New Delhi: Women in North Indian states, particularly Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, celebrate Teej with great zeal. Three popular Teej(s) celebrated by women during the Sawan and Bhadrapada months are -



  1. Hariyali Teej

  2. Kajari Teej

  3. Hartalika Teej


Kajari Teej is usually celebrated three days after Raksha Bandhan and five days before Krishna Janmashtami. It falls during the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month in the North Indian calendar and the Krishna Paksha of Shravana month in the South Indian calendar. However, Kajari Teej falls on the same day in both calendars.


In contrast to Chhoti Teej, which is also known as Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej is also known as Badi Teej. 


Kajari Teej Date 2023:



Kajari Teej Date: Saturday, September 2, 2023


 


Tritiya Tithi Begins- 11:50 PM on Sep 01, 2023

Tritiya Tithi Ends- 08:49 PM on Sep 02, 2023

 

Kajari Teej 2023: Rituals

 

The eve of Kajari Teej is marked by a high-spirited and joyful celebration. Although there are regional variations that add distinct flavours to the festival, the core rituals remain consistent. These include:



  • To ensure their husbands' longevity and prosperity, married women diligently observe the Kajari Teej fast.

  • Unmarried girls also partake in this fast, seeking blessings for a suitable husband.

  • The fast is broken through the worship of the Moon or, in some cases, by venerating the Neem tree.

  • On this occasion, a mixture known as Sattu is meticulously prepared from rice, gram, wheat, and barley.

  • Paying homage to cows is a significant element of Kajari Teej.

  • It's customary to first feed these sacred animals with small chapatis made from wheat flour, ghee, and jaggery.

  • Following this ritual, the devotees can partake in their meals.

  • Hindu women revel in the festivities by engaging in song and dance to folk tunes, all while adorning their homes with ornate swings.

  • The celebration is further enriched by the presence of songs.

  • Accompanied by the joyous rhythms of drums, individuals from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh sing a variety of Kajari Teej songs, creating a festive atmosphere.


Kajari Teej 2023: Vrat Niyam


Women who follow a strict Kajari Teej Fast should eat something before sunrise in the morning. Following that, they must refrain from eating or drinking anything. Then, in the evening, married women dress up and worship the Neem tree and the Moon before breaking the fast.


If a woman begins to observe this fast, she must do so for the next 16 years.


Kajari Teej is a festival that all Hindu women look forward to. It is a lively festival for them, and it is significant because it is associated with marital happiness and the long life of their husband.