FestivalPublic holiday

Haritalika Teej

हरितालिका तीज

Also known as: Hartalika Teej, Hariyali Teej

Teej is a women's festival celebrated with fasting and dance. It falls in Bhadra (August–September), on the Shukla Tritiya following Rishi Panchami.

Significance

Married women fast for the long life and well-being of their husbands; unmarried women fast praying for a good husband. The festival honours the goddess Parvati's devotion to Shiva.

How it is celebrated

Women gather in red saris at Pashupatinath and other temples, singing and dancing. The fast is strict — many women do not even drink water. The day after, Rishi Panchami, is a day of purification.

Traditional food

Dar (a pre-fast feast the evening before) is a lavish meal. The fast itself is nirjala (no water) for the strictest.