What Is Kajari Teej?
Shubh Muhurat:
Rituals and Traditions
- Fasting (Vrat) Married women observe fasts for the whole day, oftentimes not taking food or water (nirjala vrat). For the good health, long life, and wealth of their husbands they keep this fast. Some single women also observe it hoping to gain a good husband.
- Worship of Goddess Parvati In the puja area is kept an idol or image of Goddesses Parvati who sometimes features as “Teej Mata”. Women dress up this deity with colorful dresses, ornaments, and flowers.
- They offer prayers to her while doing aarti chanting mantras as well as devotional songs dedicated to Goddess Parvati asking her for blessings that will lead to happy married lives
- Decorating Puja Thali The puja thali (plate) is adorned with items like sindoor (vermilion), bangles, henna, fruits, flowers, sweets, and sacred threads. Such things have symbolic meanings related to married happiness and family well-being.
- Swing Ritual (Jhoola) Swings (jhoolas) are decorated with flowers and are integral to the Kajari Teej celebration. In particular, women living in rural areas swing on them while singing traditional Kajari songs which capture the joys and hardships of married life.
- Henna Application Henna is applied to hands by menstruating women as it’s regarded as sacred. The beautiful patterns signify affection and reproduction. It is also thought that dark shades of henna indicate the intensity of love that exists between a couple.
- Storytelling and Folk Songs Women come together in clusters to hear tales from folklore about Kajari Teej, more specifically how goddess Parvati proved her loyalty to lord Shiva through fasting and worship. In addition, traditional songs are sung alongside the accompanying body movements that honor wedded partners’ dedication to one another.
- Presenting Fruits and Desserts Goddess’ favorites are offered in the form of specially prepared sweets like ghevar, malpua among other indigenous cuisines. These are shared by families and neighbors after puja as Prasad.
- Termination of Fasting Typically, fasting comes to an end towards the evening or the following day after conducting the final puja. The act of breaking fast is accomplished with great respect; frequently small amount of water or sugar is taken.
- Rituals in Sawan Kajari Teej are celebrated during the rainy season in the month of Shravan (Sawan). It is about greenery and rain which means reproduction and renewal. To commemorate this time of year women usually dress in green sarees or bangles that represent the goddess related to Kajari Teej.
- Watching the Moon In certain areas, women worship the moon as part of a ritual for Kajari Teej. They pour water, offer flowers, and pray to the moon asking for blessings on peaceful marriages. The moon symbolizes serenity, beauty， and fertility within nature.
- Condition of Houses Before the festival, homes are cleaned and decorated. Decorative designs made with colored powders known as Rangoli are often placed at the entrance of homes to receive visitors and the supreme being-Goddess Parvati. This is a way to express that this occasion is associated with happiness and good fortune.
The Tale of Kajari Teej
As per ancient Indian mythologies, Goddess Parvati had done severe penance for many years to win over Lord Shiva as her husband. Shiv was impressed by the dedication she showed toward him; hence he finally accepted her as his wife. Kajari Teej marks their reunion indicating love, marital bliss, and devotion.Women celebrate this festival by fasting, donning beautiful attires, singing traditional songs, and performing rituals to honor Goddess Parvati and solicit her blessings for a long and happy married life. The celebration is mostly popular in remote areas of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh where it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional fervor.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is actually Kajari Teeja?
Kajari Teej or Badi Teej as it is also called is a notable festival that is recognized by married Hindu women in various parts of India like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. The festival usually occurs during the monsoon season period when Tritiya (the third day), is counted from the beginning of the dark fortnight of ‘Bhadrapada’ according to the lunar calendar followed by Hindus.
Why is Kajari Teej important?
Kajari Teej finds its significance in marriage vows, and the prayers offered to Mother Parvati for the well-being of married couples. The women, in turn, fast and do pooja for their husbands’ longevity, prosperity, and happiness.
In what way is Kajari Teej being celebrated?
Various observances and practices characterize Kajari Teej, such as fasting, putting on ethnic wear, and gathering socially. Women often sing folk songs while dancing or doing some related cultural activities. Additionally, they worship Goddess Parvati and perform rites as per their locality.
In 2024, on what date will Kajari Teej be observed?
Kajari Teej will be celebrated on Thursday, 22nd August 2024 which is according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Every year it varies depending on this lunar system as it falls on the third day of the dark half of Bhadrapada month.
What are Kajari Teej’s basic rites?
Fasting (vrat) is one of the main rites, worshipping Goddess Parvati, singing Kajari songs, and taking part in community celebrations. Based on local customs, some females do rituals like watching the moon and offering prayers to neem trees, among others. In addition, it is characterized by exchanging gifts from in-laws and home decorations.
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