Teej: A Celebration of Womanhood
Staff at our Area Welfare Centre in Bagmati gathered to celebrate together
On 6th September 2024, women across Nepal will gather to celebrate the Nepali festival of Teej, also known as Haritalika Teej.
Teej is a vibrant Hindu celebration dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva.
The Rituals of Teej
The feast before the fast
The night before Teej women will enjoy a great feast known as ‘Dar’. This is taken at midnight to prepare them for the following day of fasting.
A time to worship
On the day of Teej the fast begins and women will gather, dressed in red saris and bangles, symbolising passion, love and fertility.
Those that are married will pray for the well-being of their husbands and seek blessings for a happy married life. Those who have not yet settled pray to find a good husband.
Celebrations
Music plays a large role in the celebrations as folk songs are played as the women dance and sing as children will play on swings.
Teej is a national holiday in Nepal and is more than just a religious festival; it is a celebration of womanhood and female empowerment. It provides women with an opportunity to connect with each other, share their experiences, and strengthen their bonds.