Teej Festival in Nepal Date in the current year: September 6, 2024

Actually, Teej is a generic name for several festivals observed by women for the wellness of their spouse. The word “teej” means “third” as Teej is observed on the third day after the new moon. In Nepal, the so-called Hartalika Teej is celebrated as a public holiday. It falls during Bhadrapada month, which begins in August or September in the Gregorian calendar.

Hartalika Teej is a three-day festival that commemorates Parvati's union with Lord Shiva. Nepalese women separate it for purification of their body and soul and for well-being of their family. The first day is celebrated with singing, dancing and feasting. The feast is hosted by men, women do not have to do anything during the day. For them, the first day of Teej is an official non-working holiday.

The second day of the festival is dedicated to fasting. Married women fast for prosperity of their family, while unmarried women fast hoping to be blessed with a good husband. On the third day, women perform the purification ritual.