Hariyali Teej 2023: Date, shubh muhurat, significance, dos and don'ts

As the month of Sawan unfolds, Hindu women across North India are preparing to celebrate Hariyali Teej, a significant festival dedicated to the well-being of their husbands. This auspicious occasion is observed with devotion and fasting, and it holds special significance in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh. This year, Hariyali Teej is set to be commemorated on August 19, which falls on a Saturday.

Significance of Hariyali Teej

Hariyali Teej takes place on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Sawan. On this day, women offer their prayers to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, seeking blessings for the prosperity and longevity of their husbands. The festival derives its name from "Hariyali," which translates to greenery, symbolising the lushness of nature during the monsoon season.

(On this day, women offer their prayers to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva | Image: Twitter)

Muhurat of Hariyali Teej Puja

According to the Panchang, the Tritiya Tithi for Hariyali Teej will commence at 8:01 pm on August 18 and conclude at 10:19 pm on August 19. Meanwhile, Hartalika Teej falls on September 18, with the shubh muhurat for prayers extending from 6:07 am to 8:34 am. The Tritiya Tithi for Hartalika Teej begins at 11:08 pm on August 17 and ends at 12:39 pm on September 18.

Rituals and Customs of Hariyali Teej

The puja vidhi for Hariyali Teej involves several steps that married women meticulously follow:

Idol Creation: Small idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesh are crafted using clay or flour.

Offerings: Offerings including clothes, sindoor (vermilion), bangles, and gifts are presented to Goddess Parvati, symbolising the married woman's devotion. Clothes are also offered to Lord Shiva before beginning the Hariyali Teej Katha.

Aarti: Ganesh aarti is followed by an aarti for Lord Shiva.

Fasting: Women observe a fast throughout the day and perform the puja the following day.

Sindoor Offering: On the next day, sindoor is offered to Goddess Parvati to seek her blessings.

Dos and Don'ts for Observing Hariyali Teej Fast

To ensure a meaningful observance of the fast, there are certain dos and don'ts that women adhere to:

Dos:

Wear green bangles to symbolise longevity and happiness for their husbands.

Utilise gifts sent by their parents' home, which typically include sarees, makeup items, sweets, and fruits.

Listen to the vrat (fast) story and Teej Mata songs to complete the fast rituals.

Don'ts:

Abstain from drinking water throughout the fast, with exceptions for pregnant and sick women.

Refrain from lying or deceiving one's spouse, as the fast's intention is the well-being of the husband.

Avoid wearing black and white clothes during the fast.

Stay awake during the fast, engaging in bhajan and kirtan (devotional singing) of Goddess Mata.

Cultivate a pure mind, deeds, and words, avoiding negativity or harm towards others.

Maintain reverence for nature and the environment, reflecting the festival's connection to nature and Goddess Parvati.

As women gear up for this special day, they need to remain mindful of the need to maintain a pure heart, thoughts, and actions, and to preserve the environment in line with the essence of the festival, which celebrates both nature and devotion.