Tuesday 2 August 2016

The Festival of 'Teej'

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“The color and vibrancy all around
The shimmering glitter makes all shine
Beautiful Henna grace my hands
The lovely brocade adorn my being
Fragrance of well being is lifting my mood
Delectable sweets soothing the senses
Cherishing this joy and embracing prosperity
I welcome the goodness with smiles abound”


The festival of Teej celebrated during monsoon is primarily dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva.  This festival observes the charm of nature, rains, greenery, colors, beautiful rituals and customs. Ladies apply traditional ‘mehndi’ designs on hands, dress themselves in finery, do the customary ‘Puja’, some even observe fast, they gather and sing Teej folk songs, enjoy swing rides, and savor good food specifically ‘Ghewar’.

 
"Ghewar"

The festival is celebrated in many states of India particularly western and northern regions. Each state has some slight variation in the ceremony but the real meaning and worth of this colorful festival remains same everywhere. 


Significance 

Religious:-

On this day Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reunited after hundreds of years. It marks the union of husband and wife. Married women pray to Goddess Parvati for a happy and blissful marital life and singles pray for a husband like Lord Shiva. Its religious aspect signifies the strong bond of husband and wife. 

Nature / Environment:-

This festival make us know the importance of monsoon and benefits of good rain. It teaches us to respect nature and the environment. Balance in season is of utmost importance any disparity can be extremely dangerous. We need to protect the flora and fauna eventually for our own survival.

Relationships:-

After the much tiring and exhausting months of summers, the monsoon brings respite from the heat waves. The rains and the cooling breeze redefine the expression of love.  This festival celebrates relationship between husband and wife. Both pray for each other’s well being. It signifies that companionship require time, love, care and lots of patience. Relationship need to be valued and never should be taken for granted.

India is a land of many colorful festivals, and each of them has something very meaningful to teach us and make us remember that balance in life is of utmost importance. So now it is up to us how we interpret and celebrate the glorious and grand Indian festivals.

(Image 1 – Here
Image 2 – Here)
 

 

19 comments:

  1. Hi, every year lots of people and Nepali communities celebrate Teej in Manali but today only after reading this wonderful article able to know the real reason of celebrating this festival.

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    1. Thanks for reading and liking the article. Yes it is even celebrated in Nepal.

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  2. I miss Ambala now. We have the best Gewar shops there. I love everything related to festivals - customs, food, fashion and fun.

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    1. Festivals are really fun with regard to lively customs good food and good fashion. Come soon to Ambala and visit Delhi too.

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    2. Sure. Would love to meet you.

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  3. Such a beautiful festival. I loved your poem on it :)

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  4. Unity in diversity- that's our India. A wonderful festival and thanks for letting me know about it more... :-)

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    1. Our culture is very diverse. And it let us learn a lot.

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  5. I hope you have a wonderful festival!

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  6. Very well written. This was a very informative post for me. It's always great learning about festivals and the stories behind them are always very, very interesting.

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    1. Thanks a lot. There are great stories and learning behind every festival, and it is always good to know them and share them.

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  7. It's indeed a beautiful festival and I loved your poem. <3

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    1. Thanks a lot dear. Indian festivals are forever colorful and lively.

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  8. Teej , third day of the bright half of Bhadrapud, monsoon , Women celebrate this colourful and beautiful festival. lovely post on this occasion.

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    1. Thanks Rekha,The colors and vibrancy adds up a very lively aura to the festival spirit.

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