Teej Festival, India

Teej corresponds to the third day following a new moon and the third day following a full moon. These festivals are celebrated during the monsoon season, on the third day of the waxing moon during Shravan and on the third day of the waning and waxing moons during Bhadrapad. In India, there are 3 Teej festivals: The Haryali (Green) Teej, the Kajari/Kajli Teej, and the Hartalika Teej. In northern and western India, specifically in Rajasthan, the Teej festival is widely celebrated. Haryali Teej is celebrated at its most grandiose in Jaipur during Haryali Teej, making it the ideal place for tourists to enjoy the celebrations.

Thousands of women come together for a night of prayer and fasting. Their morning devotion begins with bathing to purify themselves and dressing in their best red saris and jewelry to worship Goddess Parvati. Also, their hands are adorned with henna, which is accompanied by the singing of special Teej festival songs. On large trees, swings are fixed to the branches, and the women swing on them joyfully at turns. The Teej festival is a very uplifting experience. On the day before the festival, girls engaged to be married receive a gift from their future in-laws. A special dress, henna, bangles, and sweets are included in the gift. The mothers of married daughters give their daughters gifts, clothes, and sweets. After the worship has been performed, the items are handed over to the mother-in-law.