The Teej Festival is a popular traditional festival celebrated in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and other parts of North India. It holds great significance for married women, who observe fasting and participate in various rituals to seek the well-being of their husbands and marital bliss.
Teej is celebrated during the monsoon season, usually in the month of August. The festival spans over a few days and involves various customs and festivities. One of the most notable aspects of the Teej Festival is the procession of beautifully decorated idols of the goddess Parvati (also known as Teej Mata) through the streets of Jaipur.
Women dress up in vibrant traditional attire, particularly in green-colored clothing, and adorn themselves with intricate henna designs, jewelry, and accessories. They gather together to sing and dance, expressing joy and celebrating the arrival of the monsoon season.
During the festival, married women observe a fast called “Teej Vrat,” wherein they abstain from consuming food and water for the entire day. This fast is considered a way to purify the body and mind and show devotion to their husbands. Women also pray for the well-being and longevity of their spouses.
Apart from fasting, women engage in various rituals and activities. They swing on beautifully decorated swings, often tied to trees or set up in courtyards, symbolizing the playful bond between Lord Krishna and Radha. The swinging is accompanied by folk songs and dance performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
In Jaipur, the Teej Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur. The city comes alive with processions, cultural performances, and competitions such as mehndi (henna) application, traditional dress contests, and folk music and dance competitions. The city’s markets are filled with stalls selling traditional clothing, jewelry, and sweets, adding to the festive spirit.
Overall, the Teej Festival in Jaipur is a vibrant and joyous celebration of love, marriage, and the arrival of the monsoon season. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and provides an opportunity for people to come together, rejoice, and strengthen their bonds.