The festive date of Kajari Teej in 2017 is August 10. It is the day dedicated to women. Married ones keep fast for their husband, while unmarried keep it to get desired spouse; thus, earn blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on Kajari Teej.
Teej is a generic name for a number of festivals that are celebrated in India and Nepal, Hartalika Teej welcome the monsoon season and are celebrated primarily by girls and women, with songs, dancing and prayer rituals. The monsoon festivals of Teej are primarily dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva.
"Teej" refers to the "third" day that falls every month after the new moon (Amavasya), and the third day after the full moon night of every month.The monsoon festivals of Teej include Haryali Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej.
Every teej got there own significance and all them is celebrated at best. Teej festivals are traditionally observed by women to celebrate the monsoons, on the third day of the Indian month of Shravan, and on the third days of the waning and waxing moon of the Indian month of Bhadrapud. Women also pray to goddess Parvati seeking the wellness of their husband,children and their own self. You can read about Hariyali Teej in my previous page .
Kajari Teej is counted amongst the four of the important Teej festivals that occur in a year. As per the Hindu Calendar, the day of Kajari Teej falls on the third day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month, Bhadrapada. There are certain rituals that are observed on the day of Kajali Teej, by married and unmarried women. Hence, this day holds a lot of importance for women and for those who wish to get a husband of their choice.
Significance Of The Day
The festival of Kajari Teej holds an immense importance for women. As keeping the fast on this day gives longevity to their husband's life. Both married and unmarried women keep fast on this day and worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva to seek their blessings.
Devotional Aspect
The devotional angle of celebrating the Kajari Teej festival is connected to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The legend says that Goddess Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva, but he was in grief of separation from Sati. He went to the caves and involved into deep meditation. While, Goddess Parvati wanted Lord Shiva as her husband and for this, she prayed with full dedication and devotion for a long span of 108 years. Hence, Lord Shiva became happy with her devotion and accepted her as his wife.
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| Wedding of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva Ji. Painting at Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur |
As per the legend, there used to be a dense forest named Kajali located in Central India. The ruler of the region was King Dadurai. King's subjects used to sing songs, which were named as Kajali. The songs were also named as Raga Kajari. The King of that place had a sudden death and the subjects sang those songs in the form of sorrow and grief.
When the King died, his wife also became Sati (an old ritual of burning alive with the husband's body) with him. So, the people of the place sang those songs in remembrance of their King and Queen. These songs became famous in the form of separation songs.
Since, the Kajari Teej also marks the start of monsoon season; hence, Kajri Teej songs are also sung on this day to welcome the monsoon showers. These songs are famous usually in North India.
Rituals Of The Day
In evening, all women dress up in their best attire and jewelry with heena (mehndi) pecked hands and feet. As the sun sets, all women of the family and neighboring houses gather and perform puja and hear Badi Teej katha followed by worshiping moon and having sattu. Many preparations are required for Badi Teej Puja.
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