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.
2017 Date : 10th August, Thursday.
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