The Trilogy of Teej
In the Hindu calendar, Teej refers to the third day (Tritiya) after a New Moon or Full Moon. While there are several "Tritiyas," these three are the most significant.
1. Hariyali Teej (The Green Teej)
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Timing: Celebrated on the third day of the bright half of Shravana (August 15, 2026).
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The Vibe: It marks the peak of the monsoon when the earth is lush and green. It is the most playful of the three.
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Significance: Commemorates the day Shiva finally accepted Parvati. It represents the "Spring of Marriage."
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Key Rituals:
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Swings (Jhoolas): Women hang swings from large trees.
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Green Theme: Wearing green sarees, bangles, and leheriya patterns.
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Sinjara: Receiving gifts from parents.
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Location: Most famous in Jaipur, Haryana, and Punjab.
2. Kajari Teej (The Dark/Boorhi Teej)
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Timing: Observed 15 days after Hariyali Teej, on the third day of the dark half of Bhadrapada (August 31, 2026).
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The Vibe: More traditional and melodic. It is also known as "Badi Teej" (Big Teej).
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Significance: Associated with the dark, heavy rain clouds (Kajal/Kajari). It focuses on the stability of marriage.
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Key Rituals:
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Neem Puja: Worshipping the sacred Neem tree.
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Moon Prayers: The fast is broken only after offering water to the moon.
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Sattu: Breaking the fast by eating a special sweet made of roasted gram flour.
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Location: Widely celebrated in Bundi (Rajasthan), Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
3. Hartalika Teej (The Most Sacred Teej)
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Timing: Celebrated a day before Ganesh Chaturthi, in the bright half of Bhadrapada (September 14, 2026).
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The Vibe: Solemn, meditative, and physically demanding.
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Significance: Commemorates the legend where Parvati's friends "abducted" (Harat) her to a forest so she could hide and pray to Shiva without her father's interference.
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Key Rituals:
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Nirjala Vrat: A strict 24-hour fast without food or water.
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Clay Idols: Sculpting idols of Shiva and Parvati from river sand or clay.
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Jagran: Staying awake all night singing bhajans to keep the spiritual energy alive.
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Location: Primarily observed in Nepal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Related Topics You Should Know
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Teej Mata Procession: In Jaipur, a grand royal parade takes place only during Hariyali Teej.
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Bundi Kajli Teej Fair: A 15-day massive cultural fair that happens during Kajari Teej.
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Dar Khane Din: A feast day observed in Nepal specifically before Hartalika Teej to prepare for the fast.
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Sindhara: The traditional gift basket sent to daughters-in-law, most common during the Hariyali version.