Kajari Teej is a significant Hindu festival that is celebrated with gusto and fervour. On this day, married women offer prayers to goddess Parvati and lord Shiva for a blissful married life and longevity of their spouse.
This is a festival that falls in the month of Shravan or Sawan (July-August). On this day, Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are worshipped. This festival symbolises marital devotion, love, and prayers for the long life and well-being of husbands.
This year, it will be celebrated on August 12. There are many things that married women can do to pray for the long life of their husbands and seek the blessing of marital bliss. They are listed below.
Fasting
Married women observe a strict fast from sunrise to moonrise without consuming food or water. The fast is undertaken to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati for a happy married life and to pray for their husband’s health and longevity. Some women also fast without water (Nirjala Vrat) to show utmost dedication.
Offer prayers to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva
Women visit temples dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. They offer red vermillion (sindoor), flowers, sweets, and fruits to the goddess for a good marital life ahead. Reciting mantras like the Parvati Stotra or Shiva Chalisa is also believed to invite good luck and fortune.
Apply Henna
Women can also apply henna on their hands and feet. It is a traditional ritual and one that many women enjoy doing. There’s also this belief that the darker the mehndi color, the stronger the bond between husband and wife.
Tie Kajari Teej thread
Women tie a sacred thread called the Kajari Teej Thread (or Teej Rakhi) on their wrist. This thread is usually blessed by priests and it is worn by women as it is believed to offer protection and maintain marital harmony.
Perform aarti and offer sweets
Women can also perform aarti and offer sweets like kheer, ladoo, and malpua to the goddess as part of the ritual.
Listen to Kajari songs
Traditional Kajari folk songs celebrating love and devotion are sung throughout the day. These songs add to the festive mood and invoke feelings of harmony and affection.
Prayers for long life of husband
The central theme of Kajari Teej is praying for the long life and prosperity of the husband. Women meditate on the virtues of loyalty, patience, and love, strengthening their marital relationship.