Teej

Date    :   August 2 - 3, 2011
Venue :  Jaipur, Rajasthan


The festival of Teej, which commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati, at the completion of her penance of a hundred years’ separation, is an important festival for Hindu married women. It is also a greatly awaited monsoon festival.

The invocation of Parvati's blessing, at this time, is believed to ensure marital bliss. Women dress up in their finest clothes and jewelry to worship Goddess Parvati. They also adorn their hands with henna, to the accompaniment of special Teej songs. Outdoor swings are fixed and women and children take turns at the swings singing songs.

In Jaipur, a spectacular procession is taken out with an idol of Goddess Parvati, also known as Teej Mata, through the Old City. Antique palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, decorated elephants, horses, camels, brass bands, and dancers are all part of this gay procession.