Hartalika Teej symbolizes the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu calendar, it falls on Tritiya(third day) of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada month. It is celebrated by both unmarried and married women who do fasting for 3 days. Where on this day married women observe fast for the long life of their husbands but unmarried women keep fast to get a husband like Lord Shiva. The self-made clay idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is worshipped by unmarried and married women for a blissful and happy married life and progeny.
Hartalika is the combination of two words, Harit states for ‘abduction’ and Aalika means ‘female friend’. As Hindu mythology, a legend is associated with this name. It is believed that Shailaputri, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati adored Lord Shiva and wanted to marry him. Meanwhile, Dev Rishi Narad suggested the proposal of Lord Vishnu to Himalaya (father of Shaila Putri) for her. Parvati cried a lot upon hearing this proposal and told everything to her friend. Her friend advised her to abandon in thick forest where she made a Shiva lingam and prayed. Seeing her devotion, dedication, and love, Lord Shiva got impressed and promised to marry her. And this is how she attained Lord Shiva and married him.
Hartalika Teej is also referred as Gora Teej.As this festival celebrates the holy union of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva, therefore married women celebrate it with great zeal and enthusiasm and stay awake whole night singing and dancing on Teej songs. Nirjala Vrat (without water) is observed by women and they heard the legend(Katha) of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva in the evening. During the night, special prayers are been offered for marital life observing the moon. Women apply henna Mehandi at their hands and dress-up vibrantly. Mother-in-laws of married women presented them with Shringar items including vermillion (sindoor), bindi, saree, Mehandi, bangles.
As it is the significant festival of Hindus, it is celebrated in every state with immense happiness and joy. Hartalika Teej is known as ‘Gowri Habba Teej’ in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamilnadu. It is commemorated in northern states of India, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Jharkhand as well. In Rajasthan, Hartalika Teej is popularly known as the festival of Gangaur. The goddess Parvati idol is taken out in a procession accompanied by singing and dancing and celebrating to the fullest. Punjabis perform their traditional dance ‘Gidda’ to honor Hartalika Teej.
Celebrate, Hartalika Teej, offer your prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Paravati. Pray for a happy married life full of love. It is believed that unmarried women who worship the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with full devotion, Lord Shiva blesses them with an understanding life partner.Newlyweds who have recently got married, it is advised them to keep fast and pray clay idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to solicit the blessings of them for a happy and content married life and progeny.