India is known as the land of festival due to its vast diversities, interesting culture and different traditions. Interestingly, it is the only country in the world where almost every day a festival are celebrated.
Some of these festivals and traditions have lasted for generations and continue to exist even during present times. One of these festivals is Teej, which is widely celebrated in three forms- Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej.
Hartalika Teej is celebrated in different ways in different states of the country. It is most popular festival in North Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand.
On the other hand, it Southern states Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, its is celebrated as Gauri Habba or Swarna Gauri Vrat.
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Hartalika Teej 2022 Date & Time
Hartalika Teej is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada on the Tritiya or the 3rd day of the Shukla Paksha (waning phase of the full moon). It is celebrated for 3 days by women whether she is married or unmarried.
This year Hartalika Tritiya Tithi will begin at 3:20 pm on August 29, 2022 and commence at 3:33 on August 30, 2022 while the Pratahkala Hartalika Puja Muhurat will last for 2 hours 30 minutes, that is from 6:17 am to 8:47 am.
Hartalika Teej 2022 History
The word Hartalika is made of joining two words “harat” which means abduction and “Aalika” which means female friend. As per Hindu mythology, the incarnation of goddess Parvati as Shailputri was abducted by her female friends to stop her marriage to Lord Vishnu, which was fixed by her father Himalayaraj against her will.
Goddess parvati was in love with Lord Shiva and wanted to marry him only. She fasted, worshipped and performed server austerities throughout 108 lifetimes to finally come to be accepted as consort of Lord Shiva and marry her on the day of Hartalika Teej. Hence, this divine occasion is celebrated as the mark of the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Hartalika Teej Rituals and Significance
On this day, the devotees of Hindu community wake up early in early hours and begin preparation of Pooja. Women get fully decked-up and wear either green or red-coloured attires, apply mehndi, wear bindi, to complete the look of a bride.
The Puja place at the home should have the clay idols of Shiva and Parvati on top of a Banana leaf which is then kept on a plate. Bilva leaves, Dhatura, flowers, fruits and panchamrita are offered to Lord Shiva while the Honey is offered to Goddess Parvati.
Devotees follow Jagran the entire night which means staying awake the whole night and sing devotional songs. The next day, the normal routine is resumed with breaking the fast and with completion of all rituals at the end of the celebration, women get blessings from their husband before consuming prasad.
