
Customs of Hariyali Teej

It is common for married women to visit their parent’s home on the occasion of Hariyali Teej. The ladies usually dress in green saris and wear new set of bangles. They sing Teej songs in groups as they swing in groups in gardens in vicinity of their homes.

The festival holds significance for both married ladies and unmarried girls. While the married ladies pray to Goddess Parvati for a blissful and a happy married life, the unmarried girls pray to Lord Shiva to gift them with a caring husband.
Myth and Legends Behind Hariyali Teej Celebrations
In Hindu Mythology, it is generally believed that it was on this occasion of Hariyali Teej that Lord Shiva finally agreed to marry Goddess Parvati. As per prevailing myths, Goddess Parvati was in love with Lord Shiva and wanted him to be her soul mate.However, being an ascetic, Lord Shiva did not realize of Parvati’s devotion for him. He lived in deep forests and meditated all the while. He was unaware of the developing scenario. Goddess Parvati realized the fact that it was not an easy task to woo Lord Shiva. So she embarked on the treacherous journey to the Himalayas. It was in the Himalayas that she finally decided to meditate in order to attract the attention of Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva came to know about the selfless devotion of Goddess Parvati and decided to marry her. Thereafter, Goddess Parvati is known to be worshiped as ‘Hartalika’ and ‘Teej Mata’ by married women across the country, particularly in some states of Northern India.