The festival of Hartalika Teej is celebrated with great devotion throughout India, especially in North India, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and the southern states, on the third day of the Bhadrapada month. This festival is not just a fast but a remembrance of the penance of Goddess Parvati, who endured every hardship to have Lord Shiva as her husband.
On this day, women observe a waterless fast, stay awake throughout the night, and perform prayers during the four prahars (segments of the night). In 2025, Hartalika Teej coincides with a special confluence, as the festival falls around Monday, which is considered a favorite day of Lord Shiva.
What is the meaning of Hartalika Teej?
The word Hartalika is made up of two parts - 'Harat' meaning to kidnap and 'Alika' meaning a female friend. It is believed that Goddess Parvati's friends kidnapped her from her father's house and hid her in the forest so that she could choose Lord Shiva as her husband. This incident formed the basis of Hartalika Teej.
On this day, women fast and worship Shiva-Parvati throughout the night, remembering the same penance and love of Goddess Parvati. This fast is considered a symbol of unbroken marital bliss for married women and the attainment of a suitable husband for unmarried girls.
When is Hartalika Teej in 2025?
Hartalika Teej is celebrated every year on the Tritiya (third day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Bhadrapada month. In the year 2025, this date falls on August 26, Tuesday.
- Tritiya Tithi begins – August 25, 2025, at 12:34 PM
- Tritiya Tithi ends – August 26, 2025, at 1:54 PM
- Hartalika Vrat Puja Muhurat – From 5:56 AM to 8:31 AM
- Puja Duration – Total 2 hours and 35 minutes
A waterless fast is observed throughout the day, and there is a ritual of performing four prahar pujas during the night.
The ancient story of Hartalika Teej
According to mythological beliefs, Goddess Parvati performed severe penance for many births to have Lord Shiva as her husband. When her father, King Himavant, arranged her marriage to Lord Vishnu, Parvati's friends secretly took her to the forest. There, she appeased Lord Shiva while observing a waterless fast.
Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva accepted her. That day is remembered as Hartalika Teej. This fast is considered a symbol of the love between husband and wife and the willpower of a woman.
What do women do in Hartalika Teej
- Nirjala Vrat – Fasting throughout the day without water
- Solah Shringar – Married women adorn themselves with complete makeup
- Gauri-Shankar Pujan – Worshiping by making idols of clay
- Vrat Katha – Listening to the story of Hartalika Teej is mandatory
- Ratri Jagran – Night vigil with songs, bhajans, and recitation of the story
- Companionship of friends – Group worship and observance of the fast
Where is Hartalika Teej celebrated?
This festival is celebrated in many parts of India under different names. It is known as Hartalika Teej in North India, Gauri Habba in the South, and 'Hartalika Osha' in Odisha. In Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, this festival is considered the biggest festival for married women.
When does the preparation for Hartalika Teej begin?
Women begin preparing for this festival several days in advance. Traditional attire, bangles, henna, and makeup items are purchased beforehand. The story of the fast and puja materials are prepared in advance so that there is no mistake on the day of Teej.
The atmosphere on this day is different
On the day of Hartalika Teej, there is an atmosphere of decoration, music, and bhajans in the temples. Women dressed in traditional attire worship in temples and homes. Sometimes, there are also collective Teej programs and song competitions.
