The third day of Shukla Paksha in the holy month of Sawan is called Hariyali Teej or Shravani Teej. This festival is primarily celebrated by women and is also known as Chhoti Teej.
There is festivity all around. The monsoon is at its peak, which means greenery is abundant - giving it the popular name ‘Hariyali Teej’.
Hariyali Teej: Date
Hariyali Teej or Shravani Teej will be celebrated on 3 August (Saturday) this year. This festival is celebrated in different regions of Northern India. Both married and unmarried women dress up usually in green clothes and keep fasts on the occasion.
Women apply mehendi and sing folk songs to celebrate Hariyali Teej for a happy married life. People organise fairs to mark this special occasion. Newly-married women are called back to their house for this day, where they are presented with gifts including clothes, sweets, green bangles, mehendi, etc., by their in-laws.
Hariyali Teej: Significance
According to popular legend, Goddess Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva but had to faced a lot of hurdles before she could achieve this. She took birth multiple times to be able to do this, but was disappointed each time as she could not marry Shiva.
When Parvati was born the 108th time, she went to the Himalayas and meditated. She also gave up food and water and survived by eating dried leaves to impress Shiva.
Finally, her wish was granted and her austerities came to an end. She was later married to Shiva with her father’s permission.
It is believed that it was the day of Shravani Teej when she worshipped Shiva by making a Shivlinga out of sand and keeping a fast that resulted in her finally getting married to him.
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