Kajari Teej

Kajari Teej is celebrated on the third day (Tritiya) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Married women observe this fast for the longevity of their husbands and to ensure a blissful married life. Unmarried girls also observe this fast to find a suitable match. This festival is celebrated three days after Raksha Bandhan and is also known as Kajaliya Teej or Saturi Teej. On this day, women observe a waterless fast, and like the Karva Chauth fast, they break it by offering Arghya to the Moon. Women and girls worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and also revere Neemdi Mata. On this auspicious day, swings are set up in homes, and women sing and dance. Singing Kajari songs holds special significance on this day. In the northern Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, Kajari Teej is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Women prepare various dishes on this day, such as kheer-puri, cashew halwa, besan laddus, coconut laddus, and dal baati churma.

Method of worship

On the day of Kajari Teej, wake up early in the morning, complete your daily rituals, bathe, and purify yourself before taking the vow to observe a waterless fast. Pregnant women can opt for a fruit-based diet while fasting. On Kajari Teej, it is customary to worship Neemdi Mata. Offer water, red vermilion (Roli), and unbroken rice grains (Akshat) to Neemdi Mata, and adorn her with Mehendi and Roli. Present clothes, fruits, flowers, and adornment items to the deity. Additionally, worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva by offering them Bel leaves, Dhatura, milk, Ganga water, and flowers of the Ak plant. After the worship, feed young girls and offer them Dakshina (monetary gifts). Seek the blessings of all the elder women in the household. In the evening, after the Moon rises, dress up in full adornment, offer Arghya to the Moon, and make an offering. Then, circumambulate the worship area and break your fast.

Importance of Kajri Teej

This fast was first observed by Goddess Parvati to attain Lord Shiva. When unmarried girls observe this fast, they are blessed with a good husband. For married women, observing this fast increases their husband's longevity, eliminates conflicts, and brings harmony to their married life. With the blessings of Goddess Parvati, they are also blessed with virtuous children, and peace prevails in the home. Women who sincerely worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva on Kajari Teej receive the constant blessings of the deities, ensuring their well-being and prosperity.

Related topics

• Hartalika Teej
• Hariyali Teej