When is Hartalika Teej 2024? Know the Hartalika Teej Vrat Date, Rituals, Puja Vidhi and Significance

Hartalika Teej 2024 | Image Credits: Freepik

Hartalika Teej, an important festival for women in various parts of India, will be observed on Friday, September 6. This day is marked by rituals and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, seeking their blessings for marital bliss and happiness.

Hartalika Teej 2024 Date and Puja Timing

Date: Friday, September 6, 2024.

Pratahkala Hartalika Puja Muhurat: 6:03 AM to 8:34 AM

Duration: 2 Hours 31 Minutes

Tritiya Tithi Begins: 12:21 PM on September 5, 2024.

Tritiya Tithi Ends: 3:01 PM on September 6, 2024.

Significance of Hartalika Teej

Hartalika Teej is observed on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the Bhadrapada month. It is a day when women, especially in North India, worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati by making their statues from sand. The festival is believed to bring marital happiness and the blessing of progeny.

The name "Hartalika" is derived from the words "Harat" (abduction) and "Aalika" (female friend). According to legend, Goddess Parvati’s friend took her to a dense forest to prevent her father from marrying her off to Lord Vishnu against her will. This event led to the observance of Hartalika Teej, where women honour Goddess Parvati’s devotion and determination.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi

The morning time is considered auspicious for performing the Hartalika Teej Puja. However, if performing the Puja in the morning is not feasible, the Pradosh time in the evening is also suitable. The Puja involves:

1. Early Morning Bath: Women take a bath using a mixture of sesame and amla powder.
2. Dressing in Fine Clothes: After the bath, they dress up in fine clothes and jewellery.
3. Sankalp: Women take a vow (Sankalp) to observe the Hartalika Vrat to please Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
4. Ganesh Puja: The ritual starts with the worship of Lord Ganesh, as he is worshipped before any other deity in Hindu rituals.
5. Shiva-Parvati Puja: The main Puja involves the Shodashopachara (sixteen-step) worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
6. Narration of the Hartalika Story: During the Puja, the story of Hartalika is narrated.

Regional Variations

In South Indian states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, this festival is known as Gowri Habba. Women observe the Swarna Gowri Vratha on this day, seeking the blessings of Goddess Gowri (another form of Parvati) for a happy married life.

In North India, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, Hartalika Teej is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is one of the three significant Teej festivals observed by women during the Sawan and Bhadrapada months, the others being Hariyali Teej and Kajari Teej.

Hartalika Teej’s Connection with Ganesh Chaturthi

Hartalika Teej is usually celebrated one day before Ganesh Chaturthi and is observed a month after Hariyali Teej. The festivities focus on the worship of clay idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolising their eternal bond and the ideal marital relationship.