Kajari Teej

Kajari Teej is one among the three important Teej festivals of India, the other two being ‘Hariyali Teej’ and ‘Hartalika Teej’. The celebrations of Kajari Teej start fifteen days after the Hariyali Teej. It is observed on the ‘tritiya’ (3rd day) of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of moon) in the month of ‘Bhadrapada’ as per the North Indian calendar while in the South Indian calendar it falls in the month of ‘Shravana’. It usually comes three days after the celebrations of ‘Raksha Bandhan’ and five days prior to ‘Krishna Janmashtami’. Kajari Teej is also called as ‘Badi Teej’, ‘Kajali Teej’ and in some regions it is also referred as ‘Satudi Teej’.

The festival of Kajari Teej is primarily the celebration and funfair time for unmarried girls and women. In the northern states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the festivities the festivities soar to great heights. Large processions of Goddess Parvati are carried out on this day in Rajasthan, especially in the small town of Bundi. The procession is accompanied by artists, folk dancers, musicians, camels and elephants. It is one of the most beautiful and colourful processions that attracts tourists to Bundi from all corners of India and even abroad. The day of Kajari Teej is known to be very auspicious in the life of married women.

Significance of Kajari Teej:

The Hindu festival of Kajari Teej celebrates the spirit of womanhood and observed for the longevity and prosperity of husbands. Married women observe this festival with immense enthusiasm and gaiety. The celebration of Kajari Teej also welcomes the beginning of the monsoon season. After the scorching heat of the summers, the arrival of monsoon season is very pleasant and fills everyone with excitement. All the three most important Teej festivals of the Hindus are observed during the month of ‘Sharavan’. It can be summed up that the festival of Kajari Teej showcases the uniqueness of the Indian culture. Even though it is observed for two consecutive days, its essence can be felt till ‘Janmashtami celebrations.

Rituals during Kajari Teej:

On the day of Kajari Teej women worship Goddess Parvati and ask Her blessings for a blissful married life. Women get up early on this day and finish all their morning chores. They then wear new clothes and adorn themselves with sindur, bindi and bangles. Women also apply mehendi on their hands and feet. It is a customary practice for women to dress up as newlywed brides on the day of Kajari Teej.
In some regions, women also worship the holy neem tree on this day. They gather in small groups and perform the puja around the neem tree under the guidance of a knowledgeable priest.
Women also observe a strict fast on this day, known as Kajari Teej Vrat. The observer of this vrat gets up before sunrise and eats some food during this time. They then spend the whole day without eating or drinking even a drop of water. During the evening women in the neighbourhood get dressed up and gather for the puja. The women worship the ‘Neem’ tree with ‘kumkum’, ‘chawal’, ‘haldi’, ‘henna’ and also offer fruits and sweets. Following this the priest recites the ‘Kajari Teej Katha’. In some communities women can break their fast by eating ‘Sattu’or fruits, after worshipping the moon. Married women keep the sacred Teej vrat for the long life of their husbands. Some unmarried girls also observe this fast to get a husband of their choice. When a woman starts the Kajari Teej vrat she must continue doing it for her lifetime or for a period of 16 years.
As this festival is mainly meant for the females, women spend this day enjoying amongst them. On Kajari Teej day, swings are put up on the trees for women. This special day is spent dancing, singing songs and swinging along with other pleasurable activities. ‘Kajli Songs’ are an integral part of this Badi Teej celebration. In the rural areas, it is celebrated in a musical way.
Any Hindu festival is incomplete without the spread of gourmet food delicacies. The women make special preparations for Kajari Teej. Some of known delicacies prepared on this occasion are ‘Kheer’, ‘Puri’, ‘Badam ka Halwa’, ‘Gujiya’, ‘Ghevar’ and ‘Kaju Katli’ to name a few. Sattu, a sweet made from chana dal is a special delicacy that is also significant in the rituals and celebrations of Kajari Teej. These special offerings are prepared by the ladies of the household for offering to Goddess Parvati. The food is then later distributed among family members and friends.
On the day of Kajari Teej, there is a tradition of gifting ‘Shringara’ items to married women. This includes clothes, jewelry and sweets.