Tue Aug 26 04:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Hartalika Teej: Women Observe Auspicious Fast for Marital Bliss

**New Delhi, August 25, 2024** – On August 26th, married Hindu women across India will observe Hartalika Teej, a significant festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. This auspicious occasion involves a rigorous, waterless fast undertaken for the longevity and well-being of their husbands and for a happy and prosperous married life.

The festival commemorates Goddess Parvati’s devotion and penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. Legend says her dedication pleased Lord Shiva, leading to their divine union.

This year, the alignment of Hast Nakshatra and Ravi Yog during the morning adds to the auspiciousness of the day. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati during these yogas yields immense blessings.

The day will begin with women adorning themselves in sixteen traditional adornments (Solah Shringar) and creating clay idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya. These idols will be worshipped with elaborate rituals, including Abhishekam (ritual bathing), the offering of vermillion and other sacred items. Goddess Parvati will be presented with items associated with beauty and marital bliss.

Following the rituals, devotees will listen to the sacred Hartalika Teej Katha (story) and perform aarti (a devotional song and ritual) of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.

A special tradition involves creating a “Phulera,” a decorative canopy made of flowers and mango leaves, for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Five garlands are woven and assembled to form a mandap (canopy), believed to please the deities and fulfill devotees’ wishes.

**Auspicious timings for prayers are as follows:**

* **Morning Prayer Time:** 05:56 AM to 08:31 AM
* **Pradosh Kaal Muhurat (Evening):** 06:49 PM to 07:11 PM
* **Abhijit Muhurat:** 11:57 AM to 12:48 PM
* **Vijay Muhurat:** 02:31 PM to 03:23 PM
* **Sayahna Sandhya:** 06:49 PM to 07:56 PM

The Hartalika Teej festival is a vibrant celebration of marital devotion and a testament to the enduring faith of Hindu women.

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