Kajari Teej Puja 2021

Teej in Hindi literally means “three” it is the third day of the month. According to the Hindu calendar there are two teej in every month (30 days). Special significance is given to teej (or the third day) of special months. The Hindu festival of Teej is marked by fasting of women who pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seeking their blessings for marital bliss. It is a series of festivals that occur during the Hindu month of Shravana or Sawan and Bhadrapada or Bhado, that corresponds to the Indian monsoon season of July – August – September. Teej festivity is observed with much fanfare by women in North Indian states, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Three famous Teej(s) which are celebrated by women during Sawan and Bhadrapada months are –

1. Hariyali Teej

2. Kajari Teej

3. Hartalika Teej

Kajari Teej or Badi Teej is a special festival. It is celebrated throughout the Northern and the Western parts of India. The celebrations are conducted with much fanfare throughout the states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Kajari Teej is celebrated during the Shravana month.

Grand Celebrations on Kajari Teej

The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm throughout Rajasthan particularly in the city of Bundi. The city is specially decorated for the day. The idol of Goddess Parvati is taken in a procession throughout Bundi. The palanquin carrying the image of Goddess Parvati is accompanied by numerous camels, elephants, musicians and folk dancers. This adds a unique blend to the festivities and makes the occasion special for devotees.  The celebrations hold special significance for women in Rajasthan and preparations begin days ahead for the festivities.

Young girls perform dances like Kalbeliya, Bhavia and Ghoomar on the occasion of Kajari Teej. The festival holds a special significance for married women. Women pray for the safety of their husbands on this day. They sing, dance and stay awake all night to add a distinct touch to the festival. A lamp is specially lit and it is ensured that the flame does not diminish throughout the night. Legends associated with Kajari Teej are also shared by the womenfolk among themselves during the course of celebrations.

The celebrations are unique and married women dress especially for the day. The married women apply mehendi on this day and dress up like a newly wedded girl.

Next Teej after Hariyali Teej which comes after fifteen days of Hariyali Teej is known as Kajari Teej. Usually, Kajari Teej comes three days after Raksha Bandhan and five days before Krishna Janmashtami. According to North Indian calendar it falls during Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month and according to South Indian calendar it falls during Krishna Paksha of Shravana month. However in both calendars Kajari Teej falls on the same day.

Kajari Teej is also known as Badi Teej as opposed to Chhoti Teej which is also known as Hariyali Teej. Kajari Teej is also spelled as Kajali Teej. In some regions Kajari Teej is known as Satudi Teej.