Essential Guide to the 2021 Teej Festival in India

The Teej festival is an important festival for married women and a much anticipated monsoon festival. It's dedicated to celebrating the holy union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and the flourish of nature during the monsoon.

According to Hindu texts, Parvati is an incarnation of Lord Shiva's first wife, Sati. Lord Shiva became grief-stricken and withdrawn after she immolated herself in protest of her father's disapproval of him. It took her 108 subsequent births to bring Shiva out of his meditative state and get him to accept her as his wife again. Her 108th birth was as Goddess Parvati. The invocation of Parvati's blessing during the festival is believed to bring about continued marital bliss.

When is the Festival Celebrated?

"Teej" refers to the third day after the new moon and the third day after the full moon, every month. During the monsoon season, these festivals are celebrated on the third day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Shravan, and on the third day of the waning and waxing moons in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad. This means that there are actually three Teej festivals -- known as Haryali (Green) Teej, Kajari/Kajli Teej and Hartalika Teej.

In 2021, Haryali Teej will take place on August 11, Kajari Teej on August 25, and Hartalika Teej on September 21.

Where is the Festival Celebrated?

The Teej festival is widely celebrated in northern and western India, particularly in the desert state of Rajasthan. From a tourist perspective, the best place to experience it is in Jaipur, where the festivities are the grandest and most renowned during Haryali Teej.

• Jaipur Information and City Guide to Plan Your Trip
• 31 Things to Do in Jaipur

For Kajari Teej celebrations, head to Bundi in Rajasthan. Teej festival fairs, featuring handicrafts and Rajasthani cultural performances, are also held at Dilli Haat, in Delhi.

How is the Festival Celebrated?

Women come together to fast and pray all night. In the morning, they bathe to purify themselves, and dress up in their finest red saris and jewelry to worship Goddess Parvati. They also get their hands decorated with henna, accompanied by the singing of special Teej festival songs. Swings are fixed to branches of large trees, and the women take turns to joyfully swing on them. The Teej festival is a very uplifting occasion.

Girls engaged to be married receive a gift from their future in-laws on the day before the festival. The gift consists of henna, bangles, a special dress, and sweets. Married daughters are given gifts, clothes and sweets by their mother. After the worship has been completed, they're passed on to the mother-in-law.

What Can Tourists See?

During Haryali Teej in Jaipur (August 11-12, 2021), a spectacular two-day royal procession winds its way through the lanes of the Old City. The procession features an idol of the Goddess Parvati (Teej Mata) and is called Teej Mata Ki Sawari. It's comprised of antique palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, decorated elephants, horses, camels, brass bands, and dancers. A bit of everything really! The action starts at Tripolia Gate in the late afternoon and proceeds through Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, and ends at Chaugan Stadium. Tourists can watch and photograph it from the special seating area organized by Rajasthan Tourism on the terrace of the Hind Hotel, opposite Tripolia Gate. What's also noteworthy is that Teej Sawari is one of only two occasions when Tripola Gate opens each year. The other is the Gangaur festival procession.

• Take a Look Through Jaipur's Old City

A rural fair is held over two days (August 25-26, 2021) on Kajari Teej in Bundi and there's also a colorful street parade featuring a beautifully decorated idol of Goddess Parvati.

Teej Festival Tours

Join Vedic Walks on their annual Teej Festival walking tour in Jaipur. You'll get to follow the procession, learn about the importance of the festival, taste specially made suites, explore local markets, and even meet the cousins of the erstwhile rulers of the city and see their gorgeous mansion.