Nepal Teej Date: August 12
Teej is a public holiday in Nepal.
Teej is a Hindu festival observed primarily in Nepal. It lasts three days.
Nepal Teej History
Traditionally, observing the festival of Teej is mandatory for all married women and even for girls who have reached puberty, but the ill and the physically unfit women may not perform this puja. The celebration of Teej involves feasting on the first day, a fast on the second day, and a holy bath on the third day.
According to myths, the goddess Parvati observed a rigorous fast and fervent prayer for Lord Shiva to be her husband. Moved by Parvati’s devotion, Shiva took her to be his wife. Parvati sent her emissary to preach the usefulness of fasting and prayer among mortal women. This led to the tradition of religious fasting among women for the welfare of their husbands and children. This festival is known as Teej.
Nepal Teej Traditions and Activities
The first day of Teej is known as the Dar Khane Din on which women- both married and unmarried- assemble in their finest attires and sing devotional songs and dance. A grand feast consisting of delicious local fares is held on this day.
The second day is a day of fasting. Some women undertake rigorous fasts without a single morsel of food or even a drop of water, but most women eat something- fruits, for example- and drink fluids. This is the day of the main puja which is held in most Shiva temples. Most of the activities take place in the Pashupatinath Temple, where women walk around the Shiva lingam offering flowers and sweets and money. Shiva and Parvati are worshipped so that their blessings may make the family flourish. The oil diya (lamp) plays an important role in the puja- it must be kept alight throughout the night because it is considered a bad omen if it dies away.
The third day is known as Rishi Panchami. After the puja of the previous day, women pay homage to various gods and goddesses and bathe in the holy red mud that is found at the base of the Datiwan bush. This act apparently absolves women of all sins and is the last ritual of Teej.
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