teej dedicate it to their husband or to-be-husband. Some of these special Teej dance and songs symbolize that women are always ready to sacrifice their life for their lover. After the dance performance young ladies offer prayers and sing songs for good health of their love. Teej fairs called Teelan are organized which has stalls with collection of traditional items like colorful bangles, juttis, dresses and earrings. Main attraction of Teej fair are the mehndi stalls.
At homes, people prepare special Punjabi Teej dishes like Kheer Puri, Gulgale, Karah and Pakoras. Family members sit together and enjoy the lavish feast. Men give blessings to their wife and both pray for each others' long and cheerful life.
Special Teej Punjabi Songs
Dance and songs are an integral part of Teej celebrations in Punjab. It is also considered a very important medium to convey their heartiest thoughts and messages . Women freely express their feelings for their love or husband by singing and dancing on traditional Teej songs. Some the most popular Punjabi Teej songs are:
"Sawan Da Mahina Din Giddha De Sabhe Sahalyan
Aiyan Nachan Kundan, Jhutan Pingan Piyan Vadiyan
Gharan Diya Jaiyan Bhij Gai Rooh Mitra Sham Ghatan Chad Aiyan".
A very common song sung to welcome the sawan festival of Teej after a long year is given below:
“Teeyan Teej Diyan Bhadon De Muklave Teeyan Teej Diyan”.
In the sawan month, young girls gather and celebrate the auspicious occasion of Teej. They dance on cultural songs with a perfect mood to welcome the sawan. One of the famous songs sung is:
“Sase Teri Mahen Marh Jaye,
Mere Veer Nu Sukhi Khand Payee.”
In various households, a very beautiful song is sung on Teej which describes a woman's extreme love for her soul mate. She thinks that her lover's pain and sorrows are her own.
“Akh Mere Yaar Di Dukhe,
Lali Merian Akhan De Wich Aiyee”.
The song given below depicts a love scene in which women consider her man to be a face of God.
“Aya Sawan Da Maheena Aa,
Tun menu Rab Lagdha Naleh Naleh Makka Te Madina Aa”.
This song depicts a girl's desperation to meet her lover who is away for work.
“Teri Do Takyan Di Nokri
Mera Lakhan Da Sawan Jaye.
Chhuti Lai Ke Aja chann Ve".
Teej is an important festival for the women of Punjab. The sawan month is eagerly waited by the people of Punjab as different festivals fall at this time period. The festival of Teej brings exuberance and chance to get along each other. Young girls and boys actively participate in events taking place in various towns and districts in Punjab. Celebration of Teej begins from the third day of sawan - the fifth Hindu month beginning from Chaitra.
Teej Celebrations in Punjab
Young women and men enthusiastically celebrate the occasion of Teej. At the time of Teej, many schools and colleges in Punjab organize competitions and cultural programs. Some competitions are organized on higher scale and are attended by senior government officials. The theme of the competitions is totally traditional and cultural. Competitive categories include rangoli, mehndi, dance, singing, painting etc. In colleges, Teej beauty contests take place where young girls passionately participate and win various titles like “Miss Teej”, “Teej Queen” and “Baby Teej”.
Teej celebrations in villages too, are full of joy and verve. Young girls and women get along to perform Teej rituals. Girls swing on decorated swings called peeng and adorn their hands and feet with intricate mehndi designs.
Girls who perform gidda on Teej dedicate it to their husband or to-be-husband. Some of these special Teej dance and songs symbolize that women are always ready to sacrifice their life for their lover. After the dance performance young ladies offer prayers and sing songs for good health of their love. Teej fairs called Teelan are organized which has stalls with collection of traditional items like colorful bangles, juttis, dresses and earrings. Main attraction of Teej fair are the mehndi stalls.
At homes, people prepare special Punjabi Teej dishes like Kheer Puri, Gulgale, Karah and Pakoras. Family members sit together and enjoy the lavish feast. Men give blessings to their wife and both pray for each others' long and cheerful life.
Special Teej Punjabi Songs
Dance and songs are an integral part of Teej celebrations in Punjab. It is also considered a very important medium to convey their heartiest thoughts and messages . Women freely express their feelings for their love or husband by singing and dancing on traditional Teej songs. Some the most popular Punjabi Teej songs are:
"Sawan Da Mahina Din Giddha De Sabhe Sahalyan
Aiyan Nachan Kundan, Jhutan Pingan Piyan Vadiyan
Gharan Diya Jaiyan Bhij Gai Rooh Mitra Sham Ghatan Chad Aiyan".
A very common song sung to welcome the sawan festival of Teej after a long year is given below:
“Teeyan Teej Diyan Bhadon De Muklave Teeyan Teej Diyan”.
In the sawan month, young girls gather and celebrate the auspicious occasion of Teej. They dance on cultural songs with a perfect mood to welcome the sawan. One of the famous songs sung is:
“Sase Teri Mahen Marh Jaye,
Mere Veer Nu Sukhi Khand Payee.”
In various households, a very beautiful song is sung on Teej which describes a woman's extreme love for her soul mate. She thinks that her lover's pain and sorrows are her own.
“Akh Mere Yaar Di Dukhe,
Lali Merian Akhan De Wich Aiyee”.
The song given below depicts a love scene in which women consider her man to be a face of God.
“Aya Sawan Da Maheena Aa,
Tun menu Rab Lagdha Naleh Naleh Makka Te Madina Aa”.
This song depicts a girl's desperation to meet her lover who is away for work.
“Teri Do Takyan Di Nokri
Mera Lakhan Da Sawan Jaye.
Chhuti Lai Ke Aja chann Ve".
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cslasor
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Oct 14th, 2009 02:03 PM
