Haritalika Teej begins; Nepali women are partaking in the ‘Dar’ feast this evening

KATHMANDU:- On the occasion of Haritalika (Teej)—a major festival for Nepali Hindu women—women are partaking in the *Dar* feast this Sunday evening. With the consumption of ‘Dar’ today—on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadra—the four-day Teej festival officially begins.

There is a tradition, particularly among a woman’s natal family and brothers, of inviting their daughters and sisters over to partake in a special pre-fasting meal known as ‘Dar’. Since a strict fast—abstaining even from water—must be observed the following day (on the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadra), this meal is consumed the night before to provide the physical strength and sustenance needed for the fast.

Scripture scholar Prof. Toyaraj Nepal states that the tradition involves consuming *Dar*—specifically consisting of pure dishes made from milk, wheat flatbread (Roti), and ghee. According to scriptural tenets, *Dar* must be eaten while two-thirds of the night still remains.

Women have long used Teej as an occasion to pour out the sorrows, anxieties, and hardships accumulated throughout the year through song and dance. It serves as a platform for sharing—with sisters and female relatives at their maternal homes—the emotional pain experienced while transitioning from their childhood homes to their marital homes. While the festival was once confined to Nepal, the influence of mass media has recently led to its celebration in various parts of India as well.

This festival, which begins on Sunday with the consumption of ‘Dar’ (a special pre-fasting meal), is observed until Rishi Panchami. The Haritalika fast is observed on Tritiya (the third day), while Ganesh Puja is performed on Chaturthi (the fourth day). According to the calendar approved by the committee, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the morning of Tuesday, Bhadra 30, and the Rishi Panchami festival is to be observed on the same day at midday by taking a ritual bath and worshipping the Saptarishis (Seven Sages) along with Arundhati.

In the Satya Yuga, Parvati—the daughter of the Himalayas—performed severe penance at Gauri Ghat to win Lord Mahadev as her husband. However, when her father, Himalaya, attempted to marry her off to Lord Vishnu against her wishes, her friends abducted (hid) her and took her to a secluded place where no one could see her. According to mythological belief, it was at this very location that Parvati observed a strict fast—abstaining even from water—on the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadra and succeeded in obtaining Mahadev as her husband.

According to religious tradition, this fast is named ‘Haritalika’ because the deity was abducted by her friends. On the occasion of Teej, large crowds of women observing the fast gather at Shiva temples across the country, including Pashupatinath. With the onset of Teej, a festive atmosphere permeates Nepali society, heralding the arrival of major festivals like Bada Dashain and Tihar.