Teej Festival
Teej Festival is celebrated for well being of spouse, children and purification of one's body and soul. This festivals contains three days long celebration which combines sumptuous feasts as well as rigid fasting. It is celebrated for the long life of her husband as well as long term relationship between them in the present and the life to come. The folk music, dances and women's with red clothes add more flavor to traditional values of Teej. Most of the Nepali Hindu women sing, dance in the street and also visit the temples in fasting mood.
Day 1 - Dar Khane Din
In this day, daughters go to their mother's house and women assemble together in their finest red clothing and sing devotional songs and feast together. Brothers host the feast and sister are invited on the day. Women sing songs about their family and social issues, discrimination as well as the struggles they have faced. Teej is also a time to express women's voice through songs. Women appear in full make-up ( Sorha Sringar ) and dance a lot before they are ready to eat. The main food as Dar includes variety of food is served which is rich and abundant. The feast leasts till midnight after which the strict 24 - hour fasting starts.
Day 2 - The Fasting Day
In this day, a strict fasting is observed by women and girls. Some women do not even take a single drop of water or food. They take a bath every in the morning and go to a nearby temple for Puja. They sing and dance throughout the day. They also light oil lamps which they believe brings peace and prosperity if lit for a longer time. The women and girls who fast strictly are believed to be blessed with a good husband ( for unmarried ) and husband's longevity and proserity ( for married ).
Day 3 - Rishi Panchami
The third day is the end of Teej festivals. After the end of lasting day women pay homage to seven saints or sages, bath with red mud from the roots of the sacred datiwan bush, along with its leaves and offer prayers to deities. After the act of purification women are considered absolved from all their sins.
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