Haritalika Teej - A special fasting festival for Indian Woman

It is one of three Teej festivals and most popularly celebrated in the Northern and western parts of India.

According to Hindu mythology Parvati was in love with Shiva. Being an ascetic Lord shiva was not aware of her. Parvati performed penance on the Himalayas for many years and finally Shiva took notice of her. Then Lord shiva came to know about her love and devotion towards him and agreed to marry her. Since then Parvati has been worshipped as Haritalika.

Unmarried girls keep the fast and pray to Goddesses Parvati in hope to get good husbands. Hartalika Teej Vrat is observed by both married and unmarried women.

Married women keep the Vrat in order to achieve happy and peaceful married life. Married ladies come back to their parent’s home to celebrate the festival.

Some even maintain nirjala vrata (without water) on these three days and refrain from sleep all the three days. This is symbolic of the penance which Goddesses Parvati undertook to get Shiva as her husband.

During the Vrat food is being offered to Brahmins and young girls.