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Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva
Hariyali Teej celebrates the reunion of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva after her intense penance. According to the Shiva Purana, Parvati performed severe austerities for years, refusing food and water, to win Shiva as her husband. Pleased by her devotion, Shiva accepted her, and they were married during the monsoon season. The festival also celebrates the lush green (Hariyali) splendour of the rainy season.
Hariyali Teej celebrates marital bliss, devotion, and the bond between husband and wife. It is one of the most important festivals for married Hindu women in North India. The green colour symbolizes fertility, renewal, and the joy of the monsoon season that brings life to the parched earth.
Married women dress in green attire and new bangles, apply mehndi (henna), and ride decorated swings. They observe a nirjala (waterless) fast for the longevity of their husbands. Worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with green leaves. Sing traditional Teej songs. Receive gifts (shringar) from their maternal home.
Strict nirjala (waterless) fast observed by married women for the longevity of their husbands. Break fast the next morning after puja.