Hariyali Teej Celebrations | July 27 Monsoon Festival

Hariyali Teej Celebrations | July 27 Monsoon Festival

Hariyali Teej on July 27 | Monsoon festival of greenery, fasting, mehendi, swings & blessings for marital joy. Rituals, timings and cultural significance.

Embracing the Monsoon's Charm: The Joy of Hariyali Teej

Hariyali Teej, a vibrant and deeply cherished festival, marks the advent of the monsoon season and is celebrated with immense zeal, particularly in North India. Translating to "Green Teej," this auspicious occasion is a celebration of nature's bounty, marital bliss, and devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It falls during the Hindu month of Sawan (Shraavana), a period synonymous with lush greenery, refreshing rains, and spiritual fervor.

As we prepare for Hariyali Teej 2025, it's an opportune moment to delve into its rich history, understand its profound cultural and spiritual significance, explore the traditional rituals observed by women, and appreciate the joyous celebrations that paint the landscape green.

Hariyali Teej 2025: Date and Auspicious Timings

Hariyali Teej is observed on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Sawan month. For the year 2025, Hariyali Teej will be celebrated on:

Sunday, July 27, 2025

The auspicious timings (Tithi) for Hariyali Teej 2025 are as follows:

• Tritiya Tithi Begins: July 26, 2025, at approximately 08:30 PM IST
• Tritiya Tithi Ends: July 27, 2025, at approximately 09:45 PM IST

The rituals and fasting are primarily observed on July 27, 2025, within these auspicious hours.

Historical Roots and Spiritual Significance of Hariyali Teej

Hariyali Teej is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and cultural traditions. It primarily commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

• The Legend of Shiva and Parvati: According to popular belief, Goddess Parvati observed rigorous penance for 108 births to win Lord Shiva as her husband. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva finally accepted Goddess Parvati as his wife. Thus, Goddess Parvati is also known as 'Teej Mata' (Mother Teej). This legend makes Hariyali Teej a symbol of a wife's devotion and dedication to her husband, and a prayer for marital harmony and longevity.
• Connection with Monsoon: The festival coincides with the peak of the monsoon season (Sawan), when nature is at its greenest and most vibrant. The greenery symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and new beginnings. Women adorn themselves in green attire, wear green bangles, and apply mehendi, all reflecting the lushness of the season.
• Blessings for Marital Bliss: Married women observe a Nirjala Vrat (fasting without water) for the long life and well-being of their husbands. Unmarried girls also fast to pray for a suitable life partner like Lord Shiva.

The festival is a beautiful amalgamation of spiritual devotion, celebration of nature, and the strengthening of marital bonds.

Traditional Rituals and Joyous Celebrations

Hariyali Teej is marked by a series of vibrant rituals and customs:

• Nirjala Vrat (Fasting): Married women observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and water throughout the day, praying for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands.
• Adornment in Green: Women dress up in beautiful green sarees or traditional attire, adorn themselves with green bangles, and wear elaborate mehendi (henna) designs on their hands and feet. Green symbolizes prosperity and new life.
• Worship of Shiva and Parvati: Idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped with devotion. Offerings include fruits, sweets, flowers, and traditional items like 'solah shringar' (16 adornments) for Goddess Parvati.
• Singing and Dancing: Women gather to sing traditional folk songs (Teej geet), dance, and narrate stories related to Goddess Parvati's devotion.
• Swings (Jhoola): A quintessential part of Hariyali Teej celebrations is the swinging on beautifully decorated swings (jhoolas) tied to trees. This symbolizes joy, freedom, and the playful spirit of the monsoon.
• Sargi and Baya: Before sunrise, women consume 'sargi' (a pre-dawn meal prepared by their mothers-in-law) to sustain them through the fast. Gifts, known as 'baya' (including clothes, jewelry, and sweets), are often given to daughters and daughters-in-law by their mothers.

The atmosphere is filled with joy, devotion, and a strong sense of community as women engage in these age-old traditions.

Cultural Importance: A Festival Deeply Rooted in North Indian Heritage

Hariyali Teej holds immense cultural importance, particularly in the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana. It is a vibrant expression of regional traditions and community bonding.

• Regional Variations: While the core essence remains the same, celebrations vary slightly from region to region, incorporating local folk songs, dances, and culinary specialties.
• Community Bonding: The festival brings women together, strengthening social ties and fostering a sense of camaraderie.
• Symbol of Femininity: It is a celebration of womanhood, devotion, and the beauty of marital life, empowering women through shared rituals and festive spirit.
• Monsoon Welcome: The festival also serves as a joyous welcome to the monsoon, a season crucial for agriculture and prosperity in India.

The visual spectacle of women adorned in green, with intricate mehendi, and the melodic sounds of Teej songs, truly capture the essence of this beautiful monsoon festival.

Conclusion: A Timeless Celebration of Love and Nature

Hariyali Teej 2025, falling on July 27, promises to be another day of vibrant celebrations, spiritual devotion, and cultural richness. It's a testament to the enduring traditions that connect us to our heritage and the timeless values of love, dedication, and the celebration of nature's bounty.

As women across North India observe fasts, adorn themselves in green, and swing amidst the monsoon breeze, they collectively pray for marital joy and prosperity, keeping alive a tradition that beautifully blends faith, festivity, and the appreciation of the natural world.