Hariyali Teej (Sindhara Teej) 19-Aug-2023: Story, Timing, Importance & Puja Rituals

Sindhara Teej which is also known as Hariyali Teej is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. It holds immense cultural and religious importance, especially among married women. This article delves into the story behind Sindhara Teej, its timing, its importance in Hindu culture, and the puja rituals associated with this auspicious day.

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The story behind Sindhara Teej

As per the holy Hindu scriptures, Lord Shiva was deeply sad after Goddess Sati who was His wife and an incarnation of Goddess Adishakti, ended Her life due to certain complicated circumstances. This made the Gods pray to Goddess AdiShakti to incarnate again as Lord Shiva’s wife. The Goddess agreed and started the process of taking births and indulging into Tapasya or austerities for the entire lifespan, that are required to attain Lord Shiva as Her husband. In the process, She took Her 108th birth and was incarnated as Goddess Parvati in the form of the daughter of King Himalaya.  She started Her Tapasya right from Her childhood.

King Himalaya, not aware of who She really is, got worried about the obsession of his daughter of marrying Lord Shiva. As a result he decided to marry his daughter to Lord Vishnu as soon as possible. Hearing this, Goddess Parvati fled to the forest with the help of one of Her female friends and increased the intensity of  Her Tapasya to extreme levels. Soon, Lord Shiva appeared before Her and accepted Her as His wife on the day that we celebrate as Hariyali or Sindhara Teej.

Significance of Sindhara Teej

Sindhara Teej holds immense significance for married women as it is believed to bring good fortune and marital bliss. Women pray to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva for the safety and long-life of their husbands. Many women observe the “Nirjala Vrat” which means a fast without water. This is an extremely difficult fasting ritual since women who observe it do not take even a drop of water during the entire duration of the vrat or fast. They complete their fast in the evening with the worship of Moon.

However, even unmarried girls also celebrate this Teej and follow the fundamental worship & fast rituals with a desire of receiving the blessings of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva so that they get married to husbands who would love them immensely and they would thereby lead a blissful married life.

Why is Hariyali Teej called Sindhara Teej?

On the occasion of Hariyali Teej, the parents of a married daughter, send basket/s of gifts called “Sindhara” for her as well as her in-laws. Due to this reason, Hariyali Teej is also called Sindhara Teej.

As far as the name Hariyali Teej is concerned, it is due to the fact that this Teej comes in the month of Shravan when the monsoon season is at its best and there is greenery or ‘hariyali’ everywhere. This is why this Teej is also referred to by the name of Hariyali Teej.

Date & Panchang Based Timings of Hariyali Teej or Sindhara Teej 2023

Sindhara Teej or Hariyali Teej occurs on the ‘Tritiya Tithi’ (3rd date) in the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (waxing phase of the Moon) in the pious month of ‘Shravan’ as per the Lunar Calendar or Hindu Panchang. Women both married as well as unmarried, celebrate this festival with utmost joy & devotion in their hearts.

Sindhara Teej in 2023 will be celebrated on Saturday, 19th August.

The Panchang or Tithi Based Timings for Hariyali or Sindhara Teej 2023 are as follows:

The Tritiya Tithi will begin at 08:02 PM on August 18th and will end at 10:19 PM on August 19th.

The Vrat or fasting ritual as well as other Puja (worship) rituals will be performed from Sunrise on 19th August till Moon sighting in the evening.

Read Also: - Raksha Bandhan 2023: Stories & Importance Behind This Festival

How is Sindhara Teej Celebrated?

Sindhara Teej is a special occasion and women particularly dress up in green coloured clothes because green colour represents fertility. Another reason for choosing green as the colour for dressing up is that this festival comes in the monsoon where there is abundant greenery everywhere.

Women decorate their hands with ‘Mehendi’ or Henna as a traditional symbol of beauty and good luck. They perform the Puja of Lord Ganesh who is the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva and recite or listen to the ‘Hariyali Teej Katha’ which is the story associated with this festival.

As part of a tradition that has been vibrantly followed for thousands of years, women tie swings on trees and enjoy taking joy rides with other women during the day. Women sing cultural & folk songs as well as devotional songs and enjoy this festival.

Festive Celebrations

Sindhara Teej is marked by lively celebrations, with women singing and dancing to traditional folk songs. They participate in community gatherings, where they exchange gifts and share stories and experiences related to married life. This is a festival that acts as an occasion when women bond exclusively within their own gender fraternity.

Traditional Food and Sweets

Sindhara Teej is incomplete without indulging in delectable traditional food and sweets. Women prepare special dishes, including Ghewar, Maalpua and Kheer, which are relished by family members. Many other sweet delicacies are prepared such as Kaju Katli, Barfi and Laddoo.

Symbolism of Sindhara Teej

Sindhara Teej holds deep symbolic significance. The swings represent the playful and romantic nature of Lord Krishna and Radha, showcasing the essence of love in relationships. The fragrance of flowers and the rhythmic sound of bells on the swings evoke a sense of joy and togetherness, reminding couples of their commitment and devotion to one another.

Popular Sindhara Teej Songs

Sindhara Teej is accompanied by melodious folk songs that celebrate love, devotion, and the beauty of married life. These songs narrate tales of Lord Krishna and Radha, highlighting their eternal love story. The songs are sung with gusto and enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere of merriment and joy.

Sindhara Teej Across Regions

Sindhara Teej is celebrated with unique regional flavors across different parts of India. In Rajasthan, it is known as Teej and is observed with great fervor and grandeur. In Uttar Pradesh, it is celebrated as Hariyali Teej, emphasizing the joy of nature and the arrival of monsoon rains. The festival is known by different names in various states but holds a common theme of celebrating marital bliss.

Conclusion

Sindhara Teej is a cherished festival that honors the sacred bond of marriage and celebrates the arrival of the monsoon season. It is a time for married women to express their devotion, seek blessings for their husbands' well-being, and revel in the joyous festivities. Through its rituals, customs, and celebrations, Sindhara Teej brings families together and strengthens the fabric of society.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of Sindhara Teej?

Sindhara Teej is significant as it celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and signifies marital bliss and devotion.

2. When does Sindhara Teej occur?

Sindhara Teej occurs on the third day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Shravana, usually in July or August.

3. What rituals are performed during Sindhara Teej?

Married women observe fasts, perform puja rituals, decorate swings, and exchange gifts during Sindhara Teej.

4. What are some traditional dishes prepared during Sindhara Teej?

Ghewar, Maalpua and Kheer are popular traditional dishes prepared during Sindhara Teej.

5. How is Sindhara Teej celebrated in different regions of India?

Sindhara Teej is celebrated as Teej in Rajasthan and as Hariyali Teej in Uttar Pradesh, with each region adding its unique cultural touch to the festivities.