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India is a land of diverse cultures and beliefs with many festivals and celebrations. Hartalika Teej is one such occasion that is celebrated around this time. The festival is celebrated by women in several parts of the country such as Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. Celebrated on the third day of the waning phase of the moon, Hartalika Teej is an auspicious day for married and unmarried women and is celebrated in honor of Maa Hartalika/Goddess Parvati.
Hartalika Teej is celebrated to mark the day when Lord Shiva took notice of Goddess Parvati and accepted her love towards him. It is believed that on that day Goddess Parvati made a proclamation that whoever will perform certain rituals on the auspicious day will get loving spouses and will be blessed with a happy married life.
How Is It Celebrated?
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Hartalika Teej is celebrated by both married and unmarried women. Married women observe a fast for a long and happy marriage whereas unmarried women wish for a loving spouse. Some women follow nirjala vrat by fasting without even drinking water. Women also refrain from sleeping along with fasting. This is symbolic to the penance performed by Goddess Parvati on the Himalayas. In some parts of the country, women celebrate the day by wearing everything green, from clothes to bangles and bindis. They also apply mehndi on their hands and feet to mark the occasion.
Things Women Should Not Do On Hartalika Teej
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On the day of Hartalika Teej, women usually wear their best clothes and jewelry to dress up for the occasion. However, there are a few things that women should not do. Let’s take a look at them:
- If you’ve got any young girls around, make sure you feed them. It is said that young girls shouldn’t go hungry on this day and you must feed them as much as they’d like to receive their blessings.
- The diya which is lit during the puja should stay lit all night. So make sure it has enough oil and doesn’t fizzle out.
- Though the occasion is marked by praying and fasting, women shouldn’t forget that it is also about love. So, don’t forget to celebrate the love you have in your life.
- Keep away any negative thoughts. Let go of any negativity in your life and don’t hold on to any anger or grudges on this auspicious day. No marriage is perfect. You may be going through a rough patch. But try to channel your inner positivity and fast with the best intentions in your heart and soul.
Pregnant Women And Fasting
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Pregnancy is a time when women need to take the utmost care of themselves. Since nutrition plays a major role in pregnancy, fasting may not be the right choice for moms-to-be. Before you make a decision, talk to a healthcare provider. Your doctor is the best person to guide you through it.
Since fasting prohibits eating and drinking, it can have a negative impact on the overall health of the mother and the baby. If you are in the first trimester of pregnancy, your doctor will most likely advise you against fasting since the risks tend to be a lot more. Pregnant women also experience morning sickness and dizziness during the first three months of their pregnancy (1). Hence, it is important not to leave your stomach empty and have small meals throughout the day.
If your doctor agrees that you can observe a fast, make sure you stay hydrated. You can drink tender coconut water, milk, or juice so that your body gets adequate nutrition and energy during this period. If you start to feel dizzy or tired, don’t hesitate to break the fast and eat something. If you experience any unpleasant symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
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