On Hartalika Teej, many women observe a fast and want to do the pooja and katha properly, with the right order and timing. A pandit leads the vidhi so you can focus on the day without worrying about the sequence.
Why it is done
Hartalika Teej is a traditional fast and pooja dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, observed on the third day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada, usually in August or September. The name is linked to the story of Parvati's friends. Many families hold the pooja with a clay Shiva-Parvati idol and the Teej katha.
Who it is for
Women and girls who observe the Hartalika Teej fast; families who follow the custom in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and nearby regions; first-time observers who want a pandit to guide them.
When to do it
Traditionally on the Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya, usually the day before Ganesh Chaturthi, with the pooja often in the morning or evening. Check the panchang for the exact date and time. The pandit can suggest muhurat options, and your family's custom takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 1 hour for the standard ceremony; about 1.5 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Hartalika Teej Vrat works well if family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You arrange the samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes the setup easier.
- Standard: The standard pooja: sankalp, ganesh and Lakshmi pooja, Shiva-Parvati pooja and katha, about 16 steps with one pandit.
- Extended: The extended pooja: the standard sequence with a fuller altar worship, sarva devata pujan and a longer set of rituals, about 24 steps with one pandit.
If you want the essential pooja and katha, start with the standard. If your family follows the fuller vidhi with a longer altar worship, choose the extended pooja.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to arrange them yourself; the pandit can share the list in advance.
The sequence
- Purification and achman
- Sankalp: the pandit states the purpose and your details
- Ganesh and Lakshmi pooja
- Placing the Shiva-Parvati idol and setting up the altar
- Shiva-Parvati pooja with the traditional offerings
- Hartalika Teej katha
- Havan or lamp offering as per custom
- Aarti and bhog
- Pradakshina and prasad
How to prepare
- Set up a clean, raised altar and keep a clay Shiva-Parvati idol ready
- Keep fresh flowers, fruit, bel patra and sweets ready
- Check the date and timing on the panchang
- Share whether your family keeps the fast with or without water
- Keep your sixteen shringar items ready if your family follows that custom
- Decide whether you will use pandit-supplied samagri or your own
Who should attend
The woman or women observing the fast. Family members can join for the katha and aarti.
Your tradition
The fast, the offerings and the katha vary by region. Some families keep a nirjala fast, others a fruit-based one. Tell us your tradition when booking.
Safety
This is a fast. If you have health conditions, are pregnant or are elderly, speak to your doctor and follow your family's custom on food and water. A lamp or havan may be lit, so keep it on a stable heat-safe surface away from curtains, children and pets.
Questions
Do I have to fast without water? Families differ. Many keep a fast with or without water. If you have health concerns, speak to your doctor first. Your family's custom takes priority.
Is the katha included? Yes, the Hartalika Teej katha is part of the sequence.
How long should I plan for? About 1 hour for the standard pooja and about 1.5 hours for the extended one.
Can we do it on video? Yes, a live video pooja works well. The pandit leads and you follow at home with the idol and altar.