Kajari Teej, like Hariyali Teej and Karwa Chauth, is mainly celebrated by married women from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Madhya Pradesh. Also referred to as Badi Teej or Satudi Teej, Kajari is derived from a folk tradition that describes the sweet pain a woman endures because of a brief separation from her husband. She visits her maternal home to celebrate this festival and observes a vrat to pray for the well-being of her better half.
On the day of Kajari Teej, women worship Goddess Parvati and ask for Her blessings for a blissful married life. Women get up early on this day and finish all their morning chores. They then wear new clothes and adorn themselves with sindoor, bindi, and bangles. Women also apply mehndi on their hands and feet. It is customary for women to dress up as newlywed brides on the day of Kajari Teej.
Date
Kajari Teej is on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
Read on to know the tithi and other important details and significance.
Kajari Teej 2024 Tithi Timings
Kajari Teej is observed on the Tritiya Tithi in the month of Bhadrapada, Krishna Paksha (the third day during the waning or dark phase of the Moon in the month of Bhadrapada).
Tritiya Tithi Begins – August 21 | 7:36 AM in (United States)
Tritiya Tithi Ends – August 22 | 4:16 AM in (United States)
Significance of This Day
Kajari Teej is an age-old festival observed by married women as they visit their maternal home to perform the ceremonies. As mentioned above, the term Kajari, inspired by the folk tradition, expresses the pain of brief separation from the husband. Interestingly, it is also associated with the monsoon seasons.
Women observe a day-long fast and perform rituals to seek Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva’s blessings. They also pray for a blissful married life.
Unmarried girls also observe a vrat with the desire to find a life partner of their choice and therefore seek the blessings of the deities.
History Of Kajari Teej
It is believed that Maa Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva and was greatly devoted to making her wish come true. Seeing this mix of desperation and devotion, Lord Shiva asked Maa Paravati to prove her dedication towards him as the divine feminine energy.
It is said that to prove her immense and pure love for Lord Mahadeva, Goddess Parvati observed penance for 108 years, after which Lord Shiva accepted her as his faithful wife.
It is believed that their divine marriage took place during the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. And later on, this day came to be celebrated as Kajli Teej. Thus, it is considered very auspicious to worship Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati on this day.
How is Kajari Teej celebrated?
Women get dressed in their best fineries and decorate their palms with Mehendi. In a nutshell, they look like newly wedded brides. In some regions, women also worship the Neem tree and the Moon God (Chandra Dev).
The festivities are also marked by songs, dance, collective prayers, get-togethers, and other customary rituals.
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