Teej

TEEJ

Teej is the most famous festival among women in Nepal. Teej is celebrated on 3rd day of Bhadra Sukala Paksha according to Nepali lunar calendar. It generally falls in late August or early September. Teej is traditionally dedicated to the Goddess Parvati,   remembering her union with Lord Shiva. 

The purpose of celebrating this festival is for the long life of her husband and long and firm relationship between them until the death, this life and all the lives to come.  It is observed for marital happiness, well-being of spouse and children and purification of own body and soul.  

A day before Teej is called 'darr khane din'. On this day all the family members especially the women, both married and unmarried gather at one place, in their finest outfits of red and start dancing and singing on   Nepali folk and Dohori songs. This evening the grand feast takes place women who go in fasting the very next day eat a very heavy meal.

On the day of Teej, the fasting day, women lives a day without drinking water and food. The women in Kathmandu visit Pashupatinath temple in the morning singing and dancing all the way wearing red traditional clothes and women outside the valley visit nearby Lord Shiva's temple. The whole day is celebrated by gathering of family, relatives and friends and also a lot of dancing and singing and fun-filled programs.

In this way, this festival is very entertaining and joyful.   It brings smiles on the faces of women. The cities and villages is filled with happiness on this day.