Marking the Calendar: Commemorating Hartalika Teej 2024 the Hindu Way

Hartalika Teej holds a significant place in the Hindu calendar. It is a prominent festival celebrated with immense fervor by married women for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands. In 2022, this auspicious day is anticipated to fall on Friday, the 2nd of September.

The name 'Hartalika' is derived from 'Harat' meaning abduction and 'Aalika' meaning a female friend. The festival gets its name from an ancient legend where Goddess Parvati was whisked away by her friend to prevent her from marrying Lord Vishnu, as ordained by her father. Instead, she performed austerities in the forest to win over Lord Shiva as her husband, signifying the resolve and unyielding dedication of a wife towards her spouse.

This day starts early with women bathing before sunrise, followed by prayers and fasting throughout the day. Women adorn themselves with new clothes, preferably green, which is considered auspicious, and apply intricate henna designs on their hands. They gather in groups to sing traditional songs, narrate folklore and perform dances, creating an atmosphere of joviality and sisterhood. The fast is broken the next morning after offering prayers to the moon. The main highlight of the festival is the beautifully decorated clay idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati that the devotees worship with utmost reverence.

While the festival is celebrated across Northern and Western India, it is most prominent in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The rituals may differ slightly across regions, but the essence remains the same - a celebration of marital bliss, unwavering faith, and devotion.

The Hartalika Teej of 2024 is bound to bring with it an aura of positivity, faith, and hope in these challenging times. Let's embrace it with enthusiasm, keeping the spirit of this beautiful festival alive. It is not just a day but a manifestation of the power of a woman's love and devotion towards her life partner. It reinforces the belief in the sanctity of marriage, and the bond that transcends the physical realm, reaching the divine.