Hindu festival
Hartalika Teej
Also known as Hartalika, Hartalika Tritiya.
In short
Hartalika Teej is a festival of devotion to Shiva and Parvati, on the third tithi of the waxing moon in Bhadrapada, kept chiefly by women. They observe a strict waterless fast and worship Parvati — who won Shiva through long penance — praying for a good husband or a long, happy marriage.
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When is Hartalika Teej?
- This year’s date
- Set by the panchang each year from the rule below. Godify shows a specific date only once it is confirmed against an authoritative panchang — never guessed.
- Tithi / rule
- Tritiya (3rd tithi of the waxing moon) of the month of Bhadrapada
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- Shiva & Parvati
Honours Parvati's winning of Shiva through her penance; kept chiefly by women with a nirjala (waterless) fast and the worship of a sand or clay Shivling.
The story of Hartalika Teej
The name comes from harat (to carry away) and aalika (a friend): in the story, Parvati's companion carries her into the forest so that she may continue her severe penance for Shiva rather than be married, against her will, to another. Her devotion at last wins the Lord himself.
So Parvati becomes the very model of loving steadfastness, and the festival a remembrance of devotion rewarded. Women keep the fast in her spirit, worshipping Shiva and Parvati together through the night for the welfare of their households.
How is Hartalika Teej celebrated?
Women keep a nirjala fast without food or water, dress in finery and henna, fashion a Shivling and Parvati from sand or clay, and worship through the night with the Teej katha, praying for marital happiness and the well-being of their husbands.
A mantra to mark the day
ॐ नमः शिवाय
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
I bow to Shiva, the auspicious inner Self who transforms and frees.
More Hindu festivals
About Hartalika Teej
When is Hartalika Teej?
On the Shukla Tritiya (3rd tithi of the waxing moon) of Bhadrapada. The exact Gregorian date is set by the panchang each year.
Why do women keep the Hartalika Teej fast?
In the spirit of Parvati, who won Shiva through her penance — women worship Shiva and Parvati and pray for a good husband or a long, happy marriage.
Mark Hartalika Teej with Bhagavan
Ask about the festival's meaning, its deity, or a verse or mantra to observe the day — free, private, any hour.
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