Hartalika Teej 2026: Devotees observe fasts to honor Shiva and Parvati

Hartalika Teej is being celebrated on September 14, 2026, a significant Hindu festival observed primarily by women in India. The festival honors the divine union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, commemorating Parvati’s intense penance to win Shiva as her husband.

Devotees observe a strict “Nirjala Vrat” (fasting without food or water) to pray for marital harmony, the longevity of their spouses, and prosperity. Many women also participate in night vigils involving devotional songs and hymns. Traditional customs include creating makeshift idols of Shiva and Parvati from sand or clay and offering items such as water, flowers, and sandalwood.

The fast is typically broken the following day, September 15, after sunrise and performing morning prayers. Rituals for breaking the fast (Paran) include bathing, worshipping the deities again, and immersing the clay idols in water. Celebrations often involve wearing traditional attire, with green, red, and pink sarees being popular choices for the occasion.