Why Bihari Women Fast for 24 Hours During Hartalika Teej?

If you have grown up in Bihar, you may have seen women preparing for Teej days in advance. New sarees are bought, mehendi is applied and puja items are kept ready. On the day of Hartalika Teej, many women take their fast very seriously. Some even stay without drinking water for the whole day and night. So, why is the Hartalika Teej 24-hour fast considered so important? The answer goes back to the story of Goddess Parvati and her devotion to Lord Shiva.

Hartalika Teej is a Hindu festival dedicated mainly to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. It is observed on the third day of the bright half of the Bhadrapada month.

The festival is especially popular in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and some other parts of India. Women worship Shiva and Parvati and listen to the Hartalika Teej vrat story.

The main reason is connected to the story of Goddess Parvati. According to the traditional story, Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva. She performed deep penance and remained devoted to him. Her friend helped her leave home so she could continue her penance without being forced into another marriage. Because of this story, Hartalika Teej became associated with Parvati's devotion, patience and determination.

Many married women observe the nirjala fast during Hartalika Teej and pray for the well-being and long life of their husbands. Unmarried women may also keep the vrat with the hope of finding a good life partner.

The day is not just about fasting. There are many traditions around it. Women often wear new sarees or traditional clothes, apply mehendi and dress up with jewellery and other traditional items. Red, green and yellow are commonly seen during Teej celebrations.

During the puja, Shiva and Parvati are worshipped. In many traditions, their idols are made using clay or sand. Women also listen to the Hartalika Teej vrat katha, sing bhajans and pray together.

In Patna and other parts of Bihar, women have traditionally gathered in groups, visited temples and celebrated the festival with family members.

The traditional form of the Hartalika Teej vrat is a nirjala fast, which means no food and no water. In many families, it continues through the night and is completed the next day after the puja. However, the exact fasting practice can differ from one family or region to another. Not every woman follows the same rules.

It is also important to remember that fasting without water for a long period can be physically difficult. People with health concerns should follow appropriate medical advice rather than taking risks.

For many women in Bihar, Hartalika Teej is also about family, tradition and faith. Mothers teach the rituals to their daughters, women meet and pray together, and old customs are passed from one generation to another.

The 24-hour fast during Hartalika Teej may look difficult from the outside, but for those who follow it, it is deeply connected with their faith and the story of Goddess Parvati.

The Hartalika Teej 24-hour fast is one of the strict fasting traditions followed by many women in Bihar. Its meaning comes from the story of Parvati's devotion to Shiva. Along with fasting, the festival includes puja, prayers, mehendi, traditional clothes and time spent with family. For many Bihari women, Teej is not simply about staying without food or water. It is a tradition they have seen in their families for years and continue because of their faith and personal belief.

Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.