Hartalika Teej has the story of Goddess Parvati’s penance and devotion. Suhagan women keep the husband fast for longevity and worship with 16 adornments. This festival is still celebrated with great enthusiasm in traditional and modern form.
Hartalika Teej Significance: Hartalika Teej is a festival that Suhagan women celebrate Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva with worship. On this day, women observe the Nirjala fast and do devotion with all their hearts. A deep legend-Parvati ji’s determination, unique example of love and devotion is hidden among colorful costumes, mehndi and song and music. Mother Parvati did harsh penance to get Shiva as her husband and only after her meeting, Hartalika Teej started.
Story of Hartalika Teej
Parvati ji (Shailputri), the daughter of Himalayan Raj, had only one dream-to have Lord Shiva as her husband. But on the advice of Narada Muni, his father decided his marriage to Lord Vishnu. Unhappy with this decision, Parvati ji shared her pain with her friend. Saheli (Alika) hid them (green) by taking them to the forest to save them from this marriage. There Parvati ji did hard penance and survived only on fruits. Pleased with his loyalty and unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva accepted him as his wife. Later, Himalayas also blessed the marriage by accepting their mistakes. With this, the tradition of Haritalika Teej started. This one story reflects the power of love, devotion and friendship.
16 Importance of Shringar
Suhagan women fast for long life. At the same time, virgins observe this fast to get their favorite husband. On this day, women make sixteen adornments-Sandur, Bindi, Bangle, Bichhiya, Payal, Kajal, Mehndi, Nath, Mangalasutra, Gajra, Perfume, Ala, Karnafool, Jewelry, Suhag saree and Mang Tika. This Shringar is a symbol of worship of Goddess Parvati. Shringar also shows female power, beauty and confidence.
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Haritalika Teej in modern times
This is a festival that women still celebrate with the same tradition and reverence, as was celebrated earlier. Suhagan women gather and worship in temples or houses, sing folk songs, dance and strengthen mutual relationships.
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