Hartalika Teej is one of the most significant vrats (fasts) in the Hindu religion, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, especially by married women. It falls on the third day (Tritiya) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. As per the Gregorian calendar, it usually falls in the months of August or September.

In 2025, Hartalika Teej will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 26th.

Hartalika Teej 2025 Date & Puja Muhurat

• Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025

• Hartalika Puja Muhurat (Morning): 05:56 AM to 08:30 AM
  (Duration – 2 hours, 35 minutes)

• Tritiya Tithi Begins: August 25, 2025, at 12:34 PM

• Tritiya Tithi Ends: August 26, 2025, at 01:54 PM

Note: The fast is observed on August 26, as the Tritiya tithi overlaps with sunrise on that day.

Meaning and Significance of Hartalika

The word Hartalika is a combination of two Sanskrit words:

• ‘Harat’ meaning abduction

• ‘Aalika’ meaning female friend

The term refers to the legend where Goddess Parvati was abducted by her female friend to prevent her unwanted marriage to Lord Vishnu, enabling her to continue her penance for Lord Shiva.

This day commemorates Parvati’s unwavering devotion, and women observe this fast to seek marital happiness, the well-being of their spouses, and a harmonious married life.

Mythological Story (Vrat Katha) of Hartalika Teej

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati, the daughter of King Himavat, wished to marry Lord Shiva. However, her father wanted her to marry Lord Vishnu. To avoid this marriage, Parvati’s friend took her away into the forest, where she performed intense penance and meditation.

Impressed by her unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before her and agreed to marry her. Their divine union symbolizes love, patience, and determination. Since then, Hartalika Teej Vrat is observed by women to emulate Goddess Parvati's devotion and seek blessings for marital bliss.

Traditions and Rituals of Hartalika Teej

• Fasting: Women observe a nirjala vrat (fast without food or water) throughout the day and night. Some observe the fast for three consecutive days.

• Puja: Devotees worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, offering flowers, fruits, bilwa leaves, incense sticks, and coconut.

• Processions: In some regions, grand processions are held with beautifully decorated idols of Shiva and Parvati, accompanied by singing, dancing, elephants, and camels.

• Dressing: Women dress in green sarees or lehengas, wear traditional jewelry, and apply mehendi (henna) as a symbol of marital love.

• Returning to Parental Home: Married women traditionally visit their maika (parental home) for the celebration.

Feast and Celebrations

Although women fast on this day, after completing the rituals and breaking the fast, they enjoy a special feast including:

• Jaggery and rice patolis (steamed rice rolls)

• Mixed vegetables in coconut milk

• Sweets made from rice and coconut

• Fresh fruits and tender coconut water, offered first to the deities

One unique tradition is the exchange of decorated coconuts among female friends and relatives, symbolizing love and goodwill.

Regional Celebrations

Hartalika Teej is primarily celebrated in North and Central India, especially in:

• Uttar Pradesh

• Bihar

• Madhya Pradesh

• Rajasthan

• Jharkhand

• Uttarakhand

In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, the festival is known as Gowri Habba, where women worship Goddess Gowri (another form of Parvati) for a peaceful and prosperous married life.

Why Hartalika Teej Is Celebrated

• To honor Goddess Parvati's penance and devotion toward Lord Shiva

• For marital bliss, longevity of husbands, and a happy home

• For unmarried women to seek an ideal life partner

Spiritual Insight

Hartalika Teej is not just a festival—it's a powerful expression of faith, feminine strength, and divine love. The rituals performed are deeply spiritual and aimed at reinforcing values of loyalty, perseverance, and dedication in relationships.

Consult expert astrologers for Hartalika Teej 2025 Pooja guidance.