Hartalika Teej Vrat Vidhi: Hartalika Teej is an important festival celebrated by women, especially in North India and Nepal. This year, Hartalika Teej will be observed on 6th September 2024. On this day, women fast for the well-being and long life of their husbands, and some unmarried women also observe the fast to get a good life partner. The term “Hartalika” is made up of two words: harit (abduction) and aalika (female friend). The fasting ritual, also known as Hartalika Teej vrat vidhi, is considered sacred in Hindu culture.
The auspicious time (shubh muhurat) for performing the puja on this day is from 6:02 AM to 8:33 AM.
Hartalika Teej: Significance and Legend
Hartalika Teej is connected to the story of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. According to the legend, Goddess Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva, so she performed severe penance for years. Her dedication moved Lord Shiva, and he accepted her as his wife. This day celebrates the union of Parvati and Shiva, showing the importance of patience, love, and devotion.
Women fast on this day, hoping to bring happiness, peace, and longevity to their married lives. The vrat is also spiritually important as it strengthens the bond between husband and wife. Many women believe that by observing this fast, they will be blessed with a long and prosperous marriage, just like Goddess Parvati.
Preparations for the Vrat
Before the fasting day arrives, there are a few things you need to prepare:
- Traditional Practices: Many women like to clean their homes and decorate their puja (prayer) space with flowers and rangoli. It’s also common to apply mehendi (henna) on your hands the night before.
- Puja Samagri (Items Needed for the Puja):
- A clay idol or picture of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
- Flowers, especially marigold and hibiscus
- Fruits, sweets, and other offerings like betel leaves, supari (betel nut), and dakshina (money)
- A brass or silver lamp (diya)
- Gangajal (holy water), kumkum (vermilion), and rice grains for the puja
- Setting up the Puja Altar: Choose a clean and quiet spot in your home to set up the mandap (altar). Place the idols or pictures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and decorate the area with flowers and rangoli.
Hartalika Teej Vrat Vidhi
Here’s how to observe the vrat step by step:
- Early Morning Bath:
Start your day with an early morning bath. It’s a good idea to use ubtan (a mixture of turmeric, sandalwood, and gram flour) as it’s considered purifying. Wearing clean and traditional clothes, preferably in auspicious colors like red, green, or yellow, adds to the spiritual ambiance of the day. - Setting Up the Altar:
Once you’re ready, head to your puja space. Begin by cleaning the area thoroughly. Light a diya (lamp) and arrange all the puja items around the idols or pictures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. You can place a clean cloth under the idols and decorate it with flowers and rangoli. If you have a kalash (a brass or copper pot filled with water), place it near the idols. This symbolizes the presence of holy rivers. - Sankalp (Vow):
Sit comfortably in front of the altar and prepare to take the sankalp (vow). Hold a little water, rice grains, and a flower in your right hand. Close your eyes, and with full faith and devotion, make the vow that you will observe this fast for the well-being and long life of your husband. If you’re unmarried, you can vow for a good husband, just like Goddess Parvati. - Puja Rituals:
- Gangajal Offering: Start by offering Gangajal (holy water) to the idols. Sprinkle it lightly to purify the area.
- Kumkum and Rice Grains: Apply kumkum (vermilion) on the foreheads of the idols, followed by a small amount of rice grains. This is a sign of respect and devotion.
- Flowers, Fruits, and Sweets: Offer fresh flowers, especially marigold and hibiscus, as they are considered sacred. Place fruits and sweets in front of the idols as an offering.
- Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha: This is the story of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. If you know the katha (story), recite it with devotion. If not, read it from a book or listen to it online. This story is the heart of the puja, connecting you to the divine energy of the day.
- Aarti: After the katha, perform the aarti (a devotional song). Light the diya again if needed and circle it around the idols while singing the aarti. You can also use camphor (kapoor) to add a divine fragrance to the ritual. Aarti is the time to focus all your thoughts on the divine, feeling the blessings of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.
- Nirjala Vrat (Fasting Without Water):
Hartalika Teej is known for the nirjala vrat, where women fast without even drinking water. If it’s your first time or if you feel it’s too difficult, it’s perfectly okay to stay hydrated. The focus should be on your devotion and intention, not just the strictness of the fast. - Puja Time and Muhurat:
The timing of the puja is crucial. The best time to perform the puja is during the Pradosh Kaal (just after sunset). You can easily check the exact muhurat for your location online or ask a local priest. Performing the puja at the right time is believed to bring maximum blessings. In some regions, women also make small clay idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (known as Latha) and place them at the altar. These are decorated with flowers and offerings, and the whole ritual is performed with great joy and enthusiasm.
Read more: Hartalika Teej Katha In English
Limitations for Pregnant Women and Others
While Hartalika Teej is a spiritually significant festival, it is important to consider individual health conditions before observing the fast.
- Pregnant Women: If you are pregnant, it is advisable to avoid the strict nirjala vrat (fast without water). Instead, you can observe a milder fast by consuming fruits, milk, and water to ensure you stay hydrated and maintain energy.
- Breastfeeding Women: Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid the strict fast. Maintaining energy and hydration is essential for both the mother and baby. A light fast with fruits, juices, and light snacks can be observed instead of fasting completely.
- People with Health Issues: If you suffer from conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or any chronic illness, it’s better to follow a flexible fast. You can consume small portions of healthy food and drinks throughout the day to manage your health.
- Elderly People: For elderly individuals, especially those with weak health, a strict fast can be risky. It’s recommended to keep the fast light by consuming fluids or soft food while still participating in the prayers and rituals.
- People on Medication: If you are on regular medication, especially for life-threatening conditions, fasting strictly could interfere with your health. It’s essential to take your medication with appropriate food and water as needed.
Fasting is a personal choice and should not be done at the expense of your well-being. The essence of Hartalika Teej lies in devotion, love, and faith, and that can be fulfilled even with a flexible approach to the fast.
Do’s and Don’ts During Hartalika Teej
Here are a few things to keep in mind while observing the vrat:
- Do’s:
- Maintain a peaceful and positive mindset throughout the day.
- If you’re feeling weak or dizzy, it’s okay to eat fruits or drink water. Your health comes first.
- Focus on the puja and prayer, and spend time meditating or chanting mantras.
- Don’ts:
- Avoid eating anything solid if you’re observing a strict nirjala vrat.
- Try to stay away from negative thoughts or gossip. Keep your mind calm and focused.
- Don’t overexert yourself. Fasting can be tiring, so take rest whenever needed.
Conclusion
Hartalika Teej is a beautiful way to strengthen your bond with your husband and seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati. By following the vrat with sincerity and devotion, you not only honor the tradition but also bring positivity and happiness into your life.
FAQs
- Can I drink water during Hartalika Teej vrat?
- Traditionally, it’s a nirjala vrat, but if you’re feeling weak, you can drink water.
- What if I can’t fast the whole day?
- You can still do the puja and eat fruits or light food. The devotion matters more than the strictness of the fast.
- Can unmarried women observe Hartalika Teej?
- Yes, unmarried women can observe this fast to pray for a good husband, just like Goddess Parvati did.
- Is it okay to wear any color on Hartalika Teej?
- While there’s no strict rule, many women prefer to wear red, green, or yellow, as these are considered auspicious.
Read more:What Can We Eat In Janmashtami Fast: A Simple Guide
