📅 15 August 2026
Hartalika Teej हरतालिका तीज
Goddess Parvati · Full-day vrat
Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya nirjala vrat observed by married women and unmarried girls of north India, Nepal, Rajasthan, and Bihar for marital longevity and the boon of a Shiva-like husband. Named "Hartalika" because Parvati's sakhis (her female friends) abducted her to the forest to prevent her father's plan to marry her to Vishnu, allowing her to continue penance for Shiva.
Rituals (vidhi)
- 1.Sand-clay murtis of Shiva-Parvati crafted at home
- 2.Nirjala vrat — no food, no water for 24 hours
- 3.Night-long jagran with Teej katha recitation
- 4.Sindoor, mehndi, green bangles, and green saree (suhag shringar)
- 5.Visarjan of clay murtis the next morning
Significance
Marks Parvati's acceptance by Shiva after 108 lifetimes of tapasya, hence the most rigorous vrat for suhag (marital wellbeing). Considered more austere than Karva Chauth because no water is permitted. Unmarried girls observe it praying for a husband who embodies Shiva's qualities of detachment with devotion.
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