The “Lord Shiva-Goddess Parvati ki Jodi” in India is considered the epitome of a couple that embodies loyalty, devotion, and eternal love. Hariyali Teej is a festival where Hindus celebrate the divine reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This Hindu festival falls in the holy month of Shravan, also known as Sawan. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially by married women in North India. On this day, women inspired by the Katha of Goddess Parvati pray for their husbands’ long life, happiness, and well-being. Unmarried women also observe this festival to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for an ideal life partner.
Hariyali Teej 2026: Timing and Tithi
Hariyali Teej will be celebrated on Saturday, 15 August 2026. The festival falls on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the Shravan month.
- Tritiya Tithi Begins: 6:46 PM on 14 August 2026
- Tritiya Tithi Ends: 5:28 PM on 15 August 2026
People observe the vrat and perform the puja during the Tritiya Tithi according to their local Panchang. As it varies with every city and local coordinates.
Why is it called Hariyali Teej?
The word “Hariyali” means greenery. This festival is celebrated during the month of Shravan when the monsoon season brings fresh greenery all around. Trees, plants, and fields become lush green, making nature look beautiful and lively. The word “Teej” refers to the third day (Tritiya) of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Shravan.
Hariyali Teej gets its name from this beautiful combination of greenery and the auspicious Teej tithi. The festival celebrates not only the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati but also the beauty of nature, prosperity, and new beginnings that come with the monsoon season.
Hariyali Teej is also known by different names in different parts of India. In Rajasthan, it is popularly called Chhoti Teej. In some regions, it is also known as Shravani Teej because it is celebrated during the month of Shravan. Although the names may differ, the devotion towards Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati remains the same.
The Hariyali Teej Katha
The story begins with Goddess Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan and Queen Mena. She is also worshipped as Goddess Gauri. Since childhood, she wished to have Lord Shiva as her husband. To fulfil this wish, Parvati performed intense tapasya for many years.
Seeing her devotion, Sage Narad took Lord Vishnu’s marriage proposal to King Himavan. Her father accepted the proposal, but Parvati was heartbroken because she had already chosen Lord Shiva in her heart. With the help of her friend, she left for a secluded forest. There, she made a Shivling from sand and worshipped Lord Shiva while observing a strict fast.
Lord Shiva was pleased with her devotion and accepted Parvati as his wife. After their marriage, Lord Shiva blessed her by saying that any woman who worships him with the same faith and devotion would be blessed with a loving and desired husband.
The Hariyali Teej Katha beautifully reflects the reunion of Mata Parvati and Lord Shiva and teaches us the importance of faith, patience, and true devotion.
Significance for Married and Unmarried Women
Many Indian women have grown up listening to the Hariyali Teej Katha from their dadi and nani. The traditions, rituals, and stories of this festival have been passed down from one generation to another.
For married women, this day is dedicated to praying to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for their husbands’ long, healthy, and happy lives. Many women also pray for peace, prosperity, and happiness in their families. Unmarried women observe this fast to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a loving and ideal life partner.
How to Observe Hariyali Teej Vrat?
As soon as the month of Shravan begins, many devotees observe the Shravan Somvar Vrat. On Hariyali Teej, women keep a 24-hour Nirjala Upvas with complete devotion.
The vrat is observed in the following way:
- Wake up early before sunrise and take a bath.
- Wear clean clothes. Most women wear green as it represents fertility, prosperity, and the greenery of the monsoon season.
- Apply mehendi and wear Solah Shringar. Married women also apply sindoor, bangles, and other traditional jewellery.
- Clean the puja place and place an idol or picture of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha. If there is a Shivling at home, it can also be worshipped.
- Prepare a puja thali with kumkum, haldi, akshat (rice), flowers, bel patra, fruits, sweets, incense sticks, a diya, coconut, and prasad. Many women also offer green bangles, green clothes, and shringar items to Goddess Parvati.
- Offer water, flowers, bel patra, fruits, and sweets to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with devotion.
- Listen to or read the Hariyali Teej Katha and seek the blessings of the divine couple.
- Perform the evening aarti and pray for a happy married life, good health, and family happiness.
- Break the fast according to your family tradition after offering prayers.
Importance of Sawan ka Jhoola
Sawan ka Jhoola is one of the most beautiful traditions of Hariyali Teej. During the month of Shravan, swings are decorated with flowers and colourful cloth and tied to the branches of large trees.
Women and young girls gather together wearing green clothes and beautiful mehendi. They sing traditional Teej folk songs, dance, and enjoy swinging with family and friends. The swing represents happiness, togetherness, and the joy of the monsoon season. It also symbolizes the festive spirit of Sawan and the close connection between nature and Indian traditions.
Even today, Sawan ka Jhoola remains an important part of Hariyali Teej celebrations in many parts of India.
Conclusion
Hariyali Teej is not just a festival but a celebration of love, devotion, and faith. It reminds us of the divine bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the power of true dedication. Whether celebrated by married or unmarried women, Hariyali Teej continues to keep India’s beautiful traditions alive from one generation to the next. It is a festival that beautifully brings together spirituality, family traditions, and the beauty of the monsoon season.