Hartalika and Hariyali Teej Puja: Samagri, Vidhi, and Significance

The Teej festivals hold immense spiritual and cultural value in Hindu tradition, especially among women in North India. Among these, Hartalika Teej and Hariyali Teej are celebrated with devotion, marking the strength of marital love, the power of prayer, and the blessings of Goddess Parvati. If you're preparing to perform these pujas, understanding the right puja samagri (worship materials) and puja vidhi (rituals) is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need—from samagri lists to the step-by-step puja process and more.

Hartalika Teej Puja Samagri

To conduct a proper Hartalika Teej puja, gathering the right items in advance ensures the rituals are performed smoothly. Here’s a complete list of traditional puja materials:

Essential Puja Items for Hartalika Teej

• Clay or metal idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati

• Red chunari and decorative clothes for the idols

• Vermilion (sindoor), turmeric, rice, and roli for tilak

• Fresh flowers and garlands (preferably marigold or rose)

• Fruits like bananas, apples, pomegranates

• Panchamrit (a mix of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar)

• Sacred water (Ganga Jal) or purified water

• Incense sticks, diya (lamp), camphor

• Kalash (a metal pot filled with water and mango leaves)

• Sweets like ghevar, laddoo, and pedha

• Betel leaves, supari, coconut, and cloves

• Red thread (mauli) and bindis

• Mirror and comb (used symbolically in women’s rituals)

Make sure to lay all items on a clean puja thali and decorate the puja area with rangoli or flowers for added sanctity.

Hariyali Teej Ki Puja Samagri

Hariyali Teej puja is also performed with great enthusiasm and similar devotion. Here’s what you need for this auspicious day:

Key Ingredients for Hariyali Teej Puja

• Image or idol of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva

• Green clothes and bangles (signifying greenery and fertility)

• Mehandi (henna) for personal adornment

• Decorative mirror and comb

• Fresh flowers and leaves

• Food offerings (bhog) such as ghevar, kheer, and halwa

• Fruits, sweets, and seasonal vegetables

• Puja thali with kumkum, akshat, chandan, incense sticks, diya, and kalash

These items not only fulfill the ritualistic requirements but also enrich the celebratory spirit of the occasion.

Hartalika Teej Puja Vidhi

The vidhi, or procedure, for Hartalika Teej involves detailed steps focused on devotion, fasting, and prayer. Traditionally observed by married and unmarried women alike, it is believed to fulfill wishes related to marriage and conjugal happiness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hartalika Teej Puja

1. Early Morning Preparations:

   • Wake up before sunrise and take a bath.

   • Clean the puja area and set up idols of Shiva-Parvati.

2. Sankalp (Oath of Fast):

   • Take a vow of fasting and prayer with pure intentions.

   • Women typically observe a nirjala fast (without water).

3. Shringar (Adornment):

   • Women adorn themselves with traditional attire, jewelry, and mehandi.

   • Apply sindoor and wear green or red clothing.

4. Perform the Puja:

   • Begin by placing flowers, fruits, and offerings before the idols.

   • Light diya and incense sticks; chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Parvati.

   • Offer Panchamrit, sweets, and fruits.

   • Listen or recite the Hartalika Teej Katha, narrating the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.

5. Aarti and Conclusion:

   • Perform aarti with camphor and chant prayers.

   • Seek blessings for marital harmony and well-being.

Hariyali Teej Puja Vidhi

Hariyali Teej, celebrated during the monsoon season, emphasizes greenery, nature, and feminine celebration. The rituals symbolize rejuvenation and joy.

Step-by-Step Hariyali Teej Puja Procedure

1. Morning Rituals:

   • Clean the house and puja space.

   • Women wear green clothes and jewelry to match the festive spirit.

2. Setting the Puja Area:

   • Place idols or pictures of Shiva and Parvati together.

   • Decorate with green leaves and colorful rangoli.

3. Offering & Prayer:

   • Present traditional bhog like sweets and seasonal fruits.

   • Chant mantras and perform the aarti.

   • Read or listen to the Hariyali Teej Katha.

4. Community Singing & Swings:

   • Women often sing traditional Teej songs and participate in festivities involving decorated swings.

Additional Insights into Teej Celebrations

These Teej festivals go beyond rituals—they offer a space for women to celebrate their culture, joy, and resilience.

Spiritual Significance

• Hartalika Teej is linked to Goddess Parvati’s devotion and determination to marry Lord Shiva.

• Hariyali Teej marks the onset of monsoon and symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and feminine grace.

Regional Customs

• In Rajasthan, women celebrate with traditional folk songs and fairs.

• In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the rituals include colorful processions and community pujas.

• In Madhya Pradesh, the festival is associated with gifting and family gatherings.

Fasting Practices

• Both Teej festivals involve rigorous fasting, sometimes even without water.

• It is believed that such discipline helps cleanse the body and purify the soul.

FAQ Section

Q1: What is the difference between Hartalika and Hariyali Teej?

A: Hartalika Teej focuses on Goddess Parvati’s penance and is marked by a strict fast, while Hariyali Teej celebrates nature and marital bliss, with emphasis on greenery and songs.

Q2: Can unmarried women observe Hartalika Teej?

A: Yes, many unmarried women observe the fast to seek blessings for a good life partner, inspired by the devotion of Goddess Parvati.

Q3: What should I wear during Teej puja?

A: Traditional Indian attire in red or green is preferred. Women often wear sarees, lehengas, or salwar suits adorned with jewelry and mehandi.

Q4: Is it necessary to fast without water during Hartalika Teej?

A: While nirjala fast is traditionally observed, one can choose a less rigorous form based on personal health and capability.

Q5: Can the puja be performed at home or is a temple visit necessary?

A: The puja can be performed at home with proper setup and devotion. Visiting a temple is optional but adds to the spiritual atmosphere.

Conclusion

Understanding the hartalika teej puja samagri, hariyali teej ki puja samagri, hartalika teej puja vidhi, and hariyali teej puja vidhi is essential to celebrate these festivals meaningfully. These sacred traditions are more than rituals—they’re a way to honor the divine feminine and strengthen the bonds of love and faith. Whether you’re observing the fast, performing the puja, or simply soaking in the festive energy, Teej brings with it blessings, happiness, and an abundance of joy.