Hariyali Teej

Hariyali Teej

Hariyali Teej which is also popular by the name of Teejan, is a festival related to greenery and good harvest. The festival is celebrated in the north Indian regions of Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.  The festival, which falls on the third day of the month of Shravana of Hindu calendar, is especially celebrated in a grand manner in Vrindavan, the place where Lord Krishna lived and performed miracles as a child. For the local people of Vrindavan, the occasion marks the beginning of great festive season which continues until Janmashtami.                          

In 2013, Hariyali Teej will be celebrated on 10th August.

The Significance of Hariyali Teej

The festival of Hariyali Teej is dedicated to females and it said that unmarried girls, who observe a Nirjala vrat on this day,     are sure to find a husband of their choice. This fast is one of the toughest fasts in Hindu culture and lasts for full 24 hours during which time the fasting women are forbidden to eat or drink anything.

Newlywed females, receive a compulsory gift known as “Sindhara” from their mother-in-law, which consists predominantly of clothes and ornaments. This gift is generally given on the day preceding the Hariyali Teej. In many communities it is also considered inauspicious for the new brides to spend this day at their in-laws place.

Celebrating Hariyali Teej

Women generally wear green clothes and green bangles o this day, besides adorning their hands with beautiful designs of “heena” or “Mehndi”. Later, they also worship the moon and perform a special puja using milk, curd and flowers.

Swings form an integral part of the Teej celebrations and women playing on swings while singing and dancing in the traditional way, is a common sight. It is also common for the females to narrate the tales of Lord Krishna and even enact them as a means of entertainment.

Numerous fairs are also organized on this day where the women enjoy diverse activities such as watching colorful processions, participating in different competitions and play activities and also shopping for different items.

 In Vrindavan, the festival is celebrated with great devotion, especially in the Banke Bihari temple. On this day, the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are decorated beautifully with colorful clothes and ornaments and are then brought out to give a single darshan to the devotees. Another major attraction of the festival celebration here is the golden swing of Lord Krishna which is displayed to public only on this day.