Best Teej Celebration in Nepal 2024
Teej celebration in Nepal is a significant festival celebrated by women, short for Hartalika Teej, which is the fasting festival of women in Nepal dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva. This vibrant festival occurs over three days, usually in August or September, and is marked by various rituals and cultural activities.
How is the Teej celebration in Nepal?
The Teej celebration in Nepal would last for three days, including enjoying a grand feast popular as Dar Khane Din, observing stringent fasting, bathing in the holy river, presenting traditional performances, and praying to Lord Shiva. The three days are categorized as feast days, fasting days, and Rishi Panchami.
The first day, known as Dar Khane Din, is a grand feast where women gather in their finest attire, often adorned in red sarees, and enjoy a lavish meal prepared by male family members. This day is characterized by singing, dancing, and sharing stories, allowing women to express their emotions and bond with one another. It serves as a rare occasion for women to celebrate and enjoy themselves without the burden of household chores.
The second day of Teej celebration in Nepal is dedicated to fasting, where women observe a strict “nirjala vrata” (water-less fast) from sunrise to sunset, praying for the long life and prosperity of their husbands. Many women visit temples, particularly the revered Pashupatinath, to offer prayers and seek blessings. This day symbolizes devotion and sacrifice, as women believe that their fasting will ensure the well-being of their families.
The final day, Rishi Panchami, involves rituals for purification, where women pay homage to seven saints and bathe with red mud to cleanse themselves of sins. This day marks the conclusion of the festival, reinforcing the themes of devotion, community, and female empowerment that are central to Teej celebrations in Nepal
The origin of the Teej celebration in Nepal:
After Parbati fasted for Teej, hoping to win Lord Shiva as her husband, the festival gained prominence. Today, Shiva temples attract many pilgrims. Parbati, the beautiful daughter of the king of the Himalayas, deeply revered Shiva. However, her father intended for her to marry the wealthy Lord Vishnu. Rejecting this proposal, Parbati fled to the forest, where she embraced a life of asceticism.
Upon learning of her actions, Lord Shiva was intrigued and decided to test her commitment. Disguised as the affluent Vishnu, he approached Parbati, attempting to persuade her to marry him. Yet, Parbati remained steadfast in her devotion. Impressed by her determination, Shiva revealed his true identity, and they eventually married. Overjoyed, Parbati celebrated with a feast for her friends, marking the origin of Haritalika Teej.
Teej celebration in Nepal is the first grand festival coming at the end of the rainy season. At that time, the sky is clear and the sunshine is cosy. You will see Nepali Hindu females singing and dancing in the streets and temples to celebrate the arrival of the Teej Festival. Unmarried girls look forward to a good marriage in the future, and married women pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands. As time goes by, non-Hindus and foreign travellers can also participate in the hilarious festival.