Teej Festival

Teej is a Hindu festival that is celebrated by women in Nepal. It is also known as ‘Haritalika Teej’ and is one of the biggest celebrations in the country, with preparations for it starting weeks ahead.

Essentially, Teej is a festival about devotion. On this day, women pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands. Unmarried women participate by praying for a good husband, ideally someone like Lord Shiva, one of the major deities of Hinduism.

The festival is named after the third day of the Hindu lunar month, tritiya, which means third in Sanskrit language. Over time, the word became what it is now called: ‘Teej’. And as the name suggests, it occurs on the third day of the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadra (the fifth Nepalese month).

The celebration brings women together and honours as well as strengthens the bonds of sisterhood, too. Most married women return to their parental homes for it, gather together and sing and dance. They express the joys and sorrows of their everyday lives through these Teej songs.

The festival is also a visual spectacle. Anywhere in Nepal, you’ll see crowds of women dressed in bright red, with bangles and gold jewellery, heading to Shiva temples near them.

Teej Festival at a Glance 

What is the purpose of the Teej Festival?

For most Nepalese women, Teej is mainly about religious devotion. Many fast on this day to honour Goddess Parvati’s devotion and intense penance. Nepali women show their own devotion towards their families by fasting for their long life.

Marital aspirations may be another major purpose, especially for unmarried women. Just as Goddess Parvati fasted on this day to marry the person she wanted to i.e. Lord Shiva, rather than who her father wanted her to, it is believed that unmarried girls who fast on this day also get to marry the person they want to, who is essentially a good husband. The belief is that sincere prayer on Teej brings blessings for a happy married life.

Teej is also a social occasion. Besides the main festival, the feasts to welcome Teej are events in themselves. Called ‘dar’ in the local language, these are organised weeks in advance and are a fun time for the attendees with food, music, dance and lots of laughter.

Women celebrating Teej with fun and foodFor women who are homemakers, especially women in the rural region of Nepal, Teej is one of the few days when they can shake off their usual responsibilities that tie them to their house, go back to their paternal homes and enjoy the occasion with their parents and childhood friends.Working women also get the day off for the celebration.

Teej Festival History and Origins

Figuring out the exact origins of Teej is tricky. There’s no adequate evidence to trace when it first began, because neither the ancient religious texts nor the eighteen Puranas have references to this festival, but if you dig deep you can find the underlying religious fasts and legends that form the basis of it.

Some scholars even suggest the word ‘Teej’ doesn’t come from Sanskrit. But that hasn’t stopped the stories from being passed down through generations. As researcher Kamala Dahal notes in her 2020 study published in the Molung Educational Frontier, the lack of authentic information makes it difficult to trace the festival’s precise historical beginning.

The story most people tell goes back to Goddess Parvati, the daughter of King Himalaya. According to Hindu mythology, the Teej festival is fundamentally a symbol of the dedication of Goddess Parvati to Lord Shiva (K.C., 2019). From childhood, Parvati wanted to marry Shiva. But her father had agreed to give her hand to Lord Vishnu instead. When Parvati found out, she was heartbroken. She confided in a friend who helped her escape and hide in a dense forest to avoid the unwanted marriage.

Hindu women celebrating Teej festival by wearing red attire, fasting, dancing, and prayers dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva

The word ‘Haritalika’ comes from this hiding story. ‘Harat’ means abduction and ‘Aalika’ means female friend. So the name itself tells you what happened.

There in the forest, Parvati began a long and difficult penance. Scholar K.C., writing in the 2019 volume of Man In India, notes that she is believed to have taken 108 births on earth before Lord Shiva accepted her as his wife (K.C., 2019). On her 108th birth, she continued her hard-core tapasya (penance). On the third day of the month of Bhadrapada, when Parvati made a Shiva lingam using her hair and prayed to Shiva, Lord Shiva finally appeared, impressed by her determination, and married her.

The Swasthani Vrata Katha, a popular devotional text in Nepal, is another source of this Saivite myth that village women are most familiar with (K.C., 2019). It belongs to the traditional Puranic corpus of Hindu epic texts and has actively contributed to constructing Nepali Hindu identity and practice.

The Story Behind Haritalika Teej Festival

The story of Teej is really the story of Parvati, and it’s one that women across Nepal have passed down for generations.

Parvati was the daughter of King Himalaya. From the time she was young, she had only one wish: to marry Lord Shiva. She was completely devoted to him. But her father had other plans. As scholar Indira Mishra explains in her 2011 paper published in the Journal of the Department of English at Mahendra Multiple Campus, daughters were historically treated as property to be handed over to others, and Himalaya had agreed to give Parvati’s hand to Lord Vishnu (Mishra, 2011).

When Parvati found out, she was heartbroken. She confided in a close friend. Together, they hatched a plan. Her friend helped her escape and hide in a dense forest, away from her father’s reach, so she could avoid the unwanted marriage. This is where the name ‘Haritalika’ comes from.

The Story Behind Haritalika Teej Festival

In the forest, Parvati began a severe penance. She went through incredible hardship and had to take 108 births on earth, having failed to have Lord Shiva as her husband till her 107th birth (K.C., 2019). On her 108th birth, when she continued the hard-core tapasya again, Shiva decided to test her sincerity.

