Hartalika Teej is one of the three Teej Vrat festivals. The other two are Hariyali Teej (Choti Teej) and Khajaari Teej.
Hartalika Teej occurs on the Shukla Paksha Trithiya of Bhadra Padha month. For the Year 2023, it happens on Monday, 18th September 2023. The exact duration of the Trithiya Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
Hartalika Teej is one of the festivals observed by the married women for the well-being of their husband and for the welfare of the family. Unmarried women observe this festival to seek good husband.
The festival is mostly observed in Uttar Pradesh, Uthrakhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Chattigarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Bhagwan Shiva and Goddess Parvathi are invoked in prayer. Though only married women observe the Vrat, at times, husband also joins the wife to observe fasting for the day. In some places, the observers of the Vrat also forego water for the day. This festival is observed for by unmarried girls to get good husband and the married women for the welfare and long life of their husbands.
The idol / pictures of Bhagwan Ganesh, Bhagwan Shiva and Sri Parvathi Devi are kept at the Puja place at homes. Lamps and incense sticks are lit. The Deities are decorated with flowers. Chandan, haldi and Kumkum are applied.
Puja / archana is done to the Deities and sattvic food is offered as prasadam. Slokams pertaining to Bhagwan Shiva and Sri Parvathi are read and recited. Bhajans are also held.
As per tradition, married women receive gifts from their parents on this day. Sri Parvathi Devi is worshipped as Teej Devi as She had done severe penance to get married to Bhagwan Shiva.
