The Festival of 'Teej'

“The color and vibrancy all around

The shimmering glitter makes all shine

Beautiful Henna grace my hands

The lovely brocade adorn my being

Fragrance of well being is lifting my mood

Delectable sweets soothing the senses

Cherishing this joy and embracing prosperity

I welcome the goodness with smiles abound”

The festival of Teej celebrated during monsoon is primarily dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva.  This festival observes the charm of nature, rains, greenery, colors, beautiful rituals and customs. Ladies apply traditional ‘mehndi’ designs on hands, dress themselves in finery, do the customary ‘Puja’, some even observe fast, they gather and sing Teej folk songs, enjoy swing rides, and savor good food specifically ‘Ghewar’.

 

"Ghewar"

The festival is celebrated in many states of India particularly western and northern regions. Each state has some slight variation in the ceremony but the real meaning and worth of this colorful festival remains same everywhere. 

Significance 

Religious:-

On this day Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reunited after hundreds of years. It marks the union of husband and wife. Married women pray to Goddess Parvati for a happy and blissful marital life and singles pray for a husband like Lord Shiva. Its religious aspect signifies the strong bond of husband and wife. 

Nature / Environment:-

This festival make us know the importance of monsoon and benefits of good rain. It teaches us to respect nature and the environment. Balance in season is of utmost importance any disparity can be extremely dangerous. We need to protect the flora and fauna eventually for our own survival.

Relationships:-

After the much tiring and exhausting months of summers, the monsoon brings respite from the heat waves. The rains and the cooling breeze redefine the expression of love.  This festival celebrates relationship between husband and wife. Both pray for each other’s well being. It signifies that companionship require time, love, care and lots of patience. Relationship need to be valued and never should be taken for granted.

India is a land of many colorful festivals, and each of them has something very meaningful to teach us and make us remember that balance in life is of utmost importance. So now it is up to us how we interpret and celebrate the glorious and grand Indian festivals.

(Image 1 – Here

Image 2 – Here)