Friday 19th April 2024
Today, Nepali Hindu women will begin the celebrations for the festival Hartalika Teej!
The devotees will observe three days of dancing, singing, fasting and eating traditional food in view of this colorful festival.
To provide a prayerful and peaceful experience on the occasion of Teej, the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has taken care of all the arrangements to accommodate the women devotees at the famous Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu Valley.
PADT Administrative Officer Rewati Raman Adhikari says that at least 600,000 women will be visiting the temple.
Special security measures have been deployed in and around the temple in case of any emergency. 45,000 police personnel from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department have been stationed for the security of the devotees.
Close to 2,000 volunteers from 40 organizations will be assisting the PADT in providing necessary help for the devotees, including the elderly. Adhikari explains that these arrangements were made so that no devotee will have to stand in a line for more than one hour to visit the temple.
At least 12 health camps have been set up to provide emergency medical assistance to devotees.
PADT along with the District Administration Office and police has restricted the sale and consumption of liquor and drugs around the temple.
The Significance of Teej:
Teej is a monsoon festival observed in Nepal and the northern, western and southern states of India. The festival venerates the bounty of nature, the arrival of the clouds and rain, greenery and birds with social activity, rituals and customs.
During the festival, women dress in colors of red, green and worship the goddess Parvati for the well-being of their husbands, children and themselves.
Haritalika Teej marks the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
PM Oli’s Teej Greetings:
On the occasion of Hartalika Teej, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli greeted all the women in Nepal, today.
In his message of goodwill, he wished that the festival of Teej inspire all Nepali women to move ahead in togetherness.
He also emphasized on the need to keep the fundamental values of the Teej festival alive while also keeping it relevant to time.
“Teej festival should not be made expensive and high-sounding by brushing aside its values”, PM said in the message. The festival somewhat has carried a history of women liberation. So, it should be preserved and kept intact accordingly.”
Adding further, he said, various festivals celebrated in the multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic country help foster unity among the people of Nepal.
Chaurchan Festival:
While the country is celebrating Hartalika Teej, Nepal’s Mithila region in Terai is also celebrating Chaurchan festival today.
The festival is about the moon and is celebrated by presenting fruits, curd, pudding and more to the moon.
Women observe fast throughout the day and in the evening families get together to pray to the moon. Natives believe that the festival brings good fortune.
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