Hariyali Teej

Teej festivity is observed with much fanfare by women in North Indian states, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Three famous Teej(s) which are celebrated by women during Sawan and Bhadrapada months are -

1. Hariyali Teej
2. Kajari Teej
3. Hartalika Teej

Other Teej festivals like Akha Teej which is also known as Akshaya Tritiya and Gangaur Tritiya are not part of above three Teej(s). Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej are special Teej as these falls during Shravana and Bhadrapada months. Shravana month and Bhadrapada months currently coincide with Varsha Ritu or monsoon period and the timing of these three Teej makes them more special to women folks.

Hariyali Teej falls on Shukla Paksha Tritiya in Shravana month and usually falls two days before Nag Panchami. Hariyali Teej is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Hariyali Teej falls during Sawan month which is the holy month to observe various fasts devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The festival of Hariyali Teej symbolizes reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day women pray and worship Goddess Parvati for conjugal bliss and happy married life. During Hariyali Teej married women visit their parents' home, wear new clothes preferably green Sari and bangles, prepare swings and use it in pair while singing Teej songs.

Sindhara (सिंधारा) is a bucket of gift which is sent to the daughter and her in-laws by the parents of married girl. Sindhara contains homemade sweets, Ghewar (घेवर), Henna, bangles etc. Due to custom of gifting Sindhara to the daughter and her in-laws during this Teej, Hariyali Teej is also known as Sindhara Teej.

Hariyali Teej is also known as Chhoti Teej and Shravana Teej. Kajari Teej which comes fifteen days after Hariyali Teej is known as Badi Teej.