Hariyali Teej is one of the important festivals observed by women in various parts of India. Women observe vrat to ensure that their husbands have long lives, success, and happiness, while single women observe vrat to seek a good match for themselves. Hariyali Teej 2026 is expected to be observed on August 14.The tradition is to observe vrat as nirjala vrat.
Nirjala vrat is basically a type of fasting in which the fasters abstain themselves from even taking water. But do all women need to observe such a strict vrat?
Pregnant women
Pregnant women need to be well-hydrated and fed. Since Hariyali Teej is generally a nirjala vrat, pregnant women must not fast for too long without the consent of their doctors. They can perform Shiva-Parvati worship, hear vrat katha and follow other rituals of their families without compromising on themselves or their pregnancy. Religion need not make one neglect their physical requirements. In case pregnant women want to observe a fast, they must talk to their doctor about it.
Women with Health Issues
For women who have diabetes, suffer from kidney problems, low blood pressure or any other disease, fasting should be done with a great deal of care. The absence of water intake while fasting can lead to dehydration, and dehydration can worsen the disease. Nevertheless, the importance of the day can be acknowledged by way of offering prayers and puja, without following the ritual of fasting. In case of medications that have to be consumed with water or food, it is better to follow medical guidance. Religiosity should not interfere with one’s medication.
Vrat should not be forced on elderly women.
Age in itself is not a factor that can prevent a woman from taking part in the festival. But it may become very difficult for elderly women to observe fasting owing to their age. This becomes even more difficult if they are suffering from some ailment and require medicines. They do not have to confine themselves only to fasting and can take part in puja, prayers, meditation, and vrat katha. The family must not force her to fast if she cannot bear it physically.
Women Who Are Not Married
An important amendment needs to be made here. There is no general rule that unmarried women are not allowed to observe the vrat. In some cultures, unmarried women observe the vrat as they pray to have an ideal life partner like that of Goddess Parvati, who observed her penance on Lord Shiva. Unmarried women are explicitly mentioned as participants of the vrat along with married women in sources about this festival. Thus, mentioning that unmarried women cannot observe the vrat would create an inaccurate impression.
Take Heed of Your Body
This is perhaps the most significant fact about the nirjala vrata. If one experiences any problems like extreme fatigue, lightheadedness, fainting, confusion, etc., one should not neglect this and continue with the vrat just for its sake. Anyone whose health gets compromised while observing a vrat needs to take proper medical help. Those women who are not fit to follow the practice of a nirjala fast may still respect the occasion by worshipping Lord Shiva and Parvati, performing devotion and listening to the vrat katha.
What should women do?
Women who do not have it safe for them to fast in the nirjala vrat are free to practice the rituals associated with the Hariyali Teej festival within their families or communities. They could pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, make offerings in the form of flowers, etc., hear the vrat katha and pray. Where fasting would be harmful to their health, it would be wise to heed medical advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Whose fast is to be avoided?Those women who are pregnant or suffer from some kind of disease, as well as elderly women should abstain from the nirjala vrat.
Can unmarried women celebrate the festival?
Yes, unmarried women celebrate this festival by praying for a good husband.
What should women do in case of no ability to observe the vrat?
They can perform Shiva-Parvati puja, hear the vrat katha of Hartalika Teej and pray.
Is Teej a nirjala vrat?
Yes, this is the traditional way of its celebration, without taking any food or water. But due to health reasons, a person should make amendments.
