From Rituals to Revelry
As a young woman in Nepal, I’ve celebrated Teej throughout my life, though my memories of it are tinged with disdain. The rigorous fasting rituals and the annual “cleansing” of ourselves from supposed “menstrual sins” were reasons enough for me to avoid participating in or promoting the festival.
However, the reimagining of Hartalika Teej, where women have redefined the festival’s meaning, has allowed many of us to embrace it in a new light. Traditionally associated with marital devotion and prayers for husbands’ longevity, today, Teej is a technicolor celebration of womanhood, sisterhood, and cultural unity. This evolution is a testament to how Nepali women have reshaped the festival to reflect their modern identities and changing societal roles.
A Historical Glimpse into Teej’s Origins
Historically, Teej traces back to the mythological story of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Parvati, the embodiment of divine feminine power, fasted rigorously to win the love of Lord Shiva. This dedication eventually led to their divine union, making Parvati an ideal symbol of marital devotion. In honor of her sacrifice and resilience, married women fast during Teej, praying for the well-being of their husbands. Unmarried women, on the other hand, participate in the festival hoping to find a partner as devoted as Lord Shiva.
An addition to this story is that it marks the occasion when Parvati encouraged her friends to kidnap her to escape the marriage with Vishnu after her father Himalaya wanted to give her hand in marriage to him. In solidarity, Parvati was consensually abducted by her friends, taken to a cave where she began her fast for Lord Shiva. This story is where the name Hartalika originates, “Harat,” meaning abduction, and “Aalika,” meaning female friend.
Teej, observed over three days, consists of three major rituals:
- Dar Khane Din (The Feast Day): On this day, women gather at their maternal homes to indulge in a lavish feast before beginning their fast. Songs, dances, and joyful reunions are a hallmark of this day, allowing women to connect with their sisters, friends, and mothers.
- The Day of Fasting: Women observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and water, and pray for their husbands’ health and long lives. The fast is seen as a ritual of devotion, and for many, it signifies the strength of the marital bond.
- Rishi Panchami: The festival concludes with a sacred bath and rituals to cleanse one’s body and soul, following which women visit the Shiva temple to seek blessings.
The Evolution of Teej: Beyond Marital Devotion
Teej, a festival celebrated with fervor by Hindu women in Nepal, has evolved dramatically over the years. Teej has transformed into a festival that celebrates not just marital ties but also the bonds between women. Today, Teej represents a growing focus on sisterhood, independence, and personal empowerment. The fast, once symbolic of devotion to a spouse, now takes on a deeper meaning. For many women, it is a day to reflect on their own lives, goals, and spiritual journeys.
While rituals are still a vital part of Teej, women have begun to use the festival as an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and support one another. The day of fasting is often accompanied by events where women gather to sing, dance, and share their life stories. This evolving interpretation of Teej has created a space for women to unite over shared experiences, challenges, and victories.
Teej and the Power of Sisterhood
A remarkable aspect of the modern Teej celebration is the way women have embraced it as a time to foster sisterhood. Today, Teej has become a joyous celebration where women of all ages, backgrounds, and marital statuses come together. While the festival remains deeply rooted in religious tradition, the gatherings of women, adorned in red saris and jewellery, transcend the bounds of marriage and family. Teej now serves as an opportunity to honour friendships, female bonds, and the collective strength of women.
One of the festival’s most beautiful traditions is the invitation women receive to return to their maternal homes. This homecoming is a poignant symbol of the enduring bonds between mothers, daughters, and sisters. It gives women, many of whom live far from their childhood homes after marriage, a chance to reconnect with their roots and familial ties. The maternal home becomes a safe haven, where women are free to express their joys, struggles, and aspirations, surrounded by those who understand them best.
Teej as a Reflection of Changing Times
Nepali society has seen significant shifts in the roles and expectations of women. As women have become more involved in education, politics, and the workforce, they have also redefined the festivals they celebrate. Teej, a festival once solely focused on marriage, is now a reflection of the broader changes in gender roles and women’s empowerment.
This shift is especially evident in urban areas, where educated and professional women have embraced Teej as a way to celebrate their autonomy. For these women, fasting is no longer just about devotion to their husbands, but also about personal strength, discipline, and spiritual growth. They use the festival to reflect on their accomplishments, set new goals, and reconnect with their spiritual selves.
Additionally, social media has played a role in this transformation, providing a platform for women to share their experiences of Teej. Women post photos and videos of themselves singing, dancing, and participating in rituals, creating a sense of community that extends beyond geographical boundaries.
Teej’s Impact on Cultural Unity
Teej is also significant for its role in uniting women from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. In Nepal, where people from different castes, ethnic groups, and religions live side by side, Teej serves as a bridge that connects them. Women from different regions come together to celebrate, sing traditional folk songs, and share the rituals of fasting and prayer.
For many, the festival is a time to celebrate Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. Traditional songs, dances, and clothing are an essential part of the festivities, showcasing the diversity of Nepali culture. The red saris, jewelry, and green bangles worn by women during Teej are a nod to the customs passed down through generations.
A Modern Take on Fasting and Rituals
One of the most significant changes in the way Teej is celebrated today is the re-interpretation of fasting. Traditionally, women abstained from food and water for 24 hours as a sign of devotion to their husbands. However, in modern times, many women choose to observe the fast in a way that suits their personal beliefs and lifestyles. Some women opt for a partial fast, while others focus on the spiritual aspects of the day rather than the physical demands of fasting.
This shift reflects a broader trend of individualization in religious practices. Women now have the freedom to interpret Teej in a way that resonates with their personal beliefs and values. For some, this means adhering to traditional customs, while for others, it means finding new ways to celebrate their relationships and spiritual connections.
The Future of Teej: A Celebration of Empowerment
As Teej continues to evolve, it remains a powerful celebration of womanhood, sisterhood, and cultural heritage. The festival’s transformation is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Nepali women, who have found ways to honor tradition while also embracing modern values of equality, empowerment, and personal growth.
Looking ahead, Teej is likely to continue evolving in response to the changing roles of women in society. As more women pursue education, careers, and leadership roles, they will bring new perspectives to the festival. Teej will remain a time to celebrate the bonds of family and friendship, but it will also become a platform for women to reflect on their achievements, set new goals, and support one another in their personal and professional journeys.
In conclusion, Teej is no longer just a festival of marital devotion. It is a celebration of the strength, resilience, and unity of Nepali women. Through their reinvention of Teej, women have created a festival that honors their past, celebrates their present, and looks forward to a future of empowerment and equality.