Nepal: Hindu women celebrate Hartalika Teej with fervor

Sep 06, 2024

Kathmandu (Nepal), Sep 06 (ANI): Draped in red sarees, Nepali Hindu women celebrated the festival of Teej on Friday by sharing their sorrows and pain through songs, while observing a fast in hopes of a prosperous and fortunate life. Thousands of fasting Nepali Hindu women flocked to the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu to pay homage to Lord Shiva, following an ancient tradition. On this third day of the dark half of the lunar month, which falls in the Nepali month of Bhadra, women observe fasting and pray for a prosperous life while celebrating the festival. Soon after performing rituals at the temple, hundreds of fasting Nepali women gathered in the outer square, singing and dancing. Through their songs, they share their pain and sorrow about the hardships they face, blending their emotions with melodies. The ‘Teej’ festival, also known as ‘Hartalika’, is celebrated with fervor by Hindu Nepali women who offer prayers and worship at the Pashupatinath Temple and other Shiva temples across the country. On the night before Teej, which falls on the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadau, women gather at their parental homes to enjoy a feast known as ‘Dar’, specially prepared for this occasion. On the day of Teej, women immerse themselves in jubilant dancing and singing, exuding a carefree spirit.