Manali: Teej Festival of Nepali women, Hindus in particular, was celebrated here today. The Teej festival, which holds religious and social significance for the people of Nepal. Gaiety
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. Shalia added 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.
Raman Gadsangi SDM Manali, who was chief guest on Teej function, said that he will take up the issues and various demand of Nepalese working and living India with state government. Raman added that Teej, short for Hartalika Teej, is the fasting festival of women in Nepal. It usually takes place in Nepali Bhadra month (August to September in Solar Calendar) and lasts for three days. Teej Puja is particularly held at Pashupatinath to commemorate the reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. During Teej Festival, Nepalese women are dress in their beautiful red saris, fast to honor Lord Shiva and pray for a happy marriage.
Chhavinder Thakur, Prisdent (Thakur kunjlal Dhamodary trust and sensor advocate of manali speaking on occasion said long time ago, the king of Himalaya had a beautiful daughter named Parvati, who was very intelligent and deeply admired the Hindu God of Destruction and Creation, Shiva. But the king decided to marry Parvati to the wealthy Vishnu. With the assistance of her friends, Parvati successfully escaped from the house and hid in the thick forest. From then on, she led an ascetic life. Upon hearing this, Shiva was so surprised and decided to test her sincerity. He disguised as the rich Vishnu and rode a gorgeous carriage to see Parvati, trying to lure her to marry him. However, Parvati still remained unmoved. Shiva was so impressed by her determination and revealed his identity. At last, Parvati realized her dream and married Shiva. Owing to her friends’ help, Parvati could get rid of the arranged marriage. She was very grateful to them and held a party to celebrate this happy ending. This is the origin of Teej Festival.
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.
