Teeja Festival in Chhattisgarh: Rituals, Significance, and Celebrations

The Teeja festival, a major celebration for married women in Chhattisgarh, will be observed on August 26, 2025. The Tritiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada commences on August 25 at 12:34 PM and concludes on August 26 at 1:54 PM. Consequently, the main day of celebration falls on August 26. The auspicious time for performing the rituals is from 5:56 AM to 8:31 AM on that day. This festival is also known as Hartalika Teej in other states. It holds a special place in the hearts of married women in Chhattisgarh, as it is associated with Goddess Parvati’s devotion to Lord Shiva. The preparations for Teeja have begun, with married daughters being invited by their parents to their maternal homes. The tradition of welcoming daughters is observed in every home, and women are traveling to their parental homes to participate in the festivities. The festival begins with the consumption of ‘Kadu Bhat,’ a mixture of bitter gourd and rice, on the eve of the main day. Following this meal, the women observe a waterless fast, approximately 40 hours long, seeking the longevity and well-being of their husbands and families. The entire night before the conclusion of the fast is dedicated to devotional songs and prayers. The fast is broken on Ganesh Chaturthi after worshiping Lord Ganesha and Shiva-Parvati and partaking in the offered Prasad. After the Teeja celebrations, the married women return to their marital homes. Married women create idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati from sand or clay. They perform elaborate rituals and seek blessings for their husbands’ long life. It is believed that observing Hartalika Teej helps maintain love in married life and resolve any disagreements. On the day of Hartalika Teej, devotees wake up early, bathe, and arrange their worship area. They install idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha. After worshiping Lord Ganesha, they perform puja of Goddess Parvati, offering her traditional adornments, fruits, flowers, and sweets. The Hartalika Teej fast story is narrated. The fast concludes on August 27, after the sunrise.