New Delhi: Hartalika Teej is one of the most important festivals for married Hindu women, observed with great devotion and discipline. According to the Hindu Panchang, it falls every year on the Tritiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. In 2025, Hartalika Teej will be celebrated on Tuesday, 26 August. On this day, women observe a strict nirjala vrat (fast without food and water) praying for the long life, good health, and prosperity of their husbands. Unmarried girls also observe the fast to be blessed with a suitable life partner.
The vrat is deeply symbolic of the divine bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, marking their eternal love and union. It is believed that Goddess Parvati attained Lord Shiva as her husband after performing intense penance, and therefore, Hartalika Teej is regarded as a day of unwavering faith, devotion, and marital bliss. Rituals and preparations before the puja are considered extremely important, and devotees follow every step with utmost care to seek divine blessings.
Rituals and traditions of Hartalika Teej
Women observe a strict nirjala vrat, refraining from food and water throughout the day and night, before worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
They adorn themselves with solah shringar and wear auspicious items such as red bangles, sindoor, and bindis.
Listening to the Hartalika Teej Katha (story) and performing aarti in groups is considered highly auspicious.
Preparations before the puja
On the day of the vrat, women wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean traditional clothes. The house and puja space are thoroughly cleaned. A small mandap is made using banana leaves, and clay idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha are installed. Puja begins with Ganesh worship, followed by bathing and decorating Lord Shiva and Parvati with new clothes and ornaments.
The puja thali usually includes belpatra, dhatura, flowers, fruits, sweets, and suhaag items. Women take the vow of nirjala vrat before offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The rituals conclude with katha vachan (story recitation) and aarti. The fast is broken the next morning after sunrise, with prasada or light sattvic food.
Significance of Hartalika Teej
Hartalika Teej is not merely a religious fast; it is a festival celebrating love, devotion, and marital harmony. According to legends, it was on this day that Goddess Parvati’s penance was fulfilled, and she was blessed with Lord Shiva as her husband. For married women, this vrat is believed to ensure prosperity, joy, and a harmonious married life. For unmarried girls, it is seen as a prayer to be blessed with an ideal partner.
The festival is thus regarded as a symbol of commitment, trust, and dedication in marital relationships. Observing this vrat with devotion is said to strengthen the bond of love between husband and wife and bring peace and prosperity into their lives.