Kathmandu: The vibrant and significant Hindu festival of 'Teej' is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across Nepal today. This festival is primarily observed by Nepali Hindu women, who come together to pray for a prosperous life and enduring happiness.

According to tradition, on the third day of the dark half of the lunar month in the Nepali month of Bhadau, women observe a day-long fast and engage in rituals to seek blessings for a prosperous life.

Teej is also known as 'Haritalika,' and it holds special significance for Hindu Nepalese women. On this day, women offer prayers and perform worships at the renowned Pashupatinath Temple and various other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva throughout the country.

The name 'Haritalika Teej' is derived from the 'Skanda Puran,' a Hindu religious scripture. It is said that in the 'Satya Yug' (golden age of truth), the daughter of the Himalayas, Parvati, was hidden by her maids because she refused to marry Lord Vishnu on this very day.

On the night preceding Teej, women enjoy a feast of delicious dishes called 'Dar' at their parental homes, where they are specially invited for this purpose.

During the day of Teej, women engage in joyful dancing and singing with a carefree spirit. They adorn themselves with bangles, 'Pote' (a necklace made of glass beads), 'Tilahari,' and 'Sindur' (vermilion powder), which are considered symbols of good luck. Women often wear red saris or other red attire and embellish themselves with various ornaments.

Teej festivities start with ritual baths in the morning, followed by prayers. In the evening, women pay homage to Lord Shiva, light lamps, and stay awake throughout the night.

The final day of the festival is marked by women performing religious and traditional rituals. This includes bathing using mud and using 108 stems of 'Datiwan,' a sacred plant. They also offer prayers to the legendary 'Saptarishis' (seven sages) and provide alms, thereby concluding their fast.

Both married and unmarried women participate in various 'pujas' (worship rituals) and observe fasting. Married women celebrate Teej to wish for the long life and well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women who worship Lord Shiva and Parvati seek the blessing of finding an eligible groom.

Teej is not only a religious observance but also a vibrant cultural celebration that brings families and communities together, fostering a sense of unity and tradition among the Nepali people.