Teej

What the festival means

The name Teej comes from a Sanskrit word meaning third. It refers to the third day after the new moon or full moon in the lunar calendar. The core story involves the goddess Parvati performing penance to win Shiva as her husband. Women celebrate this successful union by praying for their own marital happiness. The timing also welcomes the rains that bring greenery back to the land.

How people celebrate

Women dress in red, green, or orange saris and apply henna to their hands and feet. They set up swings under trees or in courtyards to play and sing. In some regions, women return to their parents' homes to receive gifts called Sindhara. These gifts include clothes, bangles, and sweets. Groups gather to perform folk dances like Gidda in Punjab.

The three main days

Haryali Teej falls in the month of Shravana and celebrates the start of the rains. Hartalika Teej occurs in Bhadrapada and involves a strict waterless fast. Kajari Teej follows later and focuses on songs about separation and longing. Each day has specific rituals, but all centre on worshipping Parvati and Shiva together.

Food and gifts

Families prepare special sweets like Ghevar and Thekua for the celebrations. Mothers send gift baskets called Baya to their married daughters. These baskets contain food items and decorative items. Women break their fasts by eating these festive foods. The sharing of meals strengthens family bonds and community ties.

How Teej is kept

Women begin preparations weeks in advance by composing songs and choosing outfits. On the festival day, they apply henna and wear traditional attire. They visit temples to offer prayers and perform puja. Many observe a strict fast without water for part or all of the day. Evening gatherings feature singing and dancing on swings. Families exchange gifts and share festive meals.

When and where

The dates shift each year based on the lunar calendar. Haryali Teej falls in Shravana, usually July or August. Hartalika Teej occurs in Bhadrapada, often August or September. The exact day depends on the phase of the moon.

The festival is strongest in northern India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. It is also widely observed in Nepal. Cities like Chandigarh and Jaipur hold large public processions and cultural events.

What Teej means

The festival symbolises female resilience and devotion. The swing represents the balance between two families. The henna signifies beauty and auspiciousness. Fasting shows dedication to marital harmony. Singing allows women to express personal feelings and social commentary.

On the table

• Ghevar
• Thekua
• Pidukia
• Sattu

Questions people ask about Teej

See also

DiwaliA five-day festival of lights celebrated across India and its diaspora to mark the victory of light over darkness.NowruzThe Iranian new year at the March equinox, kept with fire, greenery and picnicsMawlidAn annual festival marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, marked by poetry, processions and feasts.HoliA spring festival of colours and bonfires that marks the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil.

Good reading and sources

• Sawan 2023 festivals full calendar: Hariyali Teej, Raksha Bandhan to Janmashtami; dates of 12 major fasts and festivalsHindustan Times, Article
• Sawan 2023 festivals full calendar: Hariyali Teej, Raksha Bandhan to Janmashtami; dates of 12 major fasts and festivalsHindustan Times, Article

• Teej on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.