Kathmandu: President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba have expressed the confidence that the Teej festival, also known as Haritalika, would further enhance social, cultural unity and would deepen family ties.
On the occasion of the Teej festival, the President and Prime Minister said that this festival would contribute for guaranteeing equal access to women in all sectors of the society.
President Bhandari has stated that the Teej festival has created an opportunity to maintain social unity, women empowerment and social goodwill adding that this festival should be accepted as a social forum to disseminate the message of women’s awakening.
“The Teej would inspire all of us with new excitement and vigour for the development of an equitable society, ending all sorts of discriminations, violence and harmful practices against women,” read the President’s message.
Likewise, the President has wished for happiness, peace and good fortune to all Nepali sisters at home and abroad on the occasion of the Teej festival adding that the Teej festival has remained as a unique symbol of custom, tradition and religious tolerance practiced for long past.
Similarly, the President has urged to all to remain active to end social ills and harmful practices, and thereby protect the religious and cultural aspects associated with our festivals.
Teej festival being observed across the country
The ‘Teej’ festival, also known as the ‘Haritalika’, is being observed by Nepali Hindu women on Tuesday throughout the country.
Women fast and wish for a prosperous life of their spouse on this festival which falls on the third dark day of the lunar month according to Nepali month Bhadau. Women rejoice with various delicious dishes known as ‘Dar’ a day before ‘Teej’ and fast on the next day as per the tradition.
The three-day festivity begins with ‘Dar’ on the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadau and is marked with fasting and cultural programmes next day.
Women on this day take ritual baths in the morning and offer worship while in the evening. They pay homage to Lord Shiva, light lamps and spend the night awake.
The festivity comes to an end on the fifth day of fortnight after worshiping the legendary ‘Saptarishi’ (seven sages).
This unique festival of Nepali women is also a celebration of sisterhood as sisters gather at natal home and indulge in jubilant dancing and singing.
The legend has it that Parbati, the daughter of Himalayas, was on her maiden fast, wishing for the health and the wellbeing of her spouse, Lord Shiva. Since then the same day has been recognized as the Haritalika Teej.
Married women put on bangles, ‘Pote’ (a necklace made of glass beads), ‘Tilahari’ and ‘Sindur’ (crimson powder) considered the symbols of good luck and dress themselves up in red saris or other red outfits and adorn themselves with different kinds of ornaments.
Both married and unmarried women perform various ‘pujas’ (worships) and observe fasting, praying for fulfillment of their wish for a happy and prosperous conjugal life.
The Pashupatinath Temple in the capital sees overwhelming number of women devotees this day.
