Hartalika Teej 2024: Vrat Date, Timings, Rituals, Puja Vidhi, and Significance

Hartalika Teej is a cherished festival for women, celebrated with immense devotion in various parts of India. This special day, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is observed with prayers, fasting, and rituals that bring blessings for marital bliss, happiness, and longevity. In 2024, Hartalika Teej falls on Friday, September 6.

Hartalika Teej 2024 Date and Puja Timing

• Date: Friday, September 6, 2024
• Pratahkala Hartalika Puja Muhurat: 6:03 AM to 8:34 AM
• Duration: 2 hours and 31 minutes
• Tritiya Tithi Begins: 12:21 PM on September 5, 2024
• Tritiya Tithi Ends: 3:01 PM on September 6, 2024

This auspicious day is observed on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the Bhadrapada month. Women, especially in North India, observe a day-long fast and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, praying for the well-being of their husbands and future marital bliss.

Significance of Hartalika Teej

Hartalika Teej holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. The word "Hartalika" comes from two Sanskrit words: "Harat" (abduction) and "Aalika" (female friend). The legend behind this festival tells the story of how Goddess Parvati’s friend took her to the forest to prevent her father from marrying her off to Lord Vishnu, as Parvati had always been devoted to Lord Shiva. Through her unwavering devotion and determination, Parvati eventually won Lord Shiva’s heart.

Women honor Goddess Parvati’s steadfastness by observing fasts and offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The belief is that their blessings ensure a happy and prosperous married life, as well as the boon of progeny.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi of Hartalika Teej

Hartalika Teej is all about devotion and dedication. The Puja Vidhi (ritual process) is typically conducted in the morning, but if the morning isn't feasible, the Pradosh Kaal (evening) is also considered an auspicious time for worship.

Here's how the rituals unfold:

1. Early Morning Bath: Women begin their day with a purifying bath, often using a mixture of sesame and amla powder. This is believed to cleanse the body and prepare them for the day of devotion.

2. Dressing Up: After the bath, women adorn themselves in beautiful clothes and jewelry, embracing the joy of the festival with vibrant colors and accessories.

3. Sankalp: They take a sacred vow (Sankalp) to observe the Hartalika Vrat with full faith and dedication, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

4. Ganesh Puja: The Puja begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, to ensure the ceremony proceeds without any hindrances.

5. Shiva-Parvati Puja: The main ritual involves the Shodashopachara (16-step) Puja dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women offer flowers, fruits, incense, and other offerings while chanting prayers.

6. Narration of Hartalika Katha: The story of Hartalika Teej is narrated during the Puja, reminding the women of Parvati’s devotion and ultimate union with Lord Shiva.

Regional Celebrations of Hartalika Teej

In North India, particularly in Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, Hartalika Teej is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Women gather in groups to sing, dance, and perform the rituals together, turning the day into a festive occasion.

In South India, especially in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, this festival is celebrated as Gowri Habba. Women observe the Swarna Gowri Vratha, seeking blessings for a long and happy married life from Goddess Gowri, another form of Parvati.

Hartalika Teej and Its Connection to Ganesh Chaturthi

Hartalika Teej is celebrated just a day before Ganesh Chaturthi, and it falls about a month after Hariyali Teej. Both festivals are centered on the worship of clay idols, with Hartalika Teej focusing on the divine couple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The worship of these idols symbolizes their eternal love and the ideal marital relationship that many devotees seek to emulate in their own lives.

Wrapping Up Words

Hartalika Teej is more than just a festival; it is a day filled with prayers, devotion, and hope for a prosperous and blissful married life. By observing fasts and performing the rituals with sincerity, women strengthen their spiritual connection to Goddess Parvati, who remains a symbol of dedication, patience, and love. May the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati be with all those who celebrate this beautiful festival.

Make sure to mark your calendar for September 6, 2024, and take part in the beautiful traditions of Hartalika Teej, celebrating the eternal bond of love and devotion.