The cultural and religious traditions of the Sindhi community hold a special place across the country. Among these traditions, a significant fast is Teejri, also known as Sindhi Teej. This fast holds special importance for married women, who observe it for the long life and good health of their husbands. In the year 2025, this fast will be observed on August 12th.
What is the Teejri Fast and When is it Observed?
The Teejri fast is observed on the Tritiya Tithi (third day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Bhadrapada month. It falls three days after the full moon of Sawan (Shravan). On this day, women of the Sindhi community observe the fast with full devotion and adherence to the rules. This festival is celebrated to protect the marital status, much like Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej, and Karva Chauth, but its methods and traditions reflect the unique Sindhi heritage.
Religious and Traditional Significance of the Teejri Fast
In the Sindhi community, Teejri Mata (the deity of Teejri) is considered the goddess of fertility. It is believed that women who observe the fast on this day with complete rules and rituals are blessed with a long life and good health for their husbands, as well as the joy of having children. Moreover, girls whose marriages are already arranged also observe this fast so that their married life is filled with happiness.
Key Traditions and Rituals Associated with the Fast
The Teejri fast involves several traditional rituals that distinguish this festival from other fasts. On this day, women especially wear traditional attire, adorn their hands with henna (mehndi), and participate in the puja (worship) with the sixteen adornments (solah shringar).
The Asur Ritual
Similar to the significance of Sargi in Karva Chauth, the 'Asur' ritual is performed in Teejri. Fasting women consume lol (a thick roti made from jaggery or sugar), koki, rabri, and sweets before sunrise. This food is meant to provide energy to the body during the fast, but it is consumed before the sun rises.
The Tradition of Tikana and the Puja Site
The puja for the Teejri fast is performed at the Tikana. The Tikana is a place in the Sindhi community where religious rituals are performed. At the Tikana, wheat sprouts or a small mango plant is planted in an earthen pot. This is considered sacred. During the puja, water mixed with sugar, tulsi leaves, carrot pieces, and other worship materials are offered there.
Teejri Mata is Worshipped in the Evening
After observing the waterless fast throughout the day, women adorn themselves and perform the puja of Teejri Mata in the evening. During this, the traditional story is also recited, which describes the glory of the fast, the grace of Teejri Mata, and the devotion of the fasting women.
Offering Arghya to the Moon
The Teejri fast is completed by offering arghya (an offering) to the moon. When the moon appears, women offer it whole rice, milk, sugar, and cucumber. At the same time, a special sentence is recited, which has become a traditional identifier of this fast –
“Teejri aaye, Khumbra vesa kare, Aayon jo goriyo, lotiyo kheer bhare.”
This means that Teejri should come and shower happiness and prosperity in all homes.
The Fast Ends with Parana (Breaking the Fast)
After offering arghya to the moon, women break the fast by consuming sattvik food (pure food). This food mostly includes fruits, milk, and traditional dishes. Special rituals are also followed at the time of Parana.
Special Significance of Teejri Mata
Teejri Mata holds a special place in the Sindhi community. Instead of a statue in her worship, the sprouts grown in an earthen pot are worshipped as a symbol. It is believed that germination is a sign of a good beginning of life. For this reason, wheat, moong, or other seeds are sown on this day. When these sprout, it is considered that the grace of the mother has been received.
When is the Teejri Fast in 2025?
In the year 2025, this fast falls on August 12th. This day is the Tritiya Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. On this day, women of the Sindhi community across the country will observe this fast with full enthusiasm and devotion.
