Teej is the name given to two Hindu religious festivals that
take place in the lunar month of Bhadrapada (August–September).
Kajari Teej occurs on the third day of the month's dark
(waxing) half, while Hartalika Teej occurs two weeks later, on the third day of
the month's bright (waxing) half.
Both of these festivals have mythological roots in the deity
Shiva and his wife Parvati, but the latter is significantly more significant.
Kajari Teej is a celebration that celebrates the arrival of
the monsoon season, which used to make travel difficult.
The monsoon months were exceedingly beautiful for couples
who were together, but the arrival of the rains indicated a period of
separation for those who were separated.
One of the most common lyrical pictures is of a lady gazing
at the lowering sky, unsure whether her lover would arrive in time.
People perform Kajari raga songs on this day, a musical
style associated with both the rains and songs of separation and sorrow.
On this day, people often put up swings and swing on them to
welcome the rainy season.
The festival is observed throughout much of India, but
particularly in the eastern Uttar Pradesh districts of Benares and Mirzapur.
Hartalika Teej (also known as Hariyali Teej) is a religious
observance that young unmarried women follow in order to find a suitable spouse
and have a happy marriage.
The deity Shiva, who is completely devoted to his bride
despite his wild appearance and strange habits, is the paradigm for the perfect
spouse in Hindu culture.
Shiva and his wife Parvati are wedded solely to each other,
no matter what shape they take—as when one or the other is condemned to be born
as a human person, for example.
Shiva and Parvati, the ideal heavenly pair, are the patron
deities of this religious devotion.
Women should worship Shiva and Parvati (as the ideal pair
whose happiness they want to share), decorate their homes, put on new attire,
and spend the night singing auspicious songs.
The cultural significance of marriage for Indian women is
highlighted by this celebration.
Because many Indian women's identities are still shaped
largely by their traditional responsibilities as wives and mothers, marriage is
often the most significant event in their life.
Hartalika Teej's founding myth not only emphasizes the value
of a good marriage, but also emphasizes the role of the lady in obtaining her
spouse.
Sati is reincarnated as Parvati in the home of Himalaya, the
personification of the mountains, when she dies.
Parvati pledges early in life that she shall have no spouse
other than Shiva.
Shiva has made an ascetic vow and spends his time deep in
meditation on Mount Kailas, which her parents attempt to dissuade her from
pursuing this dream.
Unafraid, Parvati travels to the mountains and undertakes
her own rigorous physical austerity (tapas).
Shiva is finally awakened by her asceticism, and on
Hartalika Teej, he disguises himself as an elderly brahmin and arrives to where
she is residing.
He attempts to dissuade Parvati by making disparaging
statements about Shiva's lifestyle and demeanor, but she refuses to be discouraged
and stays firm in her decision.
Shiva eventually displays his full appearance to her, and
they are pledged to marry on that day.