Khajari Teej is one of the festivals observed by women for the well-being of their husband and for the welfare of the family.
The Vrat day occurs on the Krishna Paksha Trithiya of Shravan month as per Amantha and Bhadrapadha month as per Purnimantha Calendars. It is observed three days after Raksha Bandhan and five days before Janmashtami.
For the Year 2023, it occurs on Saturday, 2nd September 2023. The exact duration of the Trithiya Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
Khajari Teej is one of the three Teej Vrat festivals. The other two are Hariyali Teej (Choti Teej) and Hartalika Teej.
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. Worshipping moon and neem tree is the specialty of this festival.
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.
Khajari Teej is also known as Badi Teej, Kajri Teej and Kajali Teej.
