Significance of Hariyali Teej
Hariyali Teej, also known as Sawan Ki Teej, is celebrated on the third day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Sawan. As the monsoon season breathes life into the surroundings, the festival ushers in joy and vibrancy. The name "Hariyali," meaning greenery, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this festival. Hariyali Teej commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, blessing devotees with happiness, prosperity, and good fortune.
How to Celebrate Hariyali Teej
On this auspicious day, married Hindu women adorn themselves with "solah shringar," the sixteen traditional adornments symbolizing marital bliss. These include vermillion, green bangles, toe rings, anklets, and gold jewelry. Women offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, seeking blessings for a joyous and prosperous married life. Visiting their parental homes, they celebrate with family members, exchanging gifts and wearing new clothes.
Unmarried women also partake in the festivities with fervor. Observing fasts and offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, they seek blessings for a desired life partner. The belief is strong that performing these rituals will bring them a suitable match blessed by the divine couple.
Hariyali Teej Rituals
Rituals for Hariyali Teej are elaborate and steeped in tradition. The day starts early with a holy bath and thorough cleaning of the home, especially the puja room. Women dress in vibrant green attire, symbolizing the freshness of the monsoon. They prepare satvik food for bhog prasad and set up a beautiful puja area with idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.
A desi ghee diya is lit in front of the idol, adorned with flowers and garlands. Offerings of vermillion and other shringar items are made to Mata Parvati. Women recite the Hariyali Teej Katha and offer bhog prasad like kheer and Panchamrit to the deities. Chanting the Aarti, they seek blessings for a happy married life and the well-being of their husbands. Unmarried women pray for a partner like Lord Shiva.
After the home puja, married women seek blessings from their in-laws by touching their feet and offering gifts. They then visit temples for additional rituals, offering shringar items to Maa Parvati and singing devotional bhajans.
Fasting Rules on Hariyali Teej
Women observe a day-long fast, breaking it at sunset after seeking blessings from their husbands by touching their feet. The fast is concluded with the recitation of a special mantra:
"Sarva Mangal Maangalyaye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike Sharanyaye Tiryambike Gauri Narayani Namostute..!!"
