Hartalika Teej 2025
India is known as the land of festivals, where every celebration carries deep cultural, social, and spiritual meaning. Among the many auspicious festivals celebrated by women, Hartalika Teej holds a unique significance. Observed with immense devotion mainly in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Maharashtra, this festival is dedicated to Maa Parvati and Lord Shiva. Married and unmarried women observe this vrat (fast) with full devotion, seeking blessings for a blissful married life or for an ideal life partner.
Hartalika Teej in 2025 will fall on Tuesday, August 26. This day falls on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the Bhadrapada month. The vrat is considered highly sacred and is observed with complete dedication, involving fasting, rituals, and worship of Shiva-Parvati.
Hartalika Teej 2025: Date and Timing
- Festival Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Tithi Begins: August 26, 2025, at 10:32 AM
- Tithi Ends: August 27, 2025, at 12:09 PM
The puja is generally performed during the pradosh kaal (evening time), which is considered the most auspicious period for worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Mythological Significance of Hartalika Teej
The story behind Hartalika Teej is deeply rooted in the eternal love and devotion of Goddess Parvati towards Lord Shiva.
According to Hindu mythology:
- Goddess Parvati wanted Lord Shiva as her husband. However, her father Himalaya wished her to marry Lord Vishnu.
- To avoid this marriage, Parvati’s close friend abducted her and took her to a dense forest, where Parvati performed intense penance and observed strict austerities.
- Impressed by her unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva accepted her as his consort.
Since then, women observe Hartalika Teej Vrat to honor Parvati’s devotion and to pray for a strong, loving, and blessed marriage.
The word “Hartalika” itself comes from two Sanskrit words:
- Harat – meaning “abduction” (as Parvati’s friend abducted her).
- Aalika – meaning “female friend.”
Thus, the festival symbolizes friendship, sacrifice, devotion, and marital bliss.
Why Do Women Observe Hartalika Teej?
- For Marital Happiness: Married women fast for the well-being, health, and longevity of their husbands.
- For Finding a Suitable Partner: Unmarried girls observe the vrat to get an ideal husband like Lord Shiva.
- For Emotional Strength: The vrat encourages women to stay strong, patient, and devoted in life.
- For Spiritual Growth: Fasting and puja connect devotees to higher consciousness, reducing material distractions.
Hartalika Teej 2025 Vrat Katha (Story)
During Hartalika Teej puja, women narrate or listen to the vrat katha. The story highlights Parvati’s determination and her deep tapasya to marry Shiva.
The katha is recited with full devotion:
- It explains how Parvati, despite facing obstacles, remained steadfast.
- Lord Shiva finally acknowledged her love and accepted her as Ardhangini (better half).
- The story inspires women to have patience, faith, and courage in life.
Hartalika Teej Vrat Vidhi (Puja Method)
The rituals of Hartalika Teej are followed with deep devotion and vary slightly across regions. However, the core puja vidhi remains the same.
Preparations
- Women dress in bright traditional attire (mostly green or red sarees).
- Apply mehndi (henna) on hands and adorn themselves with jewelry.
- Clean the house and prepare the puja area with flowers, rangoli, and kalash.
Puja Steps
- Kalash Sthapana: Place a decorated kalash filled with water, rice, and coins.
- Clay Idols of Shiva-Parvati: Prepare or purchase idols of Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha for worship.
- Sankalp: Take a vow to observe the fast with full devotion.
- Offerings: Offer belpatra, flowers, fruits, sweets, and especially solah shringar (16 adornments) to Goddess Parvati.
- Lighting Diyas: Light an oil lamp symbolizing purity and divine energy.
- Vrat Katha Recitation: Listen or narrate the story of Hartalika Teej.
- Pradosh Kaal Puja: Worship during evening time is considered highly auspicious.
- Jagran & Bhajan Kirtan: Many women stay awake the entire night, singing devotional songs of Shiva and Parvati.
Types of Fasting on Hartalika Teej
The fast is considered one of the toughest among Hindu festivals because it is a Nirjala Vrat (without food and water).
- Nirjala Vrat (Strict): No food or water for the entire day.
- Phalahar Vrat (Moderate): Devotees consume fruits, milk, or dry fruits.
- Partial Vrat (Easy): Simple vegetarian meals are allowed without onion, garlic, or grains.
Most women prefer Nirjala vrat, believing it brings greater blessings and spiritual rewards.
Hartalika Teej in Different States
- Rajasthan & UP: Women gather at temples, sing folk songs, and perform traditional dances.
- Bihar & Jharkhand: Special community prayers and fairs are organized.
- Maharashtra: Known as Teejri, women exchange gifts and sweets with relatives.
- Nepal: Hartalika Teej is a grand festival where women dress in red sarees, visit Pashupatinath Temple, and celebrate with cultural songs and dances.
Significance of Hartalika Teej
- Strengthens the Marital Bond: Women pray for harmony, loyalty, and understanding in relationships.
- Promotes Devotion & Patience: The vrat teaches women the values of selflessness and spiritual dedication.
- Blessings of Maa Parvati: It is believed that Maa Parvati blesses women with happiness, prosperity, and emotional strength.
- Encourages Female Solidarity: Women gather in groups, sing songs, and celebrate, fostering unity.
Foods & Offerings for Hartalika Teej
While most women remain on Nirjala fast, offerings are still prepared for the puja and family. Common foods include:
- Coconut laddoo
- Ghewar (a famous Teej sweet)
- Kheer (sweet rice pudding)
- Fruits and Panchamrit
- Betel leaves, supari, and haldi-kumkum
Dos and Don’ts of Hartalika Teej
Dos
- Perform puja in pradosh kaal.
- Apply mehndi and adorn yourself traditionally.
- Offer solah shringar items to Goddess Parvati.
- Recite or listen to Hartalika Teej Katha.
Don’ts
- Avoid consuming food and water (if observing Nirjala fast).
- Do not use onion, garlic, or non-veg in food preparation.
- Avoid breaking the fast before completing puja.
- Do not disrespect the idols or puja samagri.
Modern Relevance of Hartalika Teej
In today’s times, the essence of Hartalika Teej goes beyond just ritual fasting. It reminds women of:
- The power of devotion and patience.
- The importance of love, respect, and sacrifice in relationships.
- The cultural heritage that strengthens bonds across generations.
It is not just a festival but an emotional celebration of womanhood, love, and spirituality.
FAQs on Hartalika Teej 2025
Q1: When is Hartalika Teej 2025?
It will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Q2: Why is it called Hartalika Teej?
Because Goddess Parvati was taken to the forest by her female friend (aalika) to avoid her marriage to Vishnu.
Q3: Can unmarried girls observe this fast?
Yes, unmarried girls keep this vrat to get a husband like Lord Shiva.
Q4: Is Nirjala fasting compulsory?
No, devotees can choose between Nirjala, Phalahar, or Partial fasting.
Q5: Which states celebrate Hartalika Teej prominently?
Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, MP, Maharashtra, and Nepal.
Conclusion
Hartalika Teej is not just about fasting, but about faith, devotion, and spiritual growth. It reminds us of the eternal love story of Shiva and Parvati and teaches the values of patience, loyalty, and perseverance. Whether married or unmarried, women find inner strength and divine blessings by observing this vrat. As Hartalika Teej 2025 approaches on August 26, women across India and Nepal will once again immerse themselves in devotion, rituals, and celebrations, keeping alive a tradition that has been passed down for centuries.