Teej

"Teej" is one of the festival of Nepal. It is also known as "Haritalika". It is a fasting festival of women. It takes place in August or early September. It is three long day celebration by Hindus women. In this day women pray for maritall bliss, well being of their spouse and children and purification of their own body and soul. Traditionally, the rituals of Teej is obligatory foe all hindus married women and girls. According to holy books, the goddess Pravati fasted and prayed for Lord Shiva to become her spuose. Touched by her devotion, he took her for his wife. Goddess Pravati in gratitude send her emissary to preach and disseminate this religious fasting among mortal women, promising prosperity and longevity with their family. Thus the festival of Teej was born.

On this day all the family members specially women both married or unmarried gather one place wearing red clothes (sari) and ornament and start dancing and singing devotional songs.  In family all the women gathered together  to enjoy the food  called Dar.

Most of women who are in fasting  go to Pashupatinath Temple. At the Shiva temple, women worship the Shiva lingam, the symbol of the lord Shiva, offering flowers, sweets and coins. The main puja  takes place with offerings of flowers, fruits, etc., made to Shiva and Pārbati, pleading them to grant their blessing upon the husband and family. The most important part of the pooja is mostly done in the evening burning the oil lamp  which should be burning throughout the night. It is a tradition of giving the diyo of teej by her mother in law to the married woman.