He disguised himself as the rich Vishnu and rode a gorgeous carriage to see Parvati, trying to lure her to marry him. But Parvati remained unmoved by this. Shiva was very impressed by her determination and finally revealed his identity to marry her.

This was more than just a love story. As Mishra (2011) interprets it, Parvati’s mythological action was a direct revolt against the patriarchal order that treated daughters as property. Supported by her female friends, Parvati’s flight was a historic act of rebellion (Mishra, 2011). The myth highlights the power of female solidarity and joint action. Over time, however, this rebellious aspect was largely overshadowed in the myth-making process. Instead, as Mishra (2011) notes, patriarchy reframed the festival as a purely religious event emphasising female submission, devotion, and self-sacrifice (Mishra, 2011).

Since then, this day has been observed as Haritalika Teej. For me, what makes this story so powerful is not just the divine romance, but Parvati’s determination. She knew what she wanted, and she was willing to make great sacrifices for it. That’s a message that still resonates with women celebrating Teej today.

Other festivals are celebrated in Nepal. Some of the major festivals celebrated in Nepal are Dashain, Tihar, Janai Purnima, Chhath, and Holi, on different dates and times of the year.

When Is Teej Celebrated?

Like all Hindu festivals in Nepal, the date for Teej celebrations isn’t fixed. It is based on the lunar calendar, which means it moves around each year.

If you’re planning a trip to Nepal around this time or targeting Teej in particular, it is worth understanding how the dates works.

Teej falls on the third day of the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadra, the fifth month in a Nepali calendar. This is usually around late August or early September in the Western (Gregorian) calendar.

The festival isn’t just one day, though. It starts with ‘dar’, which in earlier times was only the day before Teej. Then we have the Teej day itself and it ends with Rishi Panchami, which is usually two days later.

When is Teej in 2026?

This year, Teej will be celebrated on Monday, 14 September 2026. That is 29 Bhadra 2083 in Nepali calendar. That is the main day of the festival, when women observe the fast and visit Shiva temples.

Rishi Panchami, on the other hand, falls on 16 September 2026, Wednesday.

What’s the Difference Between Hartalika Teej and Hariyali Teej?

Hartalika Teej is a major festival of Nepal that is observed in Bhadra (August/September) and focuses on Goddess Parvati’s penance and her determination to marry Shiva. The fasting on Hartalika Teej is considered particularly strict and women often go without food or water for the entire day. In Nepal, this is the Teej that everyone talks about.

Hariyali Teej is pretty different. It is celebrated about a month earlier than Haritalika Teej, in the month of Shravan (July/August). The word ‘hariyali’ means greenery in Nepali and Hindi, and the festival is named after the lush monsoon landscape.

Hariyali Teej is particularly popular in Indian states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. Women dress in green saris and apply mehendi for it. Additionally, there can be some swinging on decorated swings and singing folk songs.

In 2026, Hariyali Teej falls on Saturday, 15 August. That’s a full month before Hartalika Teej. Both these festivals honour the same divine couple i.e. Shiva Parvati, but as we have seen, the traditions are different.

There’s also a third Teej called Kajari Teej, which is celebrated mainly in parts of India, but the two mentioned above are the ones you’re most likely to encounter. In Nepal, when people say ‘Teej’, they’re almost always referring to Hartalika Teej.

How Is Teej Celebrated in Nepal?

Teej is a multi-day festival that is about more than just fasting. While ‘dar’ was initially eaten the day before the main day of the Teej festival, over time, it has become an affair that starts weeks before Teej.

Women call over their friends and family for a feast and celebrate the festival with dances to songs specifically made for Teej. And ‘dar’ has evolved into an event everyone wants to host, social calendars get booked weeks in advance around Teej.

The main day of the festival is pretty intense for many, especially for those fasting. Women wake up early, take a ritual bath and dress in their finest red attire. Red is significant for many Hindu festivals because it is considered one of the most auspicious colors in the religion.

Women then visit Shiva temples, and in the capital (Kathmandu), the most prominent gathering being at the Pashupatinath Temple. Many women observe a nirjala vrat, meaning they fast without food or even water.

You would think going without food or water would wear them down but instead, you will see thousands of these women dressed in red gather at temples premises singing and dancing in between worship and even when they are queued up.

They pay homage to Lord Shiva, light oil-fed lamps, and often spend the night awake. In Kathmandu, the Pashupatinath temple gates open as early as 4 am, accepting worshippers inside.

The festival concludes on the Rishi Panchami day on which women worship the Saptarishi, the seven sages, by offering them food and money. Another traditional ritual involves bathing with red mud and brushing teeth with datiwan (branches of a sacred bush) to purify the body and soul. A puja is also conducted either communally at temples or in houses on this day.

Teej Traditions and Rituals

The traditions of Teej are rich and varied. They go beyond just the fasting. One of the most visible traditions is the dress code. Women wear red saris or other red outfits. Red is a colour associated with marriage and good fortune in Hindu culture.
Along with the sari, women adorn themselves with traditional jewellery like pote (a necklace of glass beads), tilahari and wear sindur (vermilion powder) on their foreheads. The jewellery is usually gold.

