Hartalika Teejहरतालिका तीज
Devoted to Goddess Parvati · Once a year (3rd day waxing Bhadrapada, Aug-Sep)
Significance
Married women fast for husband's long life; unmarried girls fast for ideal husband like Shiva. Commemorates Parvati's tapasya to win Shiva. Most rigorous female vrat — strict nirjala 24+ hours.
Who Observes
Married women (Bihar, UP, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Nepal). Unmarried girls seeking ideal husband. Strict observance — even sips of water forbidden.
Fasting Rules (Upvas Niyam)
- •Nirjala fast — no food, no water for 24 hours
- •Begin previous evening; break next morning after puja
- •No sleep during the night — kirtan + jagran encouraged
- •No anger, gossip, worldly talk
Rituals (Puja Vidhi)
- Make Shiva-Parvati idols from sand/clay
- Solah shringar (16 adornments) by married women
- Group katha session with other women in evening
- Night-long bhajan and Hartalika story narration
- Morning shringar puja with mehndi, sindoor offered to Devi
- Break fast after morning puja with husband's blessings
Prasad
Coconut, sweets, fruits, panchamrit
Benefits (Phal)
Eternal saubhagya (marital bliss), husband's long life, marriage to ideal partner for unmarried. Devi grants what she granted herself — Shiva as husband.
Primary Mantra
Vrat Katha (Story Origin)
Parvati did 100-year tapasya to win Shiva. Father Himavan tried marrying her to Vishnu; her friend abducted (haran) and hid her in forest. She continued tapasya there. Shiva appeared, blessed her. "Hartalika" = haran (abduction) + sakhi (friend).
Book a pandit for Hartalika Teej udyapan or katha
Concluding ceremony, havan, or full katha recitation at your home or remotely with video proof.