Teej being celebrated across the country today

Kathmandu: The festival of ‘Teej’, also known as the ‘Haritalika’, is being observed by all, especially women, throughout the country today.

The festival falls on the third day of the waxing moon of the Nepali month of Bhadra, as per the lunar calendar.

The revelers of this festival, mostly women, observe a fast, wishing for longevity and a prosperous life for their spouse.

The three-day festivity begins with ‘Dar’ on the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadra and is marked with fasting and cultural programs the next day.

Women rejoice with various delicious dishes known as ‘Dar’ the day before ‘Teej’ and fast on the next day as per tradition.

Women on this day take ritual baths in the morning and offer worship in the evening.

They pay homage to Lord Shiva, light oil-fed lamps, and spend the night awake. The festivity concludes on the fifth day of the fortnight, after worshiping the legendary ‘Saptarishi’ (seven sages).

This unique festival of Nepali women is also a celebration of sisterhood as sisters gather at their natal home and indulge in jubilant dancing and singing.

Married women put on bangles, ‘Pote’ (a necklace made of glass beads), ‘Tilahari’, and ‘Sindur’ (crimson powder), considered symbols of good luck, and dress themselves in red saris or other red outfits, adorning themselves with various ornaments.

Both married and unmarried women perform various poojas and observe fasting, praying for the fulfillment of their wish for a happy and prosperous conjugal life.

Shiva temples, including the Pashupatinath Temple in the capital, see an overwhelming number of women devotees these days.