They also wear red, green, and yellow bangles. We’ve talked extensively about why red is important to the festival but green is just as important to Teej celebrations. You will see shops brimming with green clothing and accessories if you are in Nepal in the weeks leading up to Teej.

Fasting is another important ritual during Teej. On the main day, women perform a strict fast, often without water. They believe this act of devotion brings longevity and prosperity to their spouses and family. Unmarried women participate in the hopes of marrying a good partner, ideally someone like Lord Shiva.

Singing and dancing are also inseparable to the celebration. Women sing traditional folk songs that often express their joys and sorrows. On the day of the festival and even during the ‘dar’ events that happen weeks or days in advance, women gather in groups to dance. In recent years, even modern songs and TikTok videos have become a part of the celebration.

Puja and temple visits are also central to the festival. The main focus here is on worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, so temples of these deities are packed with devotees. Women make offerings and pray for happiness and a peaceful family life.

The crowds at Shiva temples, especially Pashupatinath, are enormous, with worshippers queuing for hours to get a glimpse of the god.

Conclusion

Teej is a multi-day festival that brings together women across Nepal to observe rituals that have been passed down for generations through fasting, praying, singing and dancing. The festival honours the story of Goddess Parvati and its traditions have evolved over time.

Teej is no longer limited to specific castes or communities, as more and more women participate in the festival than ever before. The songs have changed, the celebrations have become more inclusive and the festival continues to adapt to all of this.

If you’re visiting Nepal during Teej, you’ll see streets across the country filled with women in red heading to Shiva temples. Pashupatinath Temple alone draws thousands of devotees on just this day. The atmosphere is lively and celebratory.

For travellers who want to experience Teej properly, Access Nepal Tour offers guided cultural experiences. As an agency that has been operating since 2013, we have received TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for several years. Our guides are locals who understand the festival’s cultural and religious context.

Access Nepal can arrange visits to Pashupatinath Temple during the celebrations, as well as tours to Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath. So, why wait? Let us help you discover the beauty of Teej. Because some experiences are worth more than just seeing them. They are worth living.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Teej?

Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by the women of Nepal. It honours the devotion of Goddess Parvati to Lord Shiva and is also known as Haritalika Teej.

Why is Teej celebrated?

Teej is celebrated to commemorate the religious and cultural story of Goddess Parvati, who undertook a severe fast and penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband. Hindu women began observing the ritual in the goddess’ honour.

When is Teej in 2026?

Hartalika Teej falls on Monday, 14 September 2026. Teej always falls on the third day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Nepali month of Bhadra–this is typically August or September in the Western calendar. The exact date changes each year.

Where in Nepal is Teej celebrated?

Teej is celebrated across the entire country of Nepal. The largest celebrations take place at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Thousands of women gather at this Shiva temple in red saris to offer their prayers and wish for the good health and fortune of their families. It is also celebrated at Shiva temples in other cities, including Chitwan, Nepalgunj, Dharan and Itahari.

What is Dar Khane Din?

Dar Khane Din is traditionally the first day of Teej, also known as the feast day. However, it is now celebrated from weeks ahead of the actual festival.

Initially, women would gather at their maternal homes to have traditional foods like sel roti, rice pudding (kheer), yogurt and sweets before the strict fast begins on the following day. Nowadays, it is a celebration before Teej where women gather to feast, sing and dance.

What is Rishi Panchami?

Rishi Panchami is the final day of the Teej festival, which usually occurs two days after the main Teej day. On this day, women perform rituals to honor the Saptarishi (seven sages) and do a purification ceremony of sorts.

Why do women fast during Teej?

Married women fast during Teej to pray for the long life and prosperity of their husbands and families. Unmarried women fast in the hope of finding a good husband, like Lord Shiva.

Why do people wear red during Teej?

Women wear red during Teej because red is an auspicious colour that also symbolises love in Hindu culture. The red sari with traditional jewelry like pote and tilahari, are symbols of good luck and a happy married life.

Can tourists experience Teej in Nepal?

Yes, tourists can observe the celebrations if they are in Nepal during Teej. The public gatherings at big Shiva temples like the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu are a spectacle. You will see women worshipping and celebrating all over Nepal.

However, it’s important to be respectful, not interfere with rituals and to ask permission before photographing women who are praying.

Where can tourists see Teej in Kathmandu?

The major place to see Teej celebrations is at the Pashupatinath Temple area in Kathmandu. This is where the largest gathering of women takes place on the main fasting day of the festival. Even the news channels of the country broadcast scenes at Pashupatinath on Teej.

References

1. Giri, S. (2025). Performing Tradition and Discoursing Gender in South Asia: A Case Study of the Teej Songs of Nepal. Klanglese.
2. K.C., G. (2019). TEEJ- THE FESTIVAL OF WOMEN IN NEPAL: THE EVENT OF RELIGION AND RECREATION IN THE VERGE OF CHANGE. Man In India, 99.
3. Mishra, I. (2011). Discourse of Women Empowerment in the Making of Teej. Journal of the Department of English, Mahendra Multiple Campus.