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In Sanatan Dharma, Hartalika Teej is the biggest and most difficult fast observed for unbroken good fortune, happy married life and attainment of desired life partner. This year, there is deep confusion among the fasting women and married women regarding the date of this festival, which is celebrated on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. According to the Panchang, due to the beginning and end of Tritiya Tithi falling on two different days, people are confused whether the 24-hour Nirjala fast should be observed on 13 September or 14 September. The complete solution to this date doubt and the correct time of puja is explained in detail here based on the clear rules of the prestigious texts like Dharmashastras, Nirman Sindhu and Kalnirnaya.
According to the precise calculation of Hindu calendar, Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya Tithi is starting on 13 September 2026 at around 03:22 pm. After this, this Tritiya Tithi will remain effective till about 01:45 pm on the next day i.e. 14 September 2026. Since Dwitiya Tithi will be present at the time of sunrise on 13th September and entry of Tritiya Tithi will be after noon, whereas Tritiya Tithi will be completely present at the time of sunrise on 14th September, due to which confusion is arising among the common devotees regarding the calendar dates.
In Sanatan Dharma, two main principles are universally accepted for determining fasts and festivals: first is the rule of ‘Sunrise Tithi’ and second is the classical law of ‘Yugma Vakya’ (match of dates).
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Theory of Udayatithi: The supreme rule of the religious scriptures is that the date on which the sun rises is considered for religious rituals and fasting for the whole day. Sunrise on 14th September 2026 will be around 06:08 AM under the influence of Tritiya Tithi. Therefore, according to Udayatithi, the day of 14th September is completely dedicated for Hartalika Teej fast.
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Gauri-Ganesha conjunction (Tritiya-Chaturthi conjunction): According to the texts ‘Nirnay Sindhu’ and ‘Dharma Sindhu’, during the fast of Hartalika Teej, if Tritiya Tithi is Purvaviddha (with Dwitiya), then it should be sacrificed. Whereas when Tritiya Tithi is Parviddha (with Chaturthi), it is considered extremely auspicious and virtuous. Tritiya is the date of Mata Gauri and Chaturthi is the date of Lord Shri Ganesha. The coincidence of the date of Mother Gauri with her son Ganesha is considered the best in the scriptures. Chaturthi Tithi is falling after noon on 14th September, hence according to the scriptures, observing fast on 14th September will be completely fruitful.
According to the above two scriptural evidences and the opinion of the major almanacs of the country (Kashi Vishwanath Panchang, Mahavir Panchang and Rishikesh Panchang), the holy fast of Hartalika Teej Monday, 14 September 2026 Only will be kept. Since September 13 is Dwitiya Tithi for most of the day, keeping a fast on that day will not be considered as per the scriptures. Women who take the pledge of Nirjala fast with full devotion will start their fast from the morning of 14th September.
On Hartalika Teej, there is a tradition to worship Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati and Lord Ganesha by making idols of sand or pure clay. There will be two best times available for puja on this day:
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Auspicious time for morning puja: 14 September 2026, 06:08 AM to 08:35 AM (Amrit and Shubh Vela). At this time, it would be best to take bath, wear clean clothes, decorate the puja platform and perform the puja in the first half.
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Best time for Pradosh Kaal Puja: 14th September 2026, 06:26 PM to 08:48 PM. In the scriptures, the worship of Pradosh Kaal (time around sunset) for Hartalika Teej is considered to be the most powerful and giving the desired results. In the evening, wearing sixteen adornments, listening to the holy story of Teej and offering suhaag pitari to Maa Gauri should be done during this time.
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Rare combination of Hasta Nakshatra: There will be auspicious effect of Hasta Nakshatra at the time of puja on 14th September, which is considered very auspicious in the scriptures to get the blessings of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
The fast of Hartalika Teej is a festival of extreme penance and devotion. The main rules related to this fast are as follows:
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Waterless fasting: This fast is observed completely Nirjala (without food and water). Special exemption has been given in the scriptures for unwell women or pregnant women to observe fast with fruits.
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Night vigil: Sleeping during the day or night is considered prohibited during this fast. The fasting women stay awake the whole night and sing bhajans and kirtans and anoint Lord Bholenath with Panchamrit and Ganga water at all four hours of the night.
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Offering of wedding material: During the puja, 16 makeup items (sindoor, bangles, bindi, henna, alta, chunari etc.) are offered to Mother Parvati, which is later presented to the mother-in-law or any respected married woman.
The fast of Hartalika Teej is concluded after sunrise on the next day:
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Passage time: After sunrise (06:09 am) on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
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Correct method of Parana: On the morning of 15th September, after bathing, perform brief worship of Lord Shiva-Gauri and the last aarti. Offer vermillion to Mother Parvati and apply it in your demand. Immerse the idols offered in puja in the soil of a holy river, reservoir or pot. After this, after giving donations to a Brahmin or a needy person, break the fast by taking cucumber and water.