Hartalika Teej, a significant festival celebrated by married women across India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan, will be observed on September 6 in 2024. This festival falls on the Tritiya Tithi (third day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu calendar. The day is marked by rigorous fasting and elaborate worship rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

In 2024, the Tritiya Tithi begins on September 5 at 12:21 PM and ends on September 6 at 3:01 PM. However, according to the tradition of observing fasts on the Udya Tithi (the tithi that prevails at sunrise), Hartalika Teej will be celebrated on September 6. The auspicious time for performing the Hartalika Teej puja is from 6:01 AM to 8:32 AM, offering a 2-hour and 30-minute window to complete the rituals.

Hartalika Teej is a day of profound spiritual significance, particularly for married women who seek the blessings of marital bliss, long life, and prosperity for their husbands. The festival is named after the legendary tale of Goddess Parvati, who underwent severe penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband. The term ‘Hartalika’ is derived from two words: ‘Harat’ meaning ‘abduction’ and ‘Aalika’ meaning ‘female friend’. According to mythology, Goddess Parvati’s friend abducted her to prevent her from being married off to Lord Vishnu, leading her to perform a rigorous penance to impress Lord Shiva, who eventually accepted her as his consort.

On this day, women observe a strict Nirjala Vrat (fast without water) and stay awake all night, engaging in prayers and singing devotional songs. They dress in fine clothes, often in shades of green, symbolizing fertility and prosperity, and adorn themselves with traditional jewelry. The worship ritual involves creating a small idol of Goddess Parvati with sand or clay, which is then decorated with flowers, kumkum, and bangles. Women offer various fruits, sweets, and sacred items to both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, seeking their blessings for a harmonious and blissful married life.

Observing the Hartalika Teej fast is considered extremely auspicious, and it is believed that those who observe it with devotion are blessed with marital harmony and long-lasting relationships. Traditionally, this fast is undertaken by married women, but unmarried women also participate, praying for a suitable life partner. Breaking the fast is done the following day after offering water to the Sun God, signifying the end of the fasting period.

The Hartalika Teej fast is an unbroken vow, meaning once a woman starts observing it, she continues to do so every year without fail. The festival is a celebration of love, devotion, and the sanctity of marriage, and it holds a special place in the hearts of those who follow it with reverence.

As Hartalika Teej 2024 approaches, preparations are in full swing across various regions, with markets buzzing with festive items such as bangles, henna, sarees, and pooja materials. The festival not only strengthens the bond between husband and wife but also reinforces the cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.