The festival of Hariyali Teej—also known as Saavani Teej—celebrated during the month of Sawan holds special significance for married women. On this day, women worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, praying for their husbands' longevity, a happy marital life, and the well-being of their families. It is called 'Hariyali Teej' because of the lush greenery that spreads everywhere during the month of Sawan. Women adorn themselves in traditional finery (*Solah Shringar*), apply henna (*mehndi*) to their hands, and celebrate by swinging on swings and singing folk songs.

Hariyali Teej is observed on the third day (*Tritiya*) of the bright fortnight (*Shukla Paksha*) of the Shravan month. This festival is primarily popular in North India. Fairs are organized in many places on this occasion, and processions featuring the idol of Goddess Parvati are taken out. According to religious belief, this festival commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

**Rituals of Hariyali Teej Worship**

Pandit Harimohan Sharma, a spiritual guru from Karauli, explains that worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with proper rituals on this day is believed to ensure happiness and peace in marital life. To begin the worship, the house is cleaned, and a ceremonial platform (*chowki*) is decorated. Next, idols of Lord Shiva (in the form of a *Shivling*), Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Parvati’s companions are crafted using a mixture of soil and *Gangajal* (holy water from the Ganges). Following this, the deities are invoked, and the *Shodashopachara* ritual (worship involving sixteen specific offerings) is performed. Women offer items of adornment (*shringar*), fruits, flowers, and other ritual offerings to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In many places, women also participate in *Jagran* (night-long vigils) and *Kirtan* (devotional singing).

**The Fast is Considered Incomplete Without These Three Vows**

Hariyali Teej is not merely a festival of worship and fasting; it is also an occasion to pledge to uphold virtuous conduct in marital life. On this day, women should resolve to abstain from three vices: deceit towards their husbands, lying and abusive behavior, and *Par-ninda* (speaking ill of others).

**The Mythological Legend of Hariyali Teej**

According to mythological belief, Goddess Parvati undertook severe penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. After she performed penance for a long period, Lord Shiva was pleased and accepted her as his wife. It is believed that the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on the *Tritiya Tithi* (third day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Shravan. For this reason, Hariyali Teej is considered a festival associated with marital bliss and good fortune. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with devotion on this day brings happiness and prosperity to married life and strengthens the love and trust between husband and wife.

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