Hariyali Teej 2022 | Sawan Teej

Hariyali Teej is one of the three prominent Teej festivals that are observed by Hindu women. Hariyali Teej is observed on the Tritiya (3rd day) of the Shukla paksha (bright fortnight of the moon) of Shravan month (Sawan month) as per the Hindu calendar. Married women observe the Hariyali Teej fast for the longevity and welfare of their husbands.

In 2022, Hariyali Teej is on July 31, Sunday, three days after Hariyali Amavasya which falls on July 28, and two days before nag Panchami on August 02. Hartalika teej is celebrated on shukla paksha tritiya of bhadrapad on Tuesday, August 30.

The festival falls during the monsoon season when the surroundings are covered with green color, hence the name Hariyali Teej (Green Teej). Hariyali Teej is also known as Sawan Teej (or Sawan ki Teej), Choti Teej, and Madhusrava Teej. The festival of Hariyali Teej holds the same significance as Karwa Chauth observed by married Hindu women.

The festival of Hariyali Teej is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Her unison with Lord Shiva. It was on this auspicious day that Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati as his wife. For this reason, Goddess Parvati is also referred to as ‘Teej Mata’.

Hariyali Teej is observed with great pomp and show in the north Indian states. In Punjab, it is known as Teeyan and in the state of Rajasthan, it is called Shingara Teej. The celebrations of Hariyali Teej may vary slightly from region to region, but the spirit and enthusiasm is the same everywhere.

Rituals of Hariyali Teej

On the day of Hariyali Teej, married women are presented with Shringara items like traditional dresses, bangles, henna, sindoor and sweets to name a few, by their respective in-laws.

The women particularly dress up in green color lehengas or saris. These Shringara items are symbolic of marriage and hold great significance for married women. Also wearing them is considered to be auspicious. As per the Hindu traditions, it is believed that by wearing all the 16 adornments a woman can keep her husband protected from all evils. This custom of gifting ‘Sindhara’ is particularly significant for the newlyweds. As a part of the ritual, women then go to their parent’s house for celebrating Hariyali Teej. Delicious food items are prepared and enjoyed by all.

The tradition of applying henna on the hands and feet is most significant during Hariyali Teej. The festival of Shingara Teej is incomplete without performing this tradition. It is a popular belief that the color of Mehendi on the hands tells about the love showered by husbands. Darker the color of the henna on the hand, the more she will be loved by her fiancé or husband. In some places, women also write the name of their husband or beloved with henna on their hands.

The tradition of Vat Vriksha also forms an important part of the ‘Shravani Teej. In most the places, swings are hung on the branches of a Banyan tree or Vat Vriksha and even in houses. Women spend the day swinging along with dancing and singing with other women. On the day of Hariyali Teej women are given all the liberty for enjoyment and merry-making. In Hindu mythology, the Banyan tree helps sacred and its hanging branches reflect knowledge. Therefore worshipping the Vat Vriksha on the occasion of Hariyali Teej is also considered auspicious.

On the day of Hariyali Teej, women also observe a strict fast known as ‘Nirjala Vrat’, where they are not allowed to even drink water for the whole day. The Hariyali Teej vrat can be kept both by married and unmarried women. The fast is broken later after worshipping the moon. On this day women worship Teej Mata (Goddess Parvati) for the prosperity and well-being of their husbands. The idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped and songs are sung in their honor.

The festival of Hariyali Teej celebrates the nuptial bond of marriage. The observance of this festival by Indian women signifies their devotion towards their respective families and how they are always prepared to protect them from all evils. The celebrations of Hariyali Teej are very elaborate in all the Krishna Mandirs in Vrindavan. Swings are laid for their deity and this ceremony is known as ‘Jhullan Leela’. Religious hymns and songs are chanted in all the mandirs and devotees celebrate this festival with complete excitement and enthusiasm. The idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are beautifully adorned with ornaments and after the celebrations; water is showered over the devotees to mark the arrival of monsoons.

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