Haritalika Teej Vrat Katha and Date 2023
Haritalika Teej is a significant fasting and religious occasion observed primarily by women in North India, especially in regions like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. It is celebrated with devotion to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, marking the day when Goddess Parvati took the form of Haritalika to win Lord Shiva as her husband. The festival falls during the Shravana month (usually in August or September), on the third day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Bhadrapada, which is the 3rd day of the month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu lunar calendar.
Haritalika Teej Vrat Katha
The story behind Haritalika Teej is rich in mythology and symbolism:
1. Goddess Parvati’s Penitence:
Once upon a time, Goddess Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan and Queen Mena, was deeply in love with Lord Shiva. Despite her love, Lord Shiva had not yet agreed to marry her. Parvati, desiring to marry Lord Shiva, undertook severe penance to win his affection and blessings.
2. Parvati’s Childhood Friend:
Parvati’s childhood friend, named Haritalika, who was a learned and pious woman, advised her to perform a fast on the third day of the Shravana month, which would help her gain Lord Shiva as her husband. Haritalika’s advice was crucial, as she guided Parvati in her fasting and meditation to strengthen her devotion.
3. Lord Shiva’s Blessing:
While Parvati was fasting and praying, her father, King Himavan, did not approve of her devotion to Lord Shiva and wanted her to marry a suitable prince. But Parvati’s love for Lord Shiva was unwavering. Seeing her dedication and resolve, Lord Shiva appeared before her, blessing her and agreeing to marry her.
4. The Significance of the Fast:
Haritalika Teej marks the day when Goddess Parvati took the form of Haritalika (the friend) to help her win the heart of Lord Shiva. The fast is observed by women for marital happiness, prosperity, and the well-being of their husbands. Unmarried women also observe this fast to pray for a good husband.
5. Rituals:
Women dress in green clothes (symbolizing fertility and prosperity), adorn themselves with jewelry, and observe a strict fast, usually without consuming food or water. They pray to Goddess Parvati, seek her blessings for a happy married life, and recite the Teej Vrat Katha, which narrates the legend of Parvati and Lord Shiva’s marriage.
Date of Haritalika Teej in 2023:
In 2023, Haritalika Teej will be observed on September 17, 2023 (Sunday).
The festival falls two days before Ganesh Chaturthi, and it is considered one of the most important festivals for married women, who celebrate it for the well-being of their husbands and families.
