What is Teej?

Teej (तीज) is a Hindu festival observed by Nepali and North Indian women, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women pray for their husbands' long life, health and prosperity. Unmarried women pray for a good husband. It is famous for its daylong fast (nirjala — no food, no water), colourful red saris, song and dance.

The three days of Teej

Dar (the eve) — Women gather at family homes for a feast the evening before the main fast. Rich foods are eaten to prepare for the following day's fast.
Teej (the main day, Haritalika Teej) — Women fast all day, visit Pashupatinath and other Shiva temples, and break the fast only after the moon rises. Red clothing, red bangles and red tika are worn.
Rishi Panchami (day after Teej) — Women worship the Saptarishi (seven sages) and perform a ritual bath with 365 blades of datiwan grass.

Teej 2083 BS dates

Teej falls on the third day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Tritiya) of Bhadra. For 2083 BS this places the main Teej day in late Bhadra 2083 (approximately September 2026 AD). Exact dates depend on the lunar calendar and are confirmed in the annual patro published at the start of the BS year. Check the festivals page for the confirmed date as it approaches.

Cultural importance

Teej is one of the most visible celebrations in Nepal. The Bagmati river banks at Pashupatinath fill with thousands of red-clad women singing traditional Teej songs (teej geet). Television channels broadcast live performances, and the songs — often with witty social commentary — are culturally significant beyond their religious role.