what is Teej?

 Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by women in various parts of India and Nepal. It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Teej typically falls in the Hindu month of Shravan, which usually corresponds to July or August in the Gregorian calendar. There are several variations of Teej, with two of the most prominent ones being:

1. Hariyali Teej: This is celebrated during the bright half of the lunar month of Shravan and is also known as Shravani Teej. It is primarily observed by married women who pray for the well-being and long life of their husbands. Women wear green attire, adorn themselves with mehndi (henna), and participate in various rituals and festivities.

2. Hartalika Teej: This festival falls on the third day of the bright half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada, which usually corresponds to August or September. It is primarily celebrated in North India, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. Married women fast on this day, praying for the prosperity and happiness of their families.

Common customs and rituals associated with Teej include fasting, applying henna (mehndi) on hands and feet, dressing in traditional attire, singing folk songs and dances, and offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women often come together to celebrate the festival, share stories, and perform various cultural activities.

Teej is not only a religious festival but also a celebration of the monsoon season and the bond between husband and wife. It holds cultural significance and is an occasion for women to express their devotion and love for their spouses. Different regions may have their own unique customs and variations of Teej, but the core essence of the festival remains the same.