Festivals and Fairs

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Festivals in the month of April


Teej Festival - Rajasthan
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Teej is celebrated mainly by the women folk of Rajasthan. Married women who idolize Parvati for her devotion to her husband Shiva celebrate Teej. It is believed that seeking Parvati's blessings on this day results in continued marital bliss. Women fast and dedicate themselves to their husband and family. It is believed that by praying to Parvati, marital bliss is obtained as on this day the Goddess Parvati as a bride joins her husband Lord Shiva.  Women dress up in all their finery to worship the goddess. The festivity revolves around singing and dancing in praise of Parvati.

All over Rajasthan, swings (Jhoolas) are hung from trees and decorated with leaves and flowers. Ladies and girls can be seen enjoying on these swings, playing games, singing folk songs and applying Mehandi on their palms. It is a popular belief that the intensity of a man's love for his wife can be gauged from the color of henna on the wife's palm. The darker the henna, the more a man loves his wife.

Laheria (tie and dye fabric) and Ghewar ( a type of sweet) are traditionally associated with Teej. Days before the festival, main markets of Jaipur wear a festive look with abundance of Laheria and Ghewar.

The image of Parvati is called Teej Mata and is taken out for two days in a ceremonial procession. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open.

A few days before the festival, the image is repainted and on the day of Teej, it is bedecked in a new dress and traditional jewellery and worshipped by the ladies. In Jaipur the idol of Goddess Parvati (Teej Mata) is taken out in  royal procession from the city palace so that the general public can have a chance to pay homage to the Goddess. Bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, gaily decorated elephants, horses, camels, brass bands, palanquins group of dances form a part of the procession. 8 men dressed in red color carry the Palanquin of Goddess Paravati. This kilometer long procession winds its way through the lanes of the old city. To catch a glimpse of the goddess a huge crowd of colorfully dressed villagers gathers on the terraces on both sides of the road.

Teej is not only celebrated in Jaipur but also in Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The revelry of Jaipur is absent here. Married women who keep a 24-hour fast for the long life of their husband worship Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. An offering of traditional sweets and fruits is made and women pray for the long life and prosperity of their husband.
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