Hartalika Teej Vrat is Coming 18 September 2012. This Vrat known as a Kevda Trij.
About Hartalika Teej Vrat
Hartalika Teej is one of the prominent festivals celebrated by women in order to honor goddess Parvati. During the process of Pooja, womenfolk not even drink a single drop of water and undergo a rigorous phase of fasting. An important fact about Hartalika Teej Puja is that it is followed by both married and unmarried women for their good future marital status. The married women go for the fast and worship of the goodness in order to ensure the blessings and a healthy life for their husbands. The unmarried girls undergo the process of Puja in order to get husband like Lord Shiva.
During the festival, an immense numbers of performers and artists from different parts of the country get together and present their artistic work to respect the deity.
It is significant to note that during the process of Hartalika teej and puja, the idol of goddess Parvati is escorted by a large number of camels and elephants. A grand fair is also organized by the devotees where the sales of different items are done and the entertainment accessories are displayed. Jewelry and new cloths are also worn by the women and the application of mehendi (henna) is also done on the hands and feet.
During the Hartalika Puja, women distribute coconuts to their female friends and relatives. They also express their gratitude towards Goddess Parvati with sweets, green vegetables and fresh fruits.
Hartalika VratKatha
A small story lies behind the celebration of Hartalika Teek vrat. Legends explain that after the death of Sati Devi, Lord Shiva started ignoring the entire world, including Goddess Parvati without noticing her devoted love. In order to get her husband’s attention, Parvati underwent severe penance for several years surviving only on grass and fruits. Eventually, Lord Shiva got pleased by the love and affection of Parvati and finally accepted her. Hence, this festival is commemorated by all women, whether married or single. While the married women observe this for achieving health and happiness for their respective husbands, unmarried young girls and women observe the fast in order to be blessed with a loyal husband, like Lord Shiva.
Similar to Karwa Chauth, women observe a ‘nirjala vrata’, that is, severe fasting without eating and drinking anything. On the day of Hartalika Teej, a pandal (small puja house) is made using banana bark and leaves. Goddess Parvati is adorned with new clothes and set in the pandal. A Shivling is made from clay and placed alongside Parvati. Women beautify their hands and feet with mehndi (henna), a unique feature of Hartalika Tritiya celebrations. They dress up in new green clothes and new jewelry. In certain regions, married women visit their premarital homes and observe the fast along with their parents and other family members. They put on green bangles and a golden bindi.
Stories of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are read out and listened as they are considered auspicious on this festival. In the evenings, special prayers are arranged for worshipping the deities. Thereafter, traditional songs and dances are performed which are actively participated by relatives and friends. Fresh fruits and vegetables are brought specially for this day and offered to Parvati. Special delicacies, such as rice patolis and sweets, are made on this occasion. Preparations made from coconut take special place.
Hartalika Teej Pooja
Hartalika Teej Puja is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati who are considered to be the best-married couple as per Hindu religious beliefs. It falls on the third day (tritiya tithi) of the Bhadrapada month as per the Hindu calendar. Hartalika Teej Puja is somewhat similar to the Karvachauth festival as women keep fast for the long life of their husband. Unmarried girls also observe fast on this day for getting a good husband. This festival is celebrated with colorful rituals and customs followed by a special prayer to all deities especially Goddess Parvati in the evening.
Hartalika Tij Puja date is on 18 September 2012 , Tuesday.
