“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.
