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Kajari Teej, also known as Badi Teej or Kajli Teej, is a significant festival celebrated by women across India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This festival, which falls on the third day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, is a time for women to express their love, devotion, and connection with nature.
The Significance of Kajari Teej
Origins and Mythology
Kajari Teej originally originated in the fables and ancient folklore. According to one narrative, King Dadurai controlled the deep forest known as Kajali in Central India, where the word “kajari” first appeared. After the king died, Queen Nagamati performed the Sati ceremony, which involves burning oneself on her husband’s funeral pyre. The horrible tragedy in Kajali left the locals so distraught that they started singing songs known as “Kajari,” which came to be regarded as songs of separation.
Connection to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
Another significant folktale connected to Kajari Teej talks about Goddess Parvati’s devotion for Lord Shiva. The legend states that Parvati yearned to wed Shiva and performed penance for 108 years to demonstrate her commitment. Shiva took her as his bride in the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month, having been struck by her devotion. Kajari Teej is a celebration of this holy unity.
Importance in Hindu Culture
In Hindu culture, Kajari Teej is very important, especially for ladies. It is believed that on this day, blessings for a happy marriage and the lifespan of one’s husband are bestowed upon those who observe a fast and pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In an effort to find a compatible life partner, single women also observe the fast.
Types of Teej Festivals: A Brief Overview
Kajari Teej vs. Hariyali Teej: What’s the Difference?
Hariyali Teej, also called Chhoti Teej, is held during the bright fortnight of the same month as Bhadrapada, whereas Kajari Teej is celebrated during the dark fortnight. The coming of the monsoon season and the lush greenery are celebrated on Hariyali Teej. To honour this, women sing and wear green attire.
Hartalika Teej: The Third Type of Teej
In the month of Bhadrapada, which typically occurs a day before Ganesh Chaturthi, the Hartalika Teej (a composite word of “Harat” and “Aalika” meaning “a woman’s kidnap with her consent by her female friends”) occurs one lunar month after the “Haryali Teej,” on the third day after new moon. It commemorates the moment when Parvati encouraged her friends to kidnap her to escape the marriage with Shiva after her father Himalaya wanted to give her hand in marriage to him.
Rituals and Customs of Kajari Teej
Fasting and Prayers
Fasting is one of the most significant Kajari Teej traditions. Women who observe a nirjala fast refrain from eating and drinking for the whole day. They create and worship clay statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Shiva receives offerings such as Datura, Belpatra, and white flowers, while married ladies give Goddess Parvati cosmetics and other items.
Singing Kajari Songs
Singing folk songs known as “Kajari” is a significant part of the festival. These songs express the longing and separation of a woman from her beloved, either while waiting in her parents’ home to celebrate Teej or anticipating being collected by her brothers. The lyrics often focus on the pining of a woman for her husband.
Swinging Traditions
During Hariyali Teej, women gather to celebrate the Jhulan Mahotsav, where they swing, dance, and sing popular songs depicting the love story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as well as the divine romance between Krishna and Radha.
What to Wear on Kajari Teej<
Traditional Attire for Women
Women dress up in their finest traditional attire for Kajari Teej. The most common choice is a saree, with a preference for red, green, or yellow colors. Some women also wear ghaghra choli or lehenga choli.
Color Symbolism and Choices
The colors worn during Kajari Teej hold significant meaning. Red represents fertility, love, and passion, while green symbolizes new beginnings and growth. Yellow is associated with happiness, prosperity, and auspiciousness.
Jewelry and Accessories
Women adorn themselves with traditional jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, bangles, and nose rings. Henna designs are also popular, with women adorning their hands and feet with intricate patterns.
What Do They Eat on Kajari Teej? Traditional Foods and Delicacies
Popular Sweets and Savories
During Kajari Teej, households prepare a variety of traditional sweets and savories. Some popular items include ghevar, a disc-shaped sweet made with flour, sugar, and ghee; laddoo, a round sweet made with flour, sugar, and nuts; and sattu, a savory dish made with roasted chickpea flour.
Significance of the Food Items During the Festival
The food items consumed during Kajari Teej hold symbolic meaning. Ghevar, with its round shape, represents the moon and is associated with fertility. Sattu is believed to break the fast and provide nourishment after a day of abstinence.
Celebrating Kajari Teej: Do’s and Don’ts
Respecting Traditions
When celebrating Kajari Teej, it is important to respect the traditions and customs associated with the festival. This includes observing the fast, worshipping the deities, and participating in the rituals with devotion and sincerity.
Modern Adaptations of the Festival
While respecting traditions is crucial, Kajari Teej can also be celebrated in modern ways. Women can organize Teej-themed parties, participate in Kajari singing competitions, or organize charity events to help underprivileged women.
The Cultural Impact of Kajari Songs
Preserving Folk Traditions
The cultural legacy of states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh is deeply rooted in the tradition of kajari songs. Singing these folk tunes during Kajari Teej contributes to the rich tradition’s preservation and passing to the next generation.
Themes and Emotions in Kajari Music
Themes like love, longing, separation, and reunion are frequently explored in kajari songs. From the excitement of being married to the pleasures and difficulties of being married, they convey the feelings of a woman at different phases of her life. Women can express their emotions through the music and build connections with one another through similar experiences.
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