**Hartalika Teej** is a significant Hindu festival observed primarily by women, especially in the states of North India such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. It is a day when women fast and pray for marital bliss, the well-being of their husbands, and a harmonious married life. The festival is dedicated to **Goddess Parvati** and **Lord Shiva**, and it is observed on the third day of the bright half of the Hindu month of **Bhadrapada** (August-September in the Gregorian calendar).
### **Day, Date, and Time**
- **Day**: Hartalika Teej is celebrated on the **third day of Shukla Paksha** (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of **Bhadrapada**.
- **Date in 2024**: Hartalika Teej will be celebrated on **Monday, September 9, 2024**.
### **About Hartalika Teej**
The name **Hartalika** comes from two words: **"Harat"**, meaning abduction, and **"Aalika"**, meaning female friend. According to Hindu mythology, the festival is named after the incident where Goddess Parvati was abducted by her friends to prevent her from being married to Lord Vishnu, as her father intended. Instead, Parvati wished to marry Lord Shiva, and she performed severe penance to win his heart. Moved by her devotion, Lord Shiva granted her wish and accepted her as his wife.
Hartalika Teej is observed by women who fast, often without consuming water (nirjala vrat), to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva for a happy married life. Unmarried women also observe the fast to get a good husband, just as Parvati did.
### **History**
The story behind Hartalika Teej is deeply rooted in the love and devotion between Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. According to legend, Parvati performed rigorous penance in the Himalayas for many years to prove her dedication to Lord Shiva, even though her father wanted her to marry someone else. On the third day of her penance, Lord Shiva appeared and agreed to marry her. This day is commemorated as Hartalika Teej, honoring the dedication of Parvati and the divine union of the two deities.
### **Significance**
Hartalika Teej holds great importance for married and unmarried women:
- **Marital Bliss**: Married women observe the fast to pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands.
- **Seeking a Good Husband**: Unmarried women observe the fast in the hope of getting a husband like Lord Shiva, who is devoted and loving.
- **Spiritual Dedication**: The festival signifies dedication, purity, and the power of penance.
### **Importance to Society**
Hartalika Teej is a celebration of love, devotion, and marital harmony. It promotes the values of commitment, loyalty, and the sanctity of marriage, which are cherished in Indian culture. The observance strengthens the bond between husband and wife and honors the divine relationship between Parvati and Shiva.
### **Facts about Hartalika Teej**
- **Fasting Rituals**: Women observe a strict fast, often without water, for 24 hours to honor the devotion of Parvati.
- **Celebrations**: The day is marked by special prayers, storytelling (about the love story of Shiva and Parvati), and wearing new clothes, especially in shades of red and green, which are considered auspicious.
- **Special Foods**: After the fast is broken, special foods and sweets like **ghewar** and **fenia** are prepared and shared.
### **Timeline**
- **Ancient Times**: Parvati’s penance and devotion to Lord Shiva becomes a central part of Hindu mythology, inspiring the observance of Hartalika Teej.
- **Middle Ages**: The festival gains popularity among women in northern and western India.
- **Modern Day**: Hartalika Teej is celebrated with great enthusiasm, focusing on the spiritual and cultural significance of marriage and devotion.
### **Observance**
On Hartalika Teej, women engage in various religious and cultural practices:
- **Fasting**: Women keep a nirjala vrat (fasting without water) for the entire day.
- **Puja Rituals**: Special pujas are performed at home or temples, invoking the blessings of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The puja includes offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets.
- **Singing and Dancing**: Traditional songs and dances related to Teej are performed as part of the celebration.
- **Dressing Up**: Women dress in festive attire, often in red, green, or yellow sarees, and adorn themselves with jewelry and mehndi (henna designs).
### **Wishing on Hartalika Teej**
You can wish your loved ones on this auspicious occasion with these greetings:
- "Wishing you a blessed and joyful Hartalika Teej! May Goddess Parvati bless you with a happy and prosperous married life."
- "On this Hartalika Teej, may the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati bring you eternal happiness and love in your life."
- "Happy Hartalika Teej! May your fast and prayers be rewarded with joy, harmony, and fulfillment."
### **FAQs**
- **Why is Hartalika Teej celebrated?**
Hartalika Teej is celebrated to honor the devotion of Goddess Parvati towards Lord Shiva and to seek their blessings for marital happiness and a fulfilling life.
- **What is the significance of fasting on Hartalika Teej?**
Fasting on Hartalika Teej is a symbol of devotion and commitment. Women fast to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands or to find a devoted life partner.
- **How is Hartalika Teej different from other Teej festivals?**
While there are other Teej festivals like Hariyali Teej and Kajari Teej, Hartalika Teej specifically celebrates the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva and focuses on the penance and fasting women undertake to seek marital bliss.
### **Important Points**
- **Strict Fast**: Many women observe a very strict fast without food or water as part of their devotion.
- **Puja and Rituals**: Special puja rituals are performed where idols of Shiva and Parvati are worshipped.
- **Significance of Mehndi**: Women adorn their hands with henna as a symbol of auspiciousness.
### **Important Facts**
- **Regional Variations**: Hartalika Teej is celebrated with slightly different rituals and customs in various parts of India.
- **Traditional Attire**: Women wear traditional clothes, often in shades of red, green, or yellow, representing marital happiness and prosperity.
- **Oral Tradition**: Stories of Parvati’s devotion and her union with Shiva are passed down through generations, often told by elders during the festival.
### **Why is it Important to Society?**
Hartalika Teej emphasizes the cultural importance of marriage, love, and devotion in Indian society. It fosters familial bonds and upholds the values of loyalty, respect, and spiritual dedication. The festival also serves as a reminder of the strength and devotion required to maintain marital harmony and spiritual fulfillment in relationships.
### **Date**
In **2024**, Hartalika Teej will be celebrated on **Monday, September 9th**.
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