Kajari Teej, also known as Satudi Teej or Badi Teej, is a significant festival for married women in India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. This festival, which falls on the Tritiya (third day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is observed with great devotion and is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and long life to husbands.
Kajari Teej 2024: Date and Auspicious Timings
In 2024, Kajari Teej will be celebrated on August 22. According to the Hindu Panchang, the Tritiya Tithi will begin at 5:06 PM on August 21, 2024, and will end at 1:46 PM on August 22, 2024. The puja muhurat for this auspicious day is from 5:54 AM to 7:32 AM, with an additional evening muhurat from 6:53 PM to 8:16 PM. Moonrise, which is crucial for breaking the fast, is expected to occur at 8:51 PM.
Significance of Kajari Teej
Kajari Teej holds immense cultural and religious significance, especially for married women who observe a day-long fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Much like Karva Chauth, the fast observed on Kajari Teej is nirjala, meaning women abstain from both food and water throughout the day. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon and offering it water, a ritual that is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions.
The festival is also associated with the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati was reunited with Lord Shiva after her arduous penance. As a result, Kajari Teej is also seen as an auspicious day for unmarried women who pray for a good life partner.
Rituals and Observances
On Kajari Teej, married women wake up early and prepare for the day’s rituals. They dress in traditional attire, often in green, red, or yellow saris, and adorn themselves with jewelry. The day begins with the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, where devotees offer fruits, flowers, and sweets as part of the ritual. Special importance is given to offering green bangles, henna, and sindoor (vermilion), which symbolize marital bliss.
In the evening, after sighting the moon, women break their fast by offering water to the moon and praying for their husband’s long life and well-being. The festival is celebrated with songs, dances, and a sense of community, as women gather to share their joy and devotion.
The Three Teej Festivals
Kajari Teej is one of the three Teej festivals celebrated annually, the others being Hariyali Teej and Hartalika Teej. Each Teej has its own significance, but all share the common theme of celebrating marriage and praying for marital happiness. Hariyali Teej is celebrated in the Shukla Paksha of the Shravan month, while Hartalika Teej is observed in the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month, just before Ganesh Chaturthi.
Conclusion: The Cultural Importance of Kajari Teej
Kajari Teej is more than just a religious observance; it is a celebration of marital love and devotion. For centuries, this festival has played a vital role in the cultural fabric of India, particularly in regions where it is celebrated with fervor. The rituals performed on this day are believed to ensure a strong and happy marital bond, invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
While modern times may see variations in how the festival is observed, the essence of Kajari Teej remains unchanged—a day of deep spiritual reflection, devotion, and the celebration of the sacred bond of marriage.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. Readers are encouraged to consult with religious experts or scholars for a deeper understanding and to ensure the correct observance of rituals.
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