Explain Hartalika Teej in 500 words
Hartalika Teej is a significant Hindu festival celebrated by married and unmarried women in India, especially in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. It falls on the third day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, and is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion.
The word "Hartalika" is derived from two words - "Harat" meaning "abduction" and "Aalika" meaning "female friend". According to Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates the day when Goddess Parvati was abducted by her father Himalaya to marry Lord Vishnu against her wishes. However, her female friend took her to a dense forest where she performed intense penance for years to please Lord Shiva and finally got married to him. It is believed that unmarried girls who observe the fast and perform the rituals of Hartalika Teej will be blessed with a good husband, while married women pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
The preparations for Hartalika Teej begin days in advance. Women clean their houses and decorate them with flowers and rangoli designs. They buy new clothes and jewelry for the occasion and apply henna on their hands. The fast of Hartalika Teej is observed for the entire day, and women abstain from consuming food and water until they perform the evening rituals. Married women receive gifts from their parents and in-laws, which usually include new clothes, jewelry, and sweets.
On the day of Hartalika Teej, women wake up early in the morning and take a bath. They wear traditional attire, usually a red or green saree, and adorn themselves with jewelry. They gather in groups and visit nearby temples dedicated to Goddess Parvati. They offer prayers and perform aarti, singing devotional songs in praise of the goddess. Many women also observe a partial fast, where they consume fruits and milk during the day.
In the evening, women gather at a common place or in each other's houses to perform the main rituals of Hartalika Teej. They create a makeshift temple-like structure using clay and decorate it with flowers and leaves. They place an idol or picture of Goddess Parvati on it and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets. They light incense sticks and lamps and chant prayers and hymns dedicated to the goddess. Married women also apply vermilion on their forehead and wear colorful bangles as a symbol of their marital status.
After the rituals, women break their fast by consuming the prasad offered to the goddess. They then share a festive meal with family and friends, which includes various delicacies and sweets. The atmosphere is filled with joy and laughter as women sing and dance to traditional folk songs. The festival also includes various cultural programs, where women showcase their talent in singing, dancing, and storytelling.
Hartalika Teej is not just a religious festival but also a celebration of womanhood and the bond between married and unmarried women. It is a time for women to come together, strengthen their relationships, and pray for the well-being of their loved ones. The festival promotes unity, love, and devotion among women and is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of India.