Hartalika Vrata or Teej is
celebrated especially in Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Chhattishgarh, and Maharashtra. This is a celebration of the monsoon
also known as Shravana. This is celebrated by both married and unmarried Hindu
women across India. On this day, women dress up, decorate their hands with
henna and also observe a fast in the honour of Goddess Parvati.
Significance
Hartalika is a combination of two
Sanskrit words Harat (kidnap) and Aalika (female friend). It refers to the
event that took place before Mataa Parvati got married to Lord Shiva.
Observance
Rise early and take a bath. Wear
fresh and clean clothes. Then do Sankalpa by taking the names of Mahadev and
Mataa Parvati. Sankalpa means vow. One must vow to themselves that they shall
keep the Vrata sincerely. After Sankalpa, they can begin their vrata. Those who
have opted for Nirjala vrata must not consume water while those who have kept a
phalhari vrata can eat fruits during the day. The person keeping the vrata may
chant the Shiva Mantras and listen to Shiv Parvati Bhajans.
Meanwhile, prepare three idols – one each of Lord Shiva, Mataa Parvati, and Lord Ganesha – with natural clay or sand. In the evening, before the puja, prepare the Panchamrita (mix about 2-3 teaspoons of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee). Make Halwa or kheer for Naivedya. Subsequently, during Pradosh Kaala (the dusk) do the puja.