Hartalika Teej 2025 Date, Time, and Significance

According to the scriptures, Lord Shiva Himself narrated the story of Hartalika Teej to Goddess Parvati, reminding her about her incarnation as Shailaputri, daughter of King Himalaya. From her childhood, Shailaputri meditated and performed severe penance for Lord Shiva. She continued her austerity for 12 years of prayer followed by another 64 years of intense meditation, all with the single wish of marrying Lord Shiva.

King Himalaya grew concerned about the future of his daughter. When Narada Muni visited him, he deceitfully suggested marriage between Shailaputri and Lord Vishnu. Believing Narada, King Himalaya agreed and even promised her hand to Lord Vishnu, who accepted the proposal out of respect for Narada Muni’s request.

When Shailaputri learned about this, she was heartbroken. Determined not to marry anyone other than Lord Shiva, she left her home with the help of her friend. They went deep into a forest and lived in a cave by the river, where she continued her penance. Pleased by her devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Shailaputri and assured her that he would marry her. On Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month, Shailaputri and her friend observed a strict fast, praying with utmost devotion.

Meanwhile, King Himalaya, worried about his daughter’s disappearance, thought she had been abducted. Later, he found her in the forest. Shailaputri agreed to return home only if her father promised to marry her to Lord Shiva. Respecting her wish, King Himalaya consented, and eventually, the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati was solemnized.

Meaning of the Name “Hartalika”

The name Hartalika comes from two words “Harat” meaning abduction and “Aalika” meaning female friend. Since Goddess Parvati’s friend took her to the forest to protect her from the forced marriage with Lord Vishnu, the festival was named Hartalika Teej.

Onam 2025 Date: When is Onam? Complete Calendar, Puja Rituals, History and 12-Day Celebrations

Hartalika Teej Vrat Significance

Hartalika Teej is not only a day of fasting and prayer but also a celebration of devotion, sacrifice, and determination. Women observe this vrat to seek blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a harmonious and long married life. Unmarried women keep the fast to be blessed with a virtuous husband like Lord Shiva.

How Hartalika Teej is Celebrated?

• Women observe Nirjala Vrat (fast without water and food) for the long life of their husbands or for being blessed with an ideal partner.


• Early morning, after a holy bath, women dress in new or traditional clothes, apply henna, and wear ornaments.


• Clay or sand idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are prepared and worshipped with flowers, fruits, and sacred offerings.


• The Hartalika Teej Katha is recited, and women pray for love, harmony, and prosperity in married life.

• In Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, Hartalika Teej is celebrated as Gowri Habba. Women observe Swarna Gowri Vratha to seek blessings of Goddess Gowri.


• In Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, Hartalika Teej is marked with joy, swings, songs, and vibrant festivities.


• Other important Teej festivals include Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej, Akha Teej (Akshaya Tritiya), and Gangaur Tritiya.