According to mythology Teej is celebrated to mark the reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati is said to have gone through severe reparation and took 107 births on the earth to finally unite with Siva. Waterless fast and sleepless nights spent by womenfolk are symbolic of Parvati’s hardship.
Kajari Teej, Haryali Teej and Hartalika Teej are the three types of Teej festival celebrated across the country. They are traditionally observed by women. Haryali Teej is celebrated on the third day of the Shraavana month of Hindu calendar. Kajarai teej is celebrated in Bhadrapud month of Hindu calendar. Hartalika Teej is celebrated on the third day Bhadrapud month of Hindu calendar.
In Punjab Teej is known as teeyan. Women gather at one place and perform Gidda. Married women visit their parents’ house and receive gifts. Haryali Teej is famous festivals of Haryana. Girls apply henna to their hands and are exempted to do any household work. Boys fly kites throughout the day. In Rajasthan women wear green colored clothes and play in swing. Traditional ghevar sweet is made and distributed among the family and friends. In Marwari community of Rajasthan women wear bangles and bindis. Young girls receive gifts from their family and friends. It is customary that mother in law should give a gift to new daughter in law. Generally, a married woman would go to her parents’ house for Teej and come back after Rakhi. She would take sweet and salt food with her. Sattu, a special sweet is made to unmarried girls which they can eat only after seeing moon. Haryali Teej coincides with 'Jhulan Utsav' or 'Hindola Utsav' which is related with Krishna and Radha, and widely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh. The festival is celebrated for 13 days until Krishna Janmashtami.