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Hartalika Teej fast is considered one of the most difficult, sacred and important fasts in Sanatan culture and religious life of married women. In this Nirjala fast, which is observed on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month, Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are worshiped with all the rituals, due to which one gets the blessings of unbroken good fortune and happy married life. This year, on the auspicious occasion of Hartalika Teej, married women across the country will observe this difficult fast without consuming water day and night for the long life and good health of their husbands. According to religious beliefs, the rules of this fast are very strict and full of discipline, following which is considered mandatory for every fasting woman. If any religious mistake or prohibited act is committed unknowingly during the fast, then the full fruit of the fast is not achieved. Therefore, married women must have complete knowledge of all the important rules, precautions and dos and don’ts of Hartalika Teej before starting the puja so that they can please Goddess Parvati.
The biggest feature of the fast of Hartalika Teej is that it is kept completely Nirjala i.e. without water, which starts after sargi or eating food before sunrise and water is consumed only after completing the puja after sunrise the next day. Health experts and elders believe that women who are pregnant or suffering from any serious health problem should observe this fast keeping in mind their physical capacity, because religion never allows excessive suffering to the body. During the fast, it is very important to keep the mind calm and stay away from anger or negative thoughts, because fasting is not just a name of being hungry but a symbol of purity of both body and mind. During the puja, one should meditate on Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati with full devotion and pray for the long life of one’s spouse.
In the fast of Hartalika Teej, there are some tasks mentioned which are completely prohibited in the scriptures, and if a woman does not follow them then the fast can be broken. The first rule is that do not consume food or water even by mistake on this day, because this fast is fruitful only without water. The second rule is that on the day of the fast, one should not sleep the whole day, but should stay awake at night and do bhajan-kirtan and jagran, which is considered the most important part of this fast. The third important rule is that women should completely avoid arguing, lying or getting angry with anyone on this day. The fourth rule is that one should avoid wearing black or white colored clothes during puja or fasting, as bright red, yellow or green colored clothes are considered extremely auspicious on this day. The fifth rule is that during the fast, the puja material at home or in the temple should not be broken or false. The sixth rule is to avoid any kind of discord or harsh words with your husband. The seventh and last rule is that before breaking the fast, the offerings and prasad offered to God should be distributed regularly.
On the day of Hartalika Teej, it is considered mandatory for married women to do Solah Shringar, which includes applying mehndi on their hands, applying Mahavar, wearing new clothes and offering all the things for the wedding. For worship, during the Pradosh period in the evening, idols of Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati and Lord Ganesha made of sand or clay are established. In the puja thali, Belpatra, Shami leaves, incense, lamp, naivedya and suhaag pitara containing bangles, bindi, vermilion and saree are offered to the Goddess. During this time, while keeping vigil at night, women together sing traditional folk songs and listen to the story of Shiva and Parvati, which brings happiness and prosperity in the house. If there is a sincere prayer during the puja and strict adherence to the rules, there is never any shortage of wealth and love in the house.
The next morning, after taking bath after sunrise, women first fill their hair with vermilion offered to Goddess Parvati and pray for the long life of their married couple. After this, this difficult Nirjala fast is broken by giving donations to Brahmins and offering satvik food. At the time of Parana, it is considered auspicious to consume kheer or halwa first, after which water and other food is gradually consumed. If this holy fast of Hartalika Teej is observed by following all these rules and traditions, then with the immense grace of Mother Parvati and Mahadev, the married life of the married couple always remains immortal and happy.