What is Hariyali Teej? Meaning, Date & Mythological Roots

Hariyali Teej is a vibrant and spiritually rich Hindu festival celebrated primarily in North India. Observed during the monsoon month of Shravana (Sawan), this festival is a celebration of nature’s lush beauty, the marital bond, and devotion to Maa Parvati and Shiv Ji.

In 2025, Hariyali Teej will be celebrated on Monday, August 4.

This festival, also known as Shravani Teej, is marked by joyful rituals, green attire, swing rides, fasting, folk songs, and traditional dances—especially among women.

Origin & Significance of Hariyali Teej

Hariyali Teej derives its name from:

• Hariyali, meaning "greenery," symbolizes the arrival of monsoon.

• Teej means the “third day” after the new moon or full moon.

The festival commemorates the reunion of Shiv Ji and Mata Parvati, who went through 108 rebirths to be united in marriage. It is said that on this day, Shiv Ji accepted Parvati as his consort.

Thus, Hariyali Teej is a symbol of eternal love, strength of devotion, and feminine power.

Rituals & Celebrations

Nishivasar Vrat (Fasting by Married Women)

• Unmarried women observe the fast for a good husband.

• Married women (Suhagins) fast for their husband's longevity and marital bliss.

• Some women observe a nirjala vrat (without water) and spend the day in prayer.

Swings on Mango Trees

• Swings tied to tree branches are decorated with flowers.

• Women sing traditional Teej folk songs and enjoy swinging amidst lush greenery.

• It symbolizes joy and the onset of monsoon.

Shringaar (Adorning Oneself)

• Women dress in green sarees or lehengas, apply henna (mehendi) on their hands, and adorn themselves with jewelry.

• Green bangles and traditional ornaments enhance the festive charm.

Teej Katha (Mythological Storytelling)

• The legend of Shiv and Parvati is narrated, emphasizing faith, sacrifice, and love.

• Women gather to listen to this tale with devotion.

Teej Gifts (Sindhara)

• Mothers send gift hampers (called Sindhara) to their married daughters.

• These include sweets (like ghewar and gujiya), cosmetics, bangles, clothes, and fruits.

Where is Hariyali Teej Celebrated?

Hariyali Teej is celebrated with grandeur in

• Rajasthan—Especially in Jaipur, where royal processions are organized.

• Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Delhi.

• Nepal—Known as Shrawan Teej, observed with dancing and fasting.

Traditional Foods of Hariyali Teej

Although many women fast, some enjoy post-fast delicacies:

• Ghewar – A Rajasthani dessert soaked in sugar syrup.

• Kheer, Malpua, Thekua, and Gujiya are also popular.

• These treats are often shared among family members and neighbors.

Cultural & Seasonal Importance

Hariyali Teej occurs during the peak of the monsoon season, making it a seasonal celebration of renewal, fertility, and abundance.

It’s also emotionally rejuvenating—as women return to their parental homes, reunite with sisters and friends, and relive joyful memories through songs, dances, and shared customs.

Spiritual Message of Hariyali Teej

• Faith in love: Parvati’s unwavering devotion is a spiritual lesson on patience and belief.

• Harmony with nature: The festival is nature-positive, celebrated amidst greenery and rain.

• Women's empowerment through tradition: While deeply rooted in devotion, it celebrates feminine joy, solidarity, and self-expression.

Hariyali Teej is not just a religious observance; it's an emotional and cultural experience. It merges devotion, seasonal beauty, tradition, and sisterhood into a single celebration. In a modern context, it continues to inspire sustainability, feminine pride, and spiritual love.

FAQs

Q: What is the main reason for celebrating Hariyali Teej?

• It celebrates the union of Shiv Ji and Maa Parvati and honors marital devotion and monsoon greenery.

Q: Is Hariyali Teej only for married women?

• No. Unmarried girls also participate and fast in hope of finding a loving life partner.

Q: What are the colors associated with this festival?

• Green is the dominant color, symbolizing life, fertility, and prosperity.

Q: How is Hariyali Teej different from other Teej festivals?

• Hariyali Teej comes during the monsoon and is centered around nature and feminine celebration, unlike Hartalika or Kajari Teej, which have their own regional variations and rituals.

Q: Can men participate in the rituals?

• Traditionally, the day is centered around women, but men can support by helping with arrangements and learning about the festival’s significance.

Q: What is the spiritual meaning of fasting on Hariyali Teej?

• The fast symbolizes dedication, self-control, and unwavering faith in divine love. It is believed to bring blessings of harmony and longevity in marriage.

Q: What is Sindhara in Hariyali Teej?

• Sindhara refers to the gift hamper sent by parents to their married daughters. It includes sweets, clothes, bangles, henna, cosmetics, and other festive items as a token of love.

Q: What songs are sung during Hariyali Teej?

• Traditional Teej geet (folk songs) are sung by groups of women, usually about monsoon, marital bliss, and tales of Parvati Ji. These songs express longing, joy, and togetherness.

Q: Why are swings important in Hariyali Teej celebrations?

• Swings, hung from tree branches, are symbolic of freedom, nature, and childlike joy. They are a central part of the celebration, especially in rural and traditional settings.

Q: How do different regions celebrate Hariyali Teej?

• Rajasthan: Grand processions, especially in Jaipur, where idols of Parvati are paraded.

• Uttar Pradesh & Bihar: Celebrated at home with fasting and katha listening.

• Nepal: Women wear red, dance in groups, and observe Teej with public festivities.

Q: What is the role of Mehendi (henna) on this day?

• Applying mehendi is a ritual of beauty, joy, and auspiciousness. It’s believed that the darker the henna, the deeper the husband's love. It’s also a part of the Shringaar (adornment) process.

Q: Is Hariyali Teej a public holiday in India?

• It is not a national public holiday, but in certain states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, it is observed as a restricted or regional holiday.

Q: What are some popular Teej-themed delicacies?

• Apart from Ghewar, popular foods include Kheer, Puri, Thekua, Dal Baati, and Coconut Laddoos—often enjoyed after the fast ends or served to family and friends.

Q: Can children take part in Hariyali Teej?

• Yes! Though they don’t fast, children enjoy the festive vibes—wearing traditional outfits, playing on swings, watching processions, and participating in cultural programs.

Q: What is the ideal puja time or muhurat for Hariyali Teej?

• The ideal puja time varies each year based on the Tritiya Tithi during the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month. In 2025, auspicious puja time is expected to be in the morning or evening hours. Check your local Panchang for the exact muhurat.

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