Nepal Celebrates Haritalika Teej: Devotion and Sisterhood

Kathmandu, Aug 26 (PTI): Hindu women across Nepal gathered on Tuesday to celebrate Haritalika Teej, a festival characterized by fasting, prayers, and the worship of Lord Shiva, with hopes for their families' well-being, prosperity, and longevity. Married women adorned themselves in traditional red saris, glass-beaded necklaces known as Pote, gold ornaments like Tilahari, and Sindoor, all symbols of good fortune. Unmarried girls also observed fasts, praying for a suitable partner. Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli extended his greetings to the nation and highlighted Teej as a festival rooted in devotion, restraint, and self-discipline. Via social media, he expressed how Teej represents reverence, courtesy, and kindness, reflecting the essence of Nepal’s joint family culture while wishing harmony and happiness across society and family life. Major Shiva temples, notably the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, saw thousands of women devotees who engaged in vibrant singing and dancing throughout the day. Teej is celebrated on the third day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadra and starts with 'Dar,' an eve feast featuring rice pudding, fruits, sweets, curd, and more delicacies. On the main day, women undertake fasting, perform morning ritual baths, and carry out evening worship dedicated to Lord Shiva, complete with lighting oil-fed lamps, staying awake through the night. The festival, hailed as a celebration of womanhood and sisterhood, is marked by joyous singing and dancing, as sisters gather at their parental homes.