WHAT IS TEEJ AND ITS ORIGIN?

The name of this festival “Teej” is believed to have come from a small red insect, which only appears in the earth during the period of the monsoon season. So, this festival is named after that particular insect “Teej.”

Talking about the origin of this festival, as per the Hindu legend, Teej is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati for her union with Lord Shiva. Teej is celebrated by Nepali women, as well as girls without eating anything or even drinking water. Married women fast for the long life of their husband and for a happy relationship in the family. Whereas, girls fast to get a decent and kind husband, just like “Lord Shiva.” It is the most popular festival among Nepali women.

WHY IS TEEJ CELEBRATED?

Teej in Nepal is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, marking her union with Lord Shiva. Teej is celebrated for the well-being of husband, children, and the whole family. Nowadays, Nepali women celebrate this festival as a way to be united and having fun while praying for the well-being of the husband and the entire family. It has also become a way to bring women together of different class and celebrate the festival as one. The celebration of Teej implies the ultimate sacrifice a woman makes for her husband.

As per the legend of Hindu, Goddess Parvati was accepted by Lord Shiva as his wife in her 108th birth, which means Goddess Parvati had to take birth for 108 times and keep unsparing fast in all her life live before being granted by the wish of being Shiva’s wife by Lord Shiva himself. That is why, Goddess Parvati is also known as “Teej Mata,” meaning “Goddess of Teej.”