Annual Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Teej Vrat
Teej Vrat is a broad category of vratas observed by married and unmarried Hindu women in the month of Sawan (Shravan), primarily dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The most celebrated forms are Hariyali Teej (Sawan Shukla Tritiya), Hartalika Teej (Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya), and Kajari Teej (Bhadrapada Krishna Tritiya). Married women fast the entire day without water, praying for the long life and prosperity of their husbands and the strength of their marital union, following the example of Parvati who observed severe penance to obtain Shiva as her husband. The festival is marked by swings decorated with flowers, songs, mehendi (henna), and the wearing of green clothing symbolizing the lush monsoon season.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Teej Vrat blesses married women with the long life and good health of their husbands, a happy and unbroken marriage, and domestic prosperity. Unmarried women observe it to obtain a devoted and virtuous husband like Lord Shiva. The vrat is said to grant the boon of Akhand Saubhagya — unbroken marital bliss in this and future lives. It purifies the mind and body, removes obstacles in married life, and brings peace and love between spouses. The severe fast undertaken by Parvati to win Shiva is the divine precedent for this vrat, and women who follow her example are said to receive her grace directly.
Procedure
Women begin preparations a day before by applying mehendi (henna) on their hands and feet. On the day of the vrat, after an early bath, women dress in green or red clothes and adorn themselves with bangles and jewellery. An idol of Goddess Parvati (or clay image of Shiva-Parvati) is installed for worship. The puja includes offering flowers, fruits, kumkum, sindoor, bangles, and traditional sweets. The Teej Vrat Katha is read aloud in a group. Married women visit their maternal homes for the celebrations. Swings are decorated with flowers and women sing traditional Teej songs (geet). The atmosphere is festive with songs, dances, and cultural performances throughout the day.
When to Observe
The Teej vrat cycle spans three main dates: Hariyali Teej on Sawan Shukla Tritiya (July–August), Kajari Teej on Bhadrapada Krishna Tritiya (August–September), and Hartalika Teej on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya (August–September). Hariyali Teej and Kajari Teej are especially popular in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Hartalika Teej is the most important in Maharashtra and parts of North India. All three celebrate the union of Parvati and Shiva during the monsoon season.
Fasting Rules
The Teej fast is one of the strictest in the Hindu calendar. Married women observe a nirjala fast — without water or food — for the entire day from sunrise until the puja is completed at night. Some women extend the fast through the night. Grains, pulses, and non-vegetarian food are completely avoided. Only after completing the puja and seeing the moon (on applicable days) is the fast broken. Widows and unmarried girls may observe a partial fast with fruits and milk. The fast should not be broken by anyone other than the husband.
How to Break the Fast
The Teej fast is traditionally broken after the evening puja is completed and the Teej Vrat Katha has been heard. First, consume the prasad offered to Goddess Parvati — typically sweets, fruits, and panchamrit. The husband plays a role in breaking the wife's fast by offering her food and water after the puja, symbolizing Shiva nourishing Parvati. On Hartalika Teej, the fast is broken the next morning after the nightly vigil. A special meal including ghewar (a traditional sweet), sweets, and festive dishes is prepared for the occasion.
FAQ
Q.What is Teej Vrat?
Teej Vrat is a broad category of vratas observed by married and unmarried Hindu women in the month of Sawan (Shravan), primarily dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The most celebrated forms are Hariyali Teej (Sawan Shukla Tritiya), Hartalik...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Teej Vrat?
The Teej fast is one of the strictest in the Hindu calendar. Married women observe a nirjala fast — without water or food — for the entire day from sunrise until the puja is completed at night. Some women extend the fast through the night. Grains, pulses, and non-vegetarian food are completely avoided. Only after completing the puja and seeing the moon (on applicable days) is the fast broken. Widows and unmarried girls may observe a partial fast with fruits and milk. The fast should not be broken by anyone other than the husband.
Q.When should Teej Vrat be observed?
The Teej vrat cycle spans three main dates: Hariyali Teej on Sawan Shukla Tritiya (July–August), Kajari Teej on Bhadrapada Krishna Tritiya (August–September), and Hartalika Teej on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya (August–September). Hariyali Teej and Kajari Teej are especially popular in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Hartalika Teej is the most important in Maharashtra and parts of North India. All three celebrate the union of Parvati and Shiva during the monsoon season.
Q.What are the benefits of Teej Vrat?
Teej Vrat blesses married women with the long life and good health of their husbands, a happy and unbroken marriage, and domestic prosperity. Unmarried women observe it to obtain a devoted and virtuous husband like Lord Shiva. The vrat is said to grant the boon of Akhand Saubhagya — unbroken marital bliss in this and future lives. It purifies the mind and body, removes obstacles in married life, and brings peace and love between spouses. The severe fast undertaken by Parvati to win Shiva is the divine precedent for this vrat, and women who follow her example are said to receive her grace directly.