See A Hartalika Teej Uniting Women in Faith and Celebration
Hartalika Teej
Women celebrate Hartalika Teej, a lovely and significant holiday, all over India, but particularly in North India. Married and single women alike observe it to commemorate Goddess Parvati’s devotion to Lord Shiva. They fast and offer prayers for their families’ well-being as well as marital bliss. Let’s explore the meaning of this holiday, the pooja muhurta (auspicious timing) for this happy event, and the pooja vidhi (worship process).
Hartalika Teej Pooja Vidhi
The rituals and traditions of Hartalika Teej are deeply rooted in devotion and faith. Here is a simple pooja vidhi that can be followed:
Preparations:
- Clean the pooja area and decorate it with flowers and rangoli.
- Place idols or images of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha on a clean platform.
- Arrange offerings like fruits, sweets, and flowers.
Morning Bath & Dress:
- Women wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear new or traditional clothes, preferably in bright colors like red, green, or yellow.
- Apply mehendi (henna) on the hands, which is considered auspicious for the occasion.
Sankalp (Vow):
- Sit in front of the deities and take a vow of fasting for the well-being of your husband (for married women) or for future marital bliss (for unmarried women).
- Offer water and flowers to signify your vow.
Ganesh Pooja:
- Begin the pooja by worshipping Lord Ganesha, as he is the remover of obstacles.
- Offer sweets, especially modaks, to Lord Ganesha along with flowers and water.
Worship of Shiva and Parvati:
- Offer flowers, fruits, betel leaves, and sweets to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Chant prayers or recite the Shiva Parvati Vrat Katha (story of their union).
- Light an oil lamp and offer incense sticks.
- Some women also offer 16 symbolic items called solah shringar, which represent beauty and good fortune.
Fasting:
- Women observe a strict fast, refraining from food and water throughout the day. However, the fast can be adjusted based on health conditions.
- This fast is broken the next morning after offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Evening Aarti:
- In the evening, perform aarti (ritual waving of light) and conclude the pooja by praying for the well-being of the family.
- After the pooja, distribute prasad (holy offering) to family members
- Also Read the article about Swarangiri Temple
Hartalika Pooja Muhurta
Since pooja is best done at an auspicious moment, timing is crucial to the Hartalika Teej festivities. The following is the pooja muhurta for Hartalika in 2024:
Pooja Muhurta: 06:00–08:27 in the morning
Pradosh Kaal (evening): 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Depending on convenience and family customs, women can perform the pooja at any of these times. It’s also customary to keep the fast during the day and carry out the major ceremonies at night.
The Bond of Faith and Sisterhood
The camaraderie that Hartalika Teej forges among women is one of its most endearing features. Many ladies gather to joyfully enjoy the event, sing along to traditional melodies, and exchange ideas. This day is a celebration of faith and sisterhood because the fast and prayers are frequently performed in groups. Women of all eras are united by a common belief in the power of marriage, love, and wealth.
