Teej Festival

Celebrated in Rajasthan and Chandigarh in August, this swing festival welcomes the advent of the monsoon. The festival is also dedicated to Goddess Parvati and commemorates the day when she was united with Lord Shiva after a penance of a hundred years – making them a symbol of an ideal marriage. It is believed that invocation of Parvati's blessings on this day results in continued marital bliss.

Basically a women's festival, Teej falls on the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Shrawan (July-August).  The images of Parvati or Teej Mata are bedecked in new clothes and jewellery and worshipped. Then the images are taken out in ceremonial processions escorted by caparisoned elephants, camels and horse drawn chariots, as the bride Parvathi leaves her parents home for her husband's. The devotees surges to catch a glimpse of the deity and seek blessings. 

Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls and women colourfully attired, swing on them and sing songs in praise of the goddess and the monsoon. They decorate their hands and feet with henna in delicate designs. The popular belief is that darker the henna the more a man loves his woman. Girls engaged to be married receive gifts such as a dress, henna, lac bangles and sweets from their future in-laws and married women, from their parents.

Festivals - Rajasthan

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