The Teej Festival in Jaipur is a colorful celebration where local people and tourists gather to enjoy the festivities. It is a lively time to visit Rajasthan and be a part of this vibrant festival. During the festival, women dress in green to symbolize the start of the monsoon season and the freshness of newlyweds.
History of Teej Festival
The Teej Festival is celebrated in various parts of Rajasthan, with the most prominent celebrations taking place in Jaipur. It is held during the monsoon season but doesn't have a fixed date each year. While both men and women participate in the festivities, women play a major role in the processions and preparations. There are different types of Teej Festivals, including Hartalika Teej, Hariyali Teej, and Kajari Teej. In Jaipur, the Teej procession takes place over at least two days in the Old City.
Importance of the festival
The festival holds significance as it marks the arrival of heavy rains and symbolizes prosperity as vegetation thrives in the desert land of Jaipur. It is celebrated on the third day of the new moon fortnight in the Hindu month of Shravan, which falls between July and August.
Preaches Teej Festival
According to Hindu customs and mythology, the Teej Festival is associated with the reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. After numerous penances and many births, Goddess Parvati succeeded in marrying Lord Shiva. This auspicious day is believed to bless women with a happy married life if they invoke the Goddess's blessings.
Teej Rituals
During the Teej Festival, young women and married women participate in a colorful procession carrying the idol of Goddess Teej Mata. The idol is adorned with vibrant clothing and accessories, and the women chant spiritual prayers as they parade through the streets. Special songs dedicated to Goddess Parvati are sung during the procession. As part of the rituals, women celebrating the festival stay awake for three nights, symbolizing the severe penance undertaken by Goddess Parvati to win the love of Lord Shiva. Swings decorated with spring flowers, particularly marigolds, are a common sight during the festival.
Overall, the Teej Festival in Jaipur is a joyous occasion that celebrates the monsoon season, the reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, and the blessings of a blissful married life for women.
You should be visiting India in the first week of August to experience this festival.
