HARIYALI TEEJ

Haritalika Teej also called Teejen is celebrated with extreme mirth and devotion by womenfolk. It falls in the Shukla Paksha of Shravana, corresponding to the month of July/August. As the name says, Haritalika Teej relates to greenery. On this day, many women clad themselves in green colored clothes and wear green bangles. A special puja is performed to worship moon. Traditional singing of songs and dance escalates the verve of Haritalika Teej celebrations.

A day before Haritalika Teej, women celebrate 'Sindhare'. It is a significant day for newly wed brides. On her first "Sindhara" after marriage, it is customary to receive clothes and ornaments from her Mother-in-law. On Haritalika Teej, women gather to worship moon. The puja performed on this occasion is done with milk, curd and flowers.

Haritalika Teej is mainly related with greenery and commemorates for abundance of greenery and good harvest. Women wear green colored clothes like lehanga, suits and sarees. They wear green bangles and adorn their hands with beautiful mehandi patterns. Women both married and unmarried enjoy the festive spirit by swinging on adorned swings singing songs relating to the month of Sawan. Various delicious food items are cooked which is relished by all in the family.

The day is enjoyed with full craze that even the Gujarati women adopt the Rajasthani traditions. In Gujarat, special Garba dance is arranged. Women in their traditional clothes carry pots on their heads and dance singing songs in praise of Goddess Parvati.

In Maharashtra, women wear green bangles, green clothes, golden bindis and kajal for luck. They distribute beautifully painted coconuts to their female relatives and friends and offer fresh fruit and green vegetables to the goddessas thanks giving.

Haritalika Teej Celebrations in Vrindavan There are great festivities in Vrindavan which goes on up to Janmashtami. Lord Krishna devotees celebrate Haritalika Teej with great enthusiasm and excitement in the holy place of Vrindavan. At the time of Hariyali Teej, swings are laid down in the shrines of Vrindavan for the deities to swing upon. This religious ceremony is called 'Jhullan Leela'. Religious songs and hymns are chanted in the famous 'Banke Bihari' temple. Even leelas of Radha and Lord Krishna are narrated. Haritalika Teej is the most auspicious occasion as on this day idols Lord Krishna and Radha comes out of their 'pat' (place where idols are kept in the temple) to give their devotees a single vision. Idols of Lord krishna and Radha are adorned with fine clothes and jewelry. The main attraction of Haritalika Teej in Vrindavan is the gold-ornamented swing of Lord Krishna which comes only once a year. After offering prayers in the temple, holy water is sprinkled over the devotees to give a feeling of the advent of the monsoon. Various devotees from India and abroad come to Vrindavan to attend special Haritalika Teej celebrations.