Women in Lohardaga Celebrate Teej with Devotion and Fasting

The festival of Teej, a celebration of marital happiness and devotion, was observed with great enthusiasm in Lohardaga. Married women observed the Teej fast with full devotion, praying to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for the long life and well-being of their husbands. They observed a strict, waterless fast throughout the day and performed elaborate prayers. Preparations for the festival began early in the morning in both urban and rural areas, with women preparing for the fast and organizing prayer ceremonies. Priests guided the women through the rituals, narrating the story of Haritalika Teej and overseeing the completion of the fast. The legend of Haritalika Teej centers around the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Goddess Parvati, in her next life, performed intense penance to have Lord Shiva as her husband. Lord Shiva, pleased with her devotion, granted her wish. The festival commemorates this union, with married women observing the fast for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands.