TEEJ

 The Teej festival is mostly celebrated by Brahmin and Kshetriya ladies. To be continued for three consecutive days from the third to the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadra they prepare for themselves and their relatives lots of delicious food materials. Ladies put on gala dresses and decorate with ornaments on the second day to go to the holy places where they generally pass the whole night in singing and praying toMahadev. 

It is the common belief that women celebrate this festival to be blessed with a husband they loved or desired. The legendary background of its origin depicts how goddess Parvati got Shiva or Mahadev as her husband. Father of Parvati wanted her to be married to Lord Vishnu which she refused and kept praying for Mahadev. Because of her father’s insistence, she even had to escape to the forest with her friends  where she meditated to win over Shiva’s love. While impressed by her love Mahadev further wanted to test the depth of her love. For that test, Mahadev appeared himself in the disguise of Vishnu  and tried to woo her. However, Parvati remained determined for Shiva and insulted   Vishnu in disguise. Mahadev was then compelled to show up his real form and commit his love to Parvati resulting into their marital bondage.

Parvati was extremely pleased with her successful efforts in winning over Shiva and was equally thankful to her colleagues  who helped her in her great hours of need. As a result she sent for them and celebrated together and enjoyed a lot on that day. The Sanskrit term Haritalika denotes the very interesting and befitting meaning for this day within the context of this story.