Hartalika Teej falls on the third day of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada month.
It marks Goddess Parvati’s penance to marry Lord Shiva.
Women fast without water (nirjala vrat) for their husband’s well-being.
Sand idols of Shiva and Parvati are worshipped during the puja.
It is called Gowri Habba in South India and includes Swarna Gowri Vratha.
Details
Hartalika Teej is a revered Hindu festival celebrated during the Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the Bhadrapada month. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, the vrat (fast) symbolizes marital devotion, bliss, and fertility. Women, especially married ones, observe this day with great devotion by fasting, dressing in traditional attire, and worshipping clay or sand idols of Shiva and Parvati. The name 'Hartalika' is derived from the Sanskrit words Harat (abduction) and Aalika (female friend), referring to the legend where Parvati’s friend took her to the forest to stop her forced marriage to Lord Vishnu and help her reunite with Lord Shiva.
Morning is considered the most auspicious time for performing the puja, but if missed, Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight) is also suitable. Women listen to or recite the story of Hartalika Teej during the puja and seek divine blessings for a prosperous, harmonious married life. In South India, this festival is observed as Gowri Habba, where women perform Swarna Gowri Vratha in honor of Goddess Gowri. In North India, especially in states like Rajasthan, UP, MP, Bihar, and Jharkhand, Hartalika Teej is celebrated with songs, dance, and rituals, marking one of the three major Teej festivals of the season.
