A colourful blend of cultures, fanfare and fascinating rituals, the Teej Festival in Jaipur is celebrated with utmost zeal and vigour among women. Beautiful peacocks commemorate the arrival of monsoons with dancing, and Rajasthani women celebrate it by singing folk songs and swaying on a tree swing. Teej festival is a vital eve. In places like Bundi and Jaipur, it is widely celebrated with much festivity among people. The women are dressed up in fancy traditional attire; the sky is adorned with kites of variegated colours and the aroma of delicacies Teej delights lingers in the air. If it happens to be in Rajasthan around the time of the festival, one has got to experience the monsoon season.
Festival Dates – Teej is celebrated in the Hindu months of Sawan and Bhado, corresponding to the Indian monsoon season, i.e., in July, August, and September. The dates of the festival depend on the lunar cycle. In 2024, the festival is on -.
Hariyali Teej - 07 August 2024 (Wednesday)
Kajari Teej - 22 August2024 (Thursday)
Hartalika Teej - 06 September 2024 (Friday)
Importance of Teej Festival –
This is a three-day festival taking place in Jaipur every year and in other areas of the country. The festival celebrates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati following a protracted penance performed by the latter. It is believed that before their union, she underwent 108 births. Talk about dying in love, and she did that.
Thanks to God, you will not have to die for 108 deaths to win a loving husband like Lord Shiva. All you must do to be blessed with a faithful consort on this day is to keep Goddess Parvati. It is observed by married ladies to ask the deity for blessings and strengthen their marriage.
Where is Teej Festival Celebrated?
Teej Festival is celebrated with great fanfare in many states of the country, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. The celebration conduct may differ a bit, but the essence remains the same. It is also a massive deal in our neighbouring country, Nepal.
Teej Festival in Jaipur –
The festival in Jaipur is a vibrant celebration of love, devotion, and marital bliss. Women are dressed up in colourful traditional attire and gathered to worship the goddess Parvati, seeking blessings for a happy and healthy married life. The city comes alive with processions, folk music, and dance performances, adding to the festive spirit. Markets brim with henna, bangles, and traditional Rajasthani attire, enticing travellers with their vibrant colours and intricate designs.
How is this festival celebrated?
Teej is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially by women in various parts of India, including Rajasthan. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Parvati and is primarily observed by married women who pray for the well-being of their life partner.
Fasting and Traditional Outfit – Married women observe a day-long fast on Teej, abstaining from food and water. Women dress up in colorful traditional attire, with vibrant sarees or lehengas adorned with intricate embroidery and jewelry.
Puja – Women gather in groups to perform elaborate rituals and offer prayers to Goddess Parvati for marital happiness and prosperity.
Swinging and singing – The first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the ladies swaying on a tree swing adorned with flowers hung on the tree in their garden, where women take their turn and sing songs.
Applying Heena on Hands – One night before the festival day, women put intricate designs of henna on their hands and feet. It is a part of Teej Shringar, the whole makeup thing that girls and married women do on the occasion.
Kai Po Che – The festival is not all about women. On the Teej Festival in Jaipur, boys flock on their roofs and participate in a kite-flying competition.
Delicacies to Try Out during Teej Festival:
Ghewar – It is a season sweet, the trademark of the Teej Festival. It is a disc-shaped porous delicacy made with all-purpose flour soaked in sugar syrup and comes in many forms and varieties.
Dal Baati Churma – A famous authentic dish of Rajasthani cuisine, Dal Baati Churma is a complete meal. It is a delightful combination of flavours. Relish the sweetness, spiciness, and crispiness by adding it to your meal.
Malpua – A famous Indian version of fried pancakes and famous Teej delicacies. It is made with flour and semolina batter soaked in saffron-scented sugar syrup.
Kheer Puri – Another traditional delight that is specially made during this festival is Keer Puri. In some parts of Rajasthan, mango and mint flavoured kheer is prepared, which is gorged on with hot and round puris.
The Bottom Line:
The cultural Teej Festival is observed with much grandeur. Experience the celebration on your next vacation to Jaipur tour package for three days during the monsoon season. It is yet another fantastic experience to relish. So, this is your chance to have a closer look at this city’s rich culture and heritage.