Manali: Nepali women across the Manali valley, Hindus in particular, on Sunday celebrated the Teej festival, which holds religious and social significance for them.
The devotees throng Shiva temples and worship Lord Shiva, praying for longevity, happiness and prosperity of their husbands. For unmarried women, it is believed that the worship would result into attainment of a happy married life.
Shalia Lama president of Mool Pravah Akhil Bharat Nepal Ekta Samaj (MPABNES), speaking with Hill Post said that Teej is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Lord Shiva. The festival is celebrated for well-being of spouse and children and purification of one’s body and soul. The festival is a celebration that combines sumptuous feasts as well as rigid fasting. He added Teej is celebrated by women, for the long life of her husband and long and firm relationship between them in this life and all the lives to come.
Pesal Bitti Gen. Sec. of (MPABNES) said that the folk music and dances add more flavor to traditional values of Teej. Women in red dance and sing in the street, going to temple in holy and fasting mood. Teej is also called Haritalika Teej. This festival is celebrated by Nepali Hindu women all across the world.
Ravi Thakur Vice president, Tribal commission, chief guest on Teej function said that he will take up the issues and various demand of Nepalese working and living India with center government.
Sanjay Dutta, an engineer by qualification but is a journalist by choice.
He has worked for the premier new agency Press Trust of India and leading English daily Indian Express.
With more than a decade of experience, he has been highlighting issues related to environment, tourism and other aspects affecting mountain ecology.
Sanjay Dutta lives in a village close to Manali in Kullu valley of Himachal.
