A Green Glow of Grace: Exploring the Hariyali Teej Festival in India

India is a land of vibrant festivals, but few match the grace, symbolism, and spirit of Hariyali Teej. Celebrated with unmatched joy by women, especially in northern India, this festival honors love, fertility, nature, and the sacred bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Dressed in green, adorned with bangles and mehendi, women celebrate Teej as a prayer for marital bliss and a prosperous life.

The Cultural Roots of Hariyali Teej

Rooted in deep mythology, Hariyali Teej marks the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati after years of penance and devotion. According to legend, Parvati fasted and prayed for 108 lives before Shiva accepted her as his wife. Hence, this day celebrates unwavering love, devotion, and feminine strength.

When and Where is Hariyali Teej Celebrated?

Falling on the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan (July-August), Hariyali Teej coincides with the onset of the monsoon. The festival is celebrated most joyously in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Delhi, where temples, homes, and community spaces come alive with music, dance, and ritual.

Symbolism of Green in Hariyali Teej

Green isn’t just a color—it’s a mood. It symbolizes new life, nature, fertility, and harmony. Women wear green sarees and salwar suits, adorn themselves with green bangles, apply mehendi (henna), and accessorize with floral jewelry. The green palette reflects the lushness of the monsoon and the inner vibrance of womanhood.

Rituals and Traditions of the Day

Women wake up early, bathe, and prepare for nirjala vrat—a strict fast without water. They worship Goddess Parvati with flowers, sweets, and prayers for the well-being of their husbands and families. Community gatherings are filled with swing rituals, folk songs, and storytelling of the Teej katha, highlighting the divine love of Shiva-Parvati.

Teej Delights: Food and Feasts

While fasting is central to Teej, once it ends, the festive table is a spread of mouth-watering sweets and snacks. Traditional delicacies like ghewar, malpua, kheer, and poori-aloo sabzi are savored with family and friends, adding sweetness to the sacred day.

Celebrations in Urban India

Cities have embraced Teej with open arms, blending ancient rituals with modern flair. From temple events to Teej-themed exhibitions, metro cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow host vibrant celebrations, giving space for cultural expression and community bonding.

A Colorful Celebration at Dilli Haat, Pitampura

The Teej Festival at Dilli Haat Pitampura was a stunning showcase of culture and tradition in 2025. With colorful canopies, mehendi stalls, folk dances, and craft exhibitions, the event captured the essence of womanhood and regional art. Traditional Rajasthani and Haryanvi music added soul to the celebration, bringing together women of all ages in joy, prayer, and dance. It was more than a festival—it was a revival of heritage in the heart of the city.

Teej for Married and Unmarried Women

For married women, Teej is a day of devotion and blessings for a long, prosperous married life. For unmarried girls, it's a celebration of hope, love, and a wish for an ideal life partner. It’s a festival that uplifts women at every stage of life.

Mehendi – An Icon of the Festival

One cannot imagine Teej without mehendi. The ritual of applying intricate henna designs is not just decorative—it is symbolic of love and good fortune. Women gather the evening before to adorn their hands with artistic patterns, often hiding their husbands' names within.

Songs, Swings, and Sisterhood

Women gather under trees or decorated areas to sing traditional Teej songs that are passed through generations. Swings are decorated with flowers, and girls take turns swinging while singing, laughing, and bonding. The spirit of sisterhood is deeply embedded in this tradition.

Eco-Friendly Celebrations

In recent years, communities have taken steps to make Teej eco-friendly. From biodegradable decorations to avoiding plastic items, many households and local groups are choosing sustainable ways to celebrate while preserving nature—aligning perfectly with the monsoon mood of the festival.

How Hariyali Teej Strengthens Bonds

The beauty of this festival lies not just in its rituals but in the bonds it nurtures. Whether it’s the bond between a wife and husband, a mother and daughter, or between women of a community—it’s a celebration of relationships, support, and emotional unity.

The Festival’s Growing Global Presence

Indian communities abroad have started celebrating Teej with great enthusiasm. From the US to the UK and UAE, diaspora groups organize events that include kirtans, cultural shows, and mehendi sessions—keeping the tradition alive across oceans.

Conclusion

Hariyali Teej is more than a religious occasion—it's a powerful blend of tradition, beauty, and emotion. With green as its emblem and womanhood as its soul, the festival connects the divine to the everyday. Whether celebrated in a village swing courtyard or in a bustling venue like Dilli Haat, its message remains timeless: honoring nature, love, and feminine strength.