Jun 9, 2011

Teej festival


Time of Celebration: July-August
Celebrated: In and around Rajasthan
Duration of Celebration: One to two days

Teej Festival is one of the most popular festivals of India. Festival of Teej is widely celebrated, but its real charm can be found only in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Teej celebrates the arrival of monsoon, after the scorching sun of summers. Teej is celebrated in the month of 'Shravan' (July-August), according to the Hindu calendar. Teej is an important cultural festival for the womenfolk of Rajasthan, in which they pray for the well being of their husbands. This festival marks the beginning of festive season in Rajasthan.

Festival of Teej is primarily meant for married women and girls. During this auspicious festival, Goddess Parvati is worshipped, who is the symbol of virtue, devotion and fertility. According to a mythological legend attached with this festival, Goddess Parvati was united with Lord Shiva after years of penance on Teej. On the festival, married women pray for the welfare of their husbands and marital bliss. To celebrate the occasion, Girls and married women apply henna on their hands and get dressed in their best attires.

Teej is also known as festival of swings and rains. Women celebrate this summer beating festival by singing songs and enjoying rope swings. Parents of married girls send gifts, sweets and clothes to their daughter's home. In the case of engaged girls, they receive 'Sindhara' from their "would be in-laws", which consists gifts and sweets. Teej Festival of Jaipur is noticeable by a huge procession taken out in the city. During the festival, the markets of Jaipur are decorated for the occasion. It is a good time to discover the markets of Jaipur.

A procession is taken out in the city of Jaipur to celebrate the festival, where the idol of Teej adorned with jewelry and finery, fetches the main attraction. Teej is celebrated with all the gusto and enthusiasm in Jaipur, where procession being the highlight of the festival. Teej is a traditional festival of the royal city of Jaipur and is celebrated with a special fervor. The showers of rain on this day perk up the lively celebrations by several degrees. The alluring sight of Teej's celebration is an eye-candy for any tourist and creates the perfect reason to visit Jaipur.

0 comments:

Post a Comment