August 10 is Kajari Teej : Ancient Hindu Ritual Celebrates the Bond of Marriage

• Kajari Teej is widely celebrated in northern India
• The festivals marks and celebrates the devotion and dedication of a woman to her husband

New Delhi, August 8, 2017: Weddings and matrimony are revered with utmost respect in the Indian culture and heritage, and society. The festival of Teej is associated with this nuptial bond of marriage and is paid hearty reverence by men and women alike. On this day, women pray to Lord Shiva for peace and harmony in the relationships. According to the Hindu calendar, this year it falls on August 10.

Teej is categorized into four major categories-

• Akha Teej
• Hariyali Teej
• Kajari Teej
• Hartalika Teej

Also known as Badi Teej or Satudi Teej, it is usually observed by women in the states of North India, particularly Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

According to the Hindu calendar, Kajari (or Kajali) Teej is celebrated on the third day of Hindu Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. This year, it falls on the 10th of August.

Mythological Origin of Kajari Teej

Legends have it that Kajali was the name of a dense forest in central India, around which King Dadurai ruled. Songs sung in praise of the magnificent area were known as Kajali.

After the death of the king, his wife indulged in Sati (an ancient ritual of women burning themselves alive with the corpse of their husbands). Overwhelmed and struck with grief, the people of Kajali improvised Raga Kajari and the songs have been known since as the songs of separation.

Significance of Observing Kajari Teej

Kajari Teej is associated with devotion and dedication of a woman to her husband, like goddess Parvati showed for Lord Shiva. According to legend, upon being asked to prove her commitment, as a sacrament Goddess Parvati observed a fast for 108 years after which she was accepted by Shiva.

This divine union between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place in the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month and hence has been considered auspicious.

ALSO READ: Why Hariyali Teej (Teeyan) is an Emotion for Indians: A Personal Account

Traditionally, swings are hung from trees for women who spend their day swinging, dancing, singing songs and getting involved in similar activities. Women also observe Kajari Teej Vrat for the longevity of their husband, while unmarried women can fast to pray for a spouse of their choice.

Also known as Teeja in many areas, the rural people celebrate Kajari Teej in a musical pattern- traditionally, the boatmen sing Kajali songs and fill the environment with their emotional voices.

A variety of delicacies and sweets of many sorts are prepared to mark the festival that includes, Ghevar (traditional Rajasthani sweet-dish), Dal Bati Churma (oriental Rajasthani dish), Kheer Puri, and Ghujiya among others.

Celebrating Womanhood

Kajari Teej is a festival of vibrancy; to mark the festival women traditionally perform a Teej dance which is essentially similar to the movement of peacocks.

Devotees pray to Goddess Parvati on this festival, who is also carried on a palanquin and taken to the streets. People in huge numbers become part of such a procession and take to the streets to gather, pray and celebrate together.

No Hindu festival is complete without exchanging gifts. The married women are gifted with the traditional items of Shringaar (adornments representing marital bliss) by their parents.

Tritiya Tithi Begins: 00:42 on 10-Aug-2017

Tritiya Tithi Ends: 00:33 on 11-Aug-2017

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