Hariyali Teej, one of the important festivals of India, celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, marks the arrival of the monsoon season and the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Though the essence of the festival remains the same, its observance shows a rich fabric of regional variations that add to the cultural diversity of India. Here is a glimpse of how Hariyali Teej is celebrated in different regions.
Despite the differences in celebration styles, the underlying essence of Hariyali Teej remains the same – celebrating love, devotion and the joy of the monsoon season.
1. Rajasthan
Hariyali Teej is celebrated with much fanfare in Rajasthan. Women wear bright green clothes, which symbolize fertility and prosperity. The celebration includes singing traditional folk songs, dancing and applying intricate mehndi (henna) on your hands. Swinging on beautifully decorated jhools (swings) is a main activity, symbolizing the joy of the rainy season. Beautifully decorated idols of Goddess Parvati are taken out in procession, accompanied by folk music and dance.
2. Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, especially in the Braj region (Mathura and Vrindavan), Hariyali Teej is celebrated with devotion. Songs dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha are sung during this festival, as the region has a deep connection with their divine love. Women gather to swing on swings while singing bhajans. Special prayers and rituals are performed in temples, and sweets like Ghevar and Malpua are prepared and distributed among friends and family.
3. Haryana
Hariyali Teej in Haryana is famous for traditional customs and community celebrations. Women observe a variety of fasts and rituals to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati for marital happiness and prosperity. The festival is an opportunity for women to reconnect with their maternal family, and they are given gifts, clothes and sweets. Cultural events including folk dances like Ghoomar and fairs add to the festive spirit.
4. Punjab
Hariyali Teej is celebrated in Punjab with a mix of merriment and devotion. The festival is called ‘Teej’ and is a day for women to break free from their daily chores and have fun. They wear bright green clothes, apply mehendi and adorn themselves with traditional jewellery. The highlight is the community gathering, where women sing and dance traditional Punjabi folk songs. Swings are set up in courtyards and gardens, where women and girls enjoy swinging while singing songs and having fun.
5. Bihar
Hariyali Teej in Bihar is celebrated with a focus on rituals and fasting. Married women observe a day-long fast without drinking water while praying for the long life and prosperity of their husbands. The fast is broken in the evening after performing a puja (aaradhana) to Goddess Parvati. The celebration includes folk songs, traditional dances, and applying mehendi. It is also customary for women to receive gifts from their in-laws and parents.
6. Madhya Pradesh
Hariyali Teej festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Madhya Pradesh, especially in the Malwa and Nimar regions. Women wear green saris and jewelry, gather for mass prayers and sing traditional songs. Swings are decorated with flowers and women enjoy swinging while happily chatting. The festival is an opportunity for women to socialize and celebrate together, thereby strengthening community bonds.
7. Maharashtra
Hariyali Teej in Maharashtra is celebrated with more simplicity than in the northern states. Women still engage in traditional rituals, including fasting and praying for marital happiness. However, the celebration is more private, focusing on family gatherings and traditional food. Women visit temples to pray and seek blessings for a harmonious married life.
