Teej, a unique celebration, is one of the most widely observed festivals in Rajasthan depicting the vibrant colours of monsoons. It refers to all the monsoon festivals observed particularly in the western and northern states of India.
Besides welcoming the monsoons, the occasion also commemorates the bounty of nature.
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A blend of culture and religion, this festival is also dedicated to the eternal love of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, celebrating their holy union.
Generally observed by the women, they pay their obeisance to the divine couple, seeking true love and a happy and long married life for themselves.
They also pray for the well-being of their husbands or would-be husbands.
In Rajasthan, Teej is celebrated throughout the rainy season while its celebration varies from region to region. In some places it is performed for one long week with gaiety and fun. It is captured at its festive best at the fairs that are held in honour of the festival, looking dazzlingly theatrical and lively.
Besides the Shravani and Bhadon ki Teej, the local Kajli Teej in the Hadoti region, is a special attraction for tourists. It is celebrated on the third day of Bhadrapad (August-September) whereas it takes place on the third day of Shravan (July-August) at other places in the state.
The fest is particularly vibrant with the traditional procession of the goddess in a decorated palanquin which passes through the main bazaar and the streets.
As raindrops fall on the parched land and the intoxicating aroma of the wet soil rises into the air, the locals cheerfully install tree swings and decks them richly with flowers making them look ethereal. Young girls dress up in colourful lehariya saris and adorn themselves richly with jewellery like new set of bangles and painting the hands with vibrant patterns of mehndi (body art from ancient India).
They dance with joy while singing traditional Rajasthani folk songs, also known as Teej songs, to mark the advent of the monsoon.
They look free of all worries and sadness as they sway on the swings bedecked with flowers singing “Banna re bagan me jhula dalya…” on the happy occasion of ‘Hariyali Teej’.
In many parts of India the Goddess Parvati, also known as Teej Mata, is worshipped on this day. An elaborate procession is staged beginning at the City Palace, Jaipur flanked by hordes of spectators.
The festival is incomplete without the traditional Rajasthani dessert Ghevar (made of desi ghee) which is enjoyed heartily in this festival.
On the occasion of Teej, Johari Bazaar, a market place in Jaipur, gets stocked with the trendiest women accessories and clothes. Most of the fabric clothes display lehariya (tie and dye) prints.
Sweet shops display ‘Teej special’ sweets like malpuas (a type of sweet) butghevar remains the main attraction of the season.
