Annual Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Hariyali Teej Vrat
Hariyali Teej is observed on Sawan Shukla Tritiya — the third day of the bright fortnight of Shravan — and marks the beginning of the Teej festival season. The name "Hariyali" means greenery, reflecting the lush green landscape of the monsoon season that serves as the backdrop for this vibrant celebration. This vrat commemorates the reunion of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva after her long penance, and the earth's own renewal through the rains. The festival is especially prominent in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, where women dress in green attire, decorate swings hung from trees with flowers, and sing folk songs celebrating the Parvati-Shiva union. It is distinct from Hartalika Teej (Bhadrapada) in its joyful, swing-festival character.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Hariyali Teej Vrat grants married women the blessing of Akhand Saubhagya — eternal, unbroken marital bliss. It bestows health and longevity on the husband, harmony in married life, and abundance in the household. The vrat is believed to invoke the grace of both Parvati and Shiva together, as Hariyali Teej marks their divine reunion. It brings fertility and prosperity in alignment with the monsoon season's natural abundance. Unmarried women who observe the vrat pray for a devoted husband and a loving marriage. The joyous celebration of the swing festival is said to fill the heart of the devotee with the same divine joy that Parvati felt upon being reunited with Shiva.
Procedure
On Hariyali Teej, women apply mehendi the previous day and wear green bangles, green clothes, and green jewellery on the day of the vrat. Flower-decorated swings (jhulas) are set up in courtyards and under trees. The puja involves creating an image of Parvati and Shiva with sand or clay, or setting up images on a wooden seat. Offer green leaves, fruits, sweets, kumkum, turmeric, and green bangles to the deity. Light ghee lamps and incense. Recite or hear the Hariyali Teej Vrat Katha in a group of women. Sing traditional folk songs (malhar, kajri) celebrating the monsoon and Parvati's joy. Women take turns on the decorated swings singing teej geet throughout the day.
When to Observe
Hariyali Teej is observed on Sawan Shukla Tritiya — the third day of the bright fortnight of Shravan (July–August). It falls at the height of the monsoon season and is most prominently celebrated in Rajasthan (especially Jaipur), Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. In Rajasthan, it is one of the major state festivals with processions of Goddess Parvati and Shiva images through city streets. It falls earlier in the monsoon than Hartalika Teej (Bhadrapada) and is characterized by its green swing-festival identity.
Fasting Rules
Married women observe a nirjala (waterless) fast from sunrise until the evening puja is complete. No grains, vegetables cooked on fire, or non-vegetarian food is consumed during the day. The strict fast mirrors Parvati's devotion to Shiva and is observed with joyful determination rather than as a somber duty. Women who are pregnant, ill, or elderly may observe a partial fast with milk and fruits. The fast is kept not in grief but in celebration — the festive atmosphere of music, swings, and green attire distinguishes Hariyali Teej from more austere vratas.
How to Break the Fast
The fast is broken in the evening after the Parvati-Shiva puja and katha are completed. The husband offers the wife the first sip of water and the first morsel of food, ritually breaking her fast as Shiva would nourish Parvati. The prasad — including sweets, fruits, and panchamrit — is consumed first. Traditional sweets like ghewar, fini, and kheer are prepared for the festive meal. The family eats together in celebration. The green bangles worn during the vrat are kept on, and the swing songs continue into the evening as the vrat transitions into a night of celebration.
FAQ
Q.What is Hariyali Teej Vrat?
Hariyali Teej is observed on Sawan Shukla Tritiya — the third day of the bright fortnight of Shravan — and marks the beginning of the Teej festival season. The name "Hariyali" means greenery, reflecting the lush green landscape of the monsoon season ...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Hariyali Teej Vrat?
Married women observe a nirjala (waterless) fast from sunrise until the evening puja is complete. No grains, vegetables cooked on fire, or non-vegetarian food is consumed during the day. The strict fast mirrors Parvati's devotion to Shiva and is observed with joyful determination rather than as a somber duty. Women who are pregnant, ill, or elderly may observe a partial fast with milk and fruits. The fast is kept not in grief but in celebration — the festive atmosphere of music, swings, and green attire distinguishes Hariyali Teej from more austere vratas.
Q.When should Hariyali Teej Vrat be observed?
Hariyali Teej is observed on Sawan Shukla Tritiya — the third day of the bright fortnight of Shravan (July–August). It falls at the height of the monsoon season and is most prominently celebrated in Rajasthan (especially Jaipur), Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. In Rajasthan, it is one of the major state festivals with processions of Goddess Parvati and Shiva images through city streets. It falls earlier in the monsoon than Hartalika Teej (Bhadrapada) and is characterized by its green swing-festival identity.
Q.What are the benefits of Hariyali Teej Vrat?
Hariyali Teej Vrat grants married women the blessing of Akhand Saubhagya — eternal, unbroken marital bliss. It bestows health and longevity on the husband, harmony in married life, and abundance in the household. The vrat is believed to invoke the grace of both Parvati and Shiva together, as Hariyali Teej marks their divine reunion. It brings fertility and prosperity in alignment with the monsoon season's natural abundance. Unmarried women who observe the vrat pray for a devoted husband and a loving marriage. The joyous celebration of the swing festival is said to fill the heart of the devotee with the same divine joy that Parvati felt upon being reunited with Shiva.