Hartalika Teej is one of the most sacred fasts observed by Hindu women, especially for the well-being and long life of their husbands.
In 2025, Hartalika Teej will be celebrated on Tuesday, 26th August.
Hartalika Teej is a major Hindu festival celebrated mostly in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and in Nepal. It falls on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada (August/September). .
It always falls a day before Ganesh Chaturthi, and holds a unique place among India’s many traditional festivals.
The name Hartalika is derived from the Sanskrit words Harat (abduction) and Aalika (female friend). Together, it means “abduction by a friend.”
According to the legend, Parvati’s friend took her away into the forest to prevent her father, King Himalaya, from marrying her to Lord Vishnu against her wish. In the forest, Goddess Parvati made a Shiva Lingam out of sand and performed intense penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband.
Story of Hartalika Teej
According to ancient legend, King Himavan (the father of Goddess Parvati) wished to marry her to Lord Vishnu.
But Goddess Parvati, from childhood, had resolved to accept only Lord Shiva as her husband.
When she learned of her father’s decision, Parvati became distressed. Seeing her sorrow, her close friends decided to help.
They secretly abducted Goddess Parvati and took her into a dense forest, away from the palace.
In that forest, Parvati performed severe penance (tapasya) to please Lord Shiva. She meditated without food or comfort, fully devoted to him.
Moved by her determination and purity, Lord Shiva finally appeared and accepted her as his consort.
Since then, this festival has been celebrated to honor Goddess Parvati’s unwavering devotion and resolve to marry Lord Shiva.
Significance of the Festival
- In North India, Hartalika Teej is considered one of the most important vrats.
- In Maharashtra, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm – women fast, sing devotional songs, and prepare special dishes.
- Married women observe this vrat for the long life and prosperity of their husbands and the well-being of their children.
- Unmarried girls also keep this fast, praying for an ideal life partner like Lord Shiva.
Rituals of Hartalika Teej (Puja Vidhi)
- Holy Bath – Women bathe in sacred rivers or with sesame (til) and amla (gooseberry) powder at home.
- Worship of Idols – Small idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped with devotion.
- Reciting the Hartalika Katha – The detailed story of the vrat is read aloud before family and friends.
- Fasting – Women keep a strict fast (nirjala – without food and water) or a partial fast, depending on health.
- Sixteen Adornments (Solah Shringar) – Women adorn themselves with traditional symbols of married life and devotion.
Customs and Traditions
- The day begins early, often around 2:30–3:00 am with Sargi (pre-dawn meal).
- Women buy or renew their toe rings (bichua), offering them to Goddess Parvati before wearing them, symbolizing eternal marital bliss.
- New saris and jewelry are worn, though clean washed clothes are equally acceptable.
- Women gather together, sing devotional songs, and celebrate with joy.
Rules and Observances
- Women during menstruation do not perform puja or wear new clothes/jewelry.
- The day before Teej is known as Nahay-Khay, when women eat simple food and stop consuming onion and garlic.
- On the fasting day, women may drink water before 3:00 am on 26th August 2025, but afterward the vrat continues strictly until the puja is complete
Vrat (Fast) Timing and Rituals
- When does the fast start?
- The fast begins at sunrise on 26th August 2025. Women bathe early in the morning and take a vow (sankalp) for the vrat.
- Worship Time:
- The main worship is held during the Pradosh Kaal, which is in the evening after sunset, usually between 6:00PM to 7:30PM.
- When does the fast end (paran)?
- The fast is broken (paran) on the morning of the next day, during the Chaturthi tithi, i.e., on 27th August 2025, between approximately 5:40AM and 7:05AM
Conclusion
Hartalika Teej, celebrated on 26th August 2025, is not only about rituals and adornments but a festival of devotion, determination, and eternal love.
It reminds us of Goddess Parvati’s sacrifice and her steadfast will to marry Lord Shiva, symbolizing the strength of love, faith, and commitment.
It is a sacred occasion for women to seek blessings for their husbands, families, and marital happiness, carrying forward the divine bond of Shiva and Parvati.
