Explain Hartalika Teej 2023 in 500 words
Hartalika Teej is a significant Hindu festival celebrated by married women in India, especially in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. It falls on the Tritiya (third day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, Hartalika Teej will be celebrated on September 1st.
The word "Hartalika" is derived from two Sanskrit words, "Harat" meaning "abduction" and "Aalika" meaning "female friend." According to Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates the day when Goddess Parvati's friend helped her to secretly marry Lord Shiva against her father's wishes. It is believed that Parvati observed intense prayers and penance for many years to win Lord Shiva's hand in marriage. On this day, women fast and pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
The preparations for Hartalika Teej begin a few days in advance. Women clean their homes and decorate them with flowers and rangolis (colorful patterns made with colored powders). They also buy new clothes and jewelry to wear on this auspicious day. Married women receive gifts from their parents and in-laws, which usually include traditional clothing, cosmetics, and sweets.
On the day of Hartalika Teej, women wake up early in the morning and take a ritual bath. They wear traditional attire, usually a red or green saree, and adorn themselves with jewelry. They then gather in groups to perform the Teej puja (ritual worship). The puja involves the creation of a small clay idol or image of Goddess Parvati, which is placed on a decorated platform. Women offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and other traditional items to the idol while chanting hymns and prayers.
After the puja, women observe a strict fast throughout the day, abstaining from food and water. It is considered a test of their devotion and dedication to their husbands. They spend the day singing traditional Teej songs and dancing in groups. The songs revolve around the themes of love, marriage, and the longing for a blissful married life. Many women also participate in cultural programs and competitions organized by local communities.
In the evening, women break their fast after sighting the moon. They offer water to the moon and then consume their first meal of the day, known as "parana." The meal usually consists of traditional delicacies like sweets, puris (fried bread), and kheer (rice pudding). Women also receive gifts from their husbands, symbolizing their love and appreciation.
Hartalika Teej is not only a religious festival but also a celebration of womanhood and marital bliss. It brings together women of all ages, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie. The festival also holds economic significance as it boosts the local markets with increased sales of clothes, jewelry, and sweets.
In conclusion, Hartalika Teej is a joyous Hindu festival celebrated by married women to honor the divine union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and festivities, promoting love, devotion, and marital harmony. The festival is an integral part of Indian culture and is eagerly awaited by women every year.