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Teej – A Traditional Treat In Rajasthan |
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The roaring winds, the clap of thunder, the dancing of peacocks, the sweet murmuring of birds, and the pleasant fragrance of the wet soil marks the advent of monsoons, breaking the long  and deep silence of the hot summers.
As the rain drops down, the merriment rises up with the spirits soaring high in celebration indicating the beginning of the Teej Festival which is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Lord Shiva. This festival is held every year on the third day (Teej) after the new moon in the Hindu month of Shravan.
Primarily Teej being a women’s festival it is an occasion for them to deck up in traditional jewellery and colourful attires. Women of all age groups can be seen enjoying in colourful bazaars all over the city. The festivity centres on singing and dancing in the devotion of Parvati. All across the state women can be seen taking pleasure in swinging on Jhoolas (Swings) hung from trees, playing games, singing the folksongs and applying mehendi (henna) on their hands.
In Jaipur an idol of Goddess Parvati is taken out in a royal and elaborate procession from the City Palace to the Chaughan Stadium on the festive occasion which is watched by people in large numbers. This kilometer long procession includes bullock carts, canons, chariots, gaily decorated elephants with silver haodas, horses, camels, brass bands, group of dancers and a spectacular palanquin of Goddess Parvati which is carried by eight men dressed in red attires. People join the procession as it winds its way through the lanes of the old city while others perch on top of buildings, windows, even trees to catch a glimpse of Goddess Parvati. The people strew flowers and coins over the idol of Goddess Parvati to seek her blessings.
The Department of Tourism, Rajasthan extends this event by organizing various exciting contests for the tourists and cultural performances by folk artists. The department also makes arrangements for the tourists to witness and participate in the procession. To add to the colour of the fair, stalls are put up to offer traditional delicacies like dal baati churma, kair sangari vegetable, the sweet ghewar and other mouth watering Rajasthani dishes. |
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