Hariyali Teej Fasting Rules 2024: Traditional rituals, do's and don'ts you must follow

Celebrate Hariyali Teej with vibrant traditions and heartfelt devotion. [Image: Canva]

Hariyali Teej, celebrated on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, is a significant festival for women, marked by fasting and various traditional rituals. Observed primarily in North India, this day honors the reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva and heralds the onset of the monsoon season.

Hariyali Teej 2024: Traditional Rituals

• Home Decoration: Clean and decorate your home with flowers, mango leaves, and colorful rangoli.
• Personal Cleanliness: Begin the day with a bath and wear new or special clothes, ideally in vibrant colors.
• Puja Setup: Set up an altar with idols or images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. You can also use a peepal tree or a small temple at home.
• Puja Items: Gather necessary items like red and green cloth, flowers, fruits, incense sticks, a diya (lamp), and sweets.
• Fasting: Observe a strict fast, consuming only fruits and water. Some may choose to have a single meal of vrat-friendly foods. The fast is observed from sunrise to moonrise.
• Morning Rituals: Start with a prayer and offer gratitude to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• Katha Listening: Read or listen to the Hariyali Teej katha, which narrates the significance and legend of the festival.
• Puja Offerings: Perform aarti (waving of light) and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets. Light the diya and incense sticks.
• Bhog Distribution: Distribute prasad (offering) among family members and neighbors.
• Community Sharing: Give away food and clothes to the needy, as it is considered highly auspicious.

Do’s:

1. Do Maintain Devotion: Approach the fast with a sincere heart and devotion to ensure its spiritual benefits.
2. Do Prepare in Advance: Gather all necessary items and prepare your home a day before the festival to avoid last-minute rush.
3. Do Stay Hydrated: Drink ample water or fruit juices to stay hydrated if you are observing a dry fast.
4. Do Perform Rituals Properly: Follow the puja rituals with care and attention to detail, as this enhances the significance of the observance.

1. Don’t Consume Non-Vrat Foods: Avoid eating grains, spices, or non-vrat foods during the fast. Stick to fruits and specific vrat-friendly foods.
2. Don’t Break the Fast Prematurely: Ensure you complete the fast from sunrise to moonrise, as breaking it prematurely can diminish the spiritual benefits.
3. Don’t Engage in Conflicts: Maintain a peaceful environment at home; avoid arguments and negativity, as they can impact the observance.
4. Don’t Neglect Hygiene: Ensure both personal and home cleanliness, as neglecting it can affect the purity of the rituals.