Patna: Haritalika Teej will be observed on September 14 this year, according to astrological calculations cited by local priests. The festival falls on the Tritiya, or third lunar day, of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.
The Tritiya Tithi will begin at 7:15am on September 13 and continue until 7:29am on September 14. According to the traditional principle of observing a festival based on the Tithi prevailing at sunrise, or Udaykal Vyapini, the festival will be celebrated on September 14.
Rituals And Religious Beliefs
Married women traditionally observe a Nirjala fast during Haritalika Teej, abstaining from both food and water. According to Hindu religious beliefs, the fast is observed for marital well-being, the longevity of husbands and continued harmony in marriage. Unmarried women traditionally observe it with the wish of finding a suitable spouse.
Astrologer Pandit Dr Raghav Nath Jha said the festival is associated with Goddess Parvati’s penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. According to the religious tradition, Parvati undertook severe penance and was taken to a secluded place by her companions, an episode associated with the name Haritalika.
Women will perform Shodashopachar Puja during the Pradosh Kaal on September 14 after installing clay idols of Uma-Maheshwar and Lord Ganesha. The observances will also include listening to the Teej fast narrative, devotional singing and Jagaran, according to the priests.
The fast will conclude with Paran on the morning of September 15. Pandit Rakesh Jha said worshipping a Parthiv, or earthen, idol of Lord Shiva is considered auspicious during the festival. Traditional offerings include Ganga water, Akshat, sandalwood paste, Belpatra, seasonal fruits and other delicacies.
Ganesh Utsav Begins September 15
Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on September 15, coinciding with Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. The day will mark the beginning of the 10-day Ganesh Utsav, which will continue until Anant Chaturdashi on September 25.
The festival will coincide with Vishakha Nakshatra and Aindra Yoga, while the celebrations are scheduled to begin during Tula Lagna, according to the astrological calculations cited by local priests.
Devotees traditionally install clay idols of Lord Ganesha and conduct prayers accompanied by the chanting of mantras. The festival is dedicated to Ganesha, who is widely worshipped at the beginning of religious ceremonies and is traditionally associated with wisdom, prosperity and the removal of obstacles.
