“Teej”: Celebrating Tradition, Joy, and Togetherness
What’s up, fellow writers! What I have to tell you today is quite unique. This is an annual event that I always look forward to celebrating. The allure and mystery of the festival Teej has always captivated me, as a Nepali lady and the daughter of a Gorkha. I am thinking of ways to have fun with friends on the 18th of September 2023.
About Teej:-
The Teej festival is an important Hindu celebration that takes place for three days in either August or September. It is mainly celebrated by women in Nepal and certain parts of India, and it is a tribute to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the divine pair. This festival is of great significance to both married and unmarried women as it celebrates their bond.
The central purpose of Teej is for women to pray for the happiness of their marriages, the well-being of their partners, and the overall prosperity of their families. Festivities include feasting and fasting, as well as offering prayers at Shiva temples, through various rituals and activities.
In India, Teej is celebrated every year. While the traditional color for women to wear is red, we have the option to choose any bright hue that closely resembles it. For instance, last year, we opted to wear a pink saree paired with a blue blouse. I would like to share some photos from the Teej celebration that took place last year.
Now this year, in a world where time seems to pass quickly and the seasons merge together, a thrilling new chapter of celebration awaits. This celebration is a symbol of unity and dedication, deeply rooted in tradition. As the grand festivities draw nearer, the young women of Nepal can feel their hearts racing with excitement and anticipation. The enchanting spell of the celebration begins to cast its magic on them.
The canvas is adorned with a variety of vivid and subtle colors. Though the color red is a symbol of passion and dominates the scene, other hues also contribute to the symphony. As the great day draws near, the women’s hearts beat faster with excitement, like the fluttering wings of countless butterflies. Their spirits are filled with eagerness, anticipating the grandeur that awaits them.
Many women begin their day early in the morning by taking baths and praying. After performing necessary rituals, they dress up in bright red saris and traditional jewels, which are meant to represent love, passion, and the joy of being married.
Here are some important aspects of the Nepalese Teej festival:
1. Fasting and Devotion:
Women, especially married women, fast for the whole day on Teej as an act of devotion to Goddess Parvati and in hopes of receiving her blessings on their marriages. Women who are single and looking for husbands often take part in the fasting and puja (prayer) practices.
2. Colorful Attire:
Women wear bright red saris because the color is viewed as lucky and because it represents fertility and love. They like to wear elaborate jewelry and decorate their hands with henna and mehndi.
3. Pujas and Rituals:
Women undertake rituals and pujas in Goddess Parvati temples, where they sing traditional Teej songs (Teej geet) and make offerings to the deity. Women hold special puja ceremonies in which oil lamps are lit and offerings of flowers, fruit, and other delicacies are made to the goddess
4. Swings and Dance:
During Teej, they dance in public areas. Traditional folk music is played, and the women take turns singing and dancing. The happiness of Parvati and Shiva’s reunion is shown here. Women invite their female relatives, acquaintances, and neighbors to the feast.
5. Social Gathering:
Women come together to celebrate the religious holiday of Teej by exchanging gifts, telling tales, dancing, and feasting. Cultural activities, processions, and contests are organized by many localities to mark the day.
6. Fasting Rules:
Participants in Teej may be required to abstain from all food and liquids during the day in accordance with the fasting guidelines. During a partial fast, some women may choose to eat solely fruits and dairy items.
7. Prayer for Husband’s Longevity:
One of the major tenets of Teej is praying for one’s husband’s long life and prosperity. The wives of the world over pray for the happiness and well-being of their husbands.
8. Traditional Food:
Women traditionally have a special festive lunch after breaking the fast, which consists of a variety of traditional cuisines. Ghewar and puri, two types of Indian sweets, are common place during this time.
So, the story of Nepali women and their holiday finds its climax, a song of color, connection, laughter, and love. They get together, have parties, and add their names to the way things are done, like writing on the pages of an old book. As the festival spreads its beautiful wings, the women stand as its guardian angels, keeping the fires of happiness burning and lighting the lights of the community. As the sun goes down on the day of the party, the sounds of their laughter repeat, becoming part of the air that will hold the echoes of their story for all time.
