Rajasthan, the land of colors, palaces, and sand dunes, is home to numerous festivals and fairs throughout the year. Amongst all, Teej Festival is one of the most awaited festivals in the state, particularly for women.
It is celebrated with immense zest and fervor by the womenfolk of Rajasthan. This festival venerates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is an ode to conjugal love and fidelity. The celebration of Teej festival in Rajasthan is an incredible showcase of rich cultural legacy and customs.
The sacred Teej festival falls on the third day of the Hindu month of Shravan.
The celebrations begin with elaborate rituals and fasts by womenfolk who seek blessings for a happy and prosperous married life. During this time, women wake up early morning and take holy bath, donning traditional Rajasthani attire, and perform the Teej Vrat Puja.
The Puja thali is decorated with colorful and fragrant flowers, sweets, and all other necessary pooja items. The women chant traditional Teej songs and Bajans, seeking the divine blessings of the Lord and Goddess. The observance of the fast is without food and water for 24 hours.
Teej Festival is synonymous with the iconic Bara-dari, where women gather to celebrate and participate in various activities.
The Bara-dari is decorated beautifully with colorful lights and flowers; the walls adorned with stunning Rajasthani artwork and mirror work. Women indulge in swings, dance, and play traditional games like tug-of-war and kho-kho. Mehndi and traditional jewelry stalls lined the corners of the Bara-dari, representing the artistic and traditional side of Rajasthan.
The street markets are also decorated with colorful lights, bangles, and different kinds of sweets, snacks, and street foods.
The Teej festival is an exceptional opportunity for women to showcase their timeless Rajasthani attires – Ghaghra-Choli, Leheriya, Bandhej, and more. The vibrant Swings (Jhoola) are an inseparable part of this festival; adorned with colorful flowers, bells, and laces hanging from the roof. The swing represents the playful spirit of Lord Krishna and Radha. The swings and beautiful ladies in traditional attire complement each other, resulting in an aesthetic perspective.
One of the unique traditions of Teej festival is that women are gifted by their husbands, relatives, or in-laws, who visit their homes on this day. The gift normally comprises of traditional clothes, colorful bangles, jewelry, mehndi, and a variety of mouth-watering sweets. The womenfolk, on this occasion of Teej, receives blessings, presents and adoration.
It is a simple yet beautiful tradition that strengthens the bond between husband and wife.
The Teej festival is the ultimate embodiment of the Indian culture, customs, and traditions. It is a festive time full of zeal and energy, pure devotion, and devotion to the divine. The Teej festival signifies the relationship between husband and wife and celebrates the joyful moments in their life. It is, without a doubt, a festival that ignites positivity, hope, and harmony for the people of Rajasthan.
