Kajari Teej 2024 Today: Know Rituals, Fasting Rules, Do's and Don'ts

On Kajari Teej, women offer prayers to Goddess Parvati, seeking blessings for a harmonious married life.

Kajari Teej is an Hindu festival observed on the third day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the North Indian calendar. In South India, it is celebrated in the month of Shravana. This festival comes three days after Raksha Bandhan and five days before Krishna Janmashtami. It is known by various names, including Badi Teej, Kajali Teej, and in some regions, Satudi Teej.

Kajari Teej 2024: Date and Time
Kajari Teej Date: Thursday, 22 August 2024
Tritiya Tithi Begins: 5:06 PM on 21 August 2024
Tritiya Tithi Ends: 1:46 PM on 22 August 2024

Kajari Teej Rituals and Fasting Rules
On Kajari Teej, women offer prayers to Goddess Parvati, seeking blessings for a harmonious married life. The day starts early, with women completing their morning routines and dressing in new clothes, applying sindur, bindi, bangles, and mehndi, similar to newlywed brides. In some regions, women gather to worship the neem tree under the guidance of a priest, offering kumkum, chawal, haldi, henna, fruits, and sweets during the puja. A strict fast, known as the Kajari Teej Vrat, is observed, beginning before sunrise with a meal, followed by complete abstinence from food and water for the rest of the day.

In the evening, women assemble for the puja, where the priest narrates the Kajari Teej Katha. In some communities, the fast is broken after the moon is worshipped, with sattu or fruits. The Kajari Teej vrat, once started, is often continued for a lifetime or for 16 years.

Kajari Teej 2024: Do’s And Don’tsDo’s for Kajari Teej
Commence the fast with a clean mind and body: Start by taking a bath, wearing clean clothes, and preparing mentally with meditation and prayers.
Worship Lord Krishna and the moon: Offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings during a special puja to seek blessings.
Sing devotional songs: Participate in singing traditional folk songs and kajari geet to create a spiritual atmosphere.
Adorn traditional attire: Wear traditional clothing and ornaments as a sign of devotion and cultural respect.
Engage in charitable acts: Consider donating to charity or helping the needy to enhance the benefits of the fast.
Break the fast after moonrise: Consume food and water only after moonrise, following the worship of the moon.

Don’ts for Kajari Teej
Avoid consuming food and water: Maintain the fast by refraining from eating and drinking until the designated time.
Steer clear of negative thoughts: Keep a positive and calm mind throughout the day, focusing on love and kindness.
Refrain from criticising or arguing: Promote harmony and avoid conflicts, maintaining a peaceful environment.
Avoid worldly activities: Focus on spiritual practices and avoid distractions such as television or material conversations.
Don't neglect moon worship: Ensure the moon is worshipped after sunset, as it is a crucial part of the fast.
Avoid breaking the fast before moonrise: Wait for the moon to rise before eating or drinking, showing self-control and devotion.