Celebrating Love and Monsoon: The Vibrant Hariyali Teej Festival

Hariyali Teej is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated during the monsoon season. It commemorates the union of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, showcasing the deep bond of love and devotion. The festival is marked by fasting, prayers, adorning green attire, swinging on colourful swings, and indulging in culinary delights.

Women celebrating the festival I Source: Hindustan Times

The arrival of the monsoon season brings a wave of joy and celebration for Hindus across India, particularly for women. Among the myriad festivals that grace this season, Hariyali Teej stands out as a vibrant and joyous occasion that commemorates the union of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati.

According to Hindu mythology, Parvati was born as the daughter of King Himavan and Queen Mainavati, who ruled over the majestic Himalayas. From a young age, she was drawn to Lord Shiva, the ascetic and powerful God of destruction and transformation. For 107 successive lifetimes, Parvati performed relentless penance, enduring all challenges and hardships that came her way. During each birth, she faced various trials, but her unwavering devotion and dedication never faltered. In her 108th life, Parvati's tapas (penance) reached its zenith. The intensity of her devotion and the depth of her love moved Lord Shiva. Shiva appeared before her, and Parvati's long-sought dream became a reality, as Lord Shiva accepted her as his divine consort.

The sacred bond between Lord Shiva and Parvati symbolises the union of the male and female energies in the universe, representing the eternal and harmonious cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. The legend of Parvati holds special significance for married women, as she is regarded as the epitome of an ideal wife, demonstrating immense devotion and perseverance towards her husband. This sacred bond between Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati is celebrated with immense joy and fervour during Hariyali Teej.

The festival falls in the Hindu month of Shravan, typically occurring in July or August. It marks the advent of the monsoon season, with lush greenery and fresh growth symbolising renewal and fertility. Hariyali Teej derives its name from the lush greenery that blankets the surroundings, brought to life by the rejuvenating rains. Women dress in vibrant green attire to mimic nature's resplendent hues, and the festival is a visual delight with green decorations adorning streets, homes, and temples.

The festival holds a special place for young girls and newly married brides as they observe a day-long nirjala (without water) fast to seek blessings for their husband's longevity and well-being. They also revel in the joyous tradition of swinging. Colourful swings are hung from trees and courtyards, providing a sense of exuberance and freedom. Dressed in their finest attire, they gather to sing folk songs to enjoy the youthful spirit of the festival. Laughter, merriment, and clinking bangles fill the air as everyone indulges in the festivities with enthusiasm.

As the day concludes, the fast is broken before sunrise on the following day with a nourishing meal comprising soaked black gram and cucumber. The aroma of traditional delicacies fills the kitchens as families come together to prepare a lavish feast. Mouthwatering dishes like ghevar, a special sweet, are prepared and shared with loved ones. The delightful culinary spread becomes a testament to the joyous bond of families and the celebration of togetherness.

Hariyali Teej not only celebrates the sacred bond between Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati but also serves as a reminder of the beauty and significance of nature's cycles. It is a time to cherish love, devotion, and the blessings of family, and it brings a sense of hope and happiness as the monsoon rejuvenates the land and hearts alike.