KATHMANDU: People who practice Hinduism in Nepal, especially ladies, are celebrating the festival of Teej, also called Haritalika, today. According to the lunar calendar, this important celebration occurs in Bhadau during the dark half of the lunar month. Women fast during this time in the hopes of giving their partners long life and financial success.

The festivities span three days, starting with 'Dar' on the second day of the fortnight in Bhadra. The celebrations are marked by fasting and cultural activities, with women enjoying a variety of special dishes on the day before 'Teej.' The main fasting day follows, during which women refrain from eating and partake in traditional rituals.

On the morning of 'Teej,' women take ritual baths and offer worship in the evening. They dedicate the night to staying awake, lighting oil lamps, and praying to Lord Shiva. The festival concludes on the fifth day of the fortnight with a final worship of the legendary 'Saptarishi,' or seven sages.

In addition to being a religious holiday, Teej also honors sisterhood. Women get together to sing and dance joyfully in their birth homes. Since then, this day has been known as Hartalika Teej, in remembrance of the legend of Parbati, who fasted for her husband, Lord Shiva, and his health and well-being.

Married ladies wear red saris or other traditional attire, and they adorn themselves with good luck-symbolizing jewelry such as bangles, "Pote" (a glass bead necklace), "Tilahari," and "Sindur" (crimson powder). Women who are married or single take part in several poojas and fasting customs in the hopes of having a happy and fruitful life.

On this day, there is a notable migration of female worshipers to several Shiva temples, including the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. At these temples, the festival is highlighted by colorful religious festivals and activities.

The Nepalese government has designated today as a public holiday exclusively for women in observance of Teej. This enables them to take part in all of the festival's customary observances and celebrations.

All things considered, Teej is a greatly loved festival that blends traditional celebrations with spiritual devotion, uniting women to celebrate their faith, offer prayers for their spouses' well-being, and engage in group activities.