Teej is a day many women look forward to, but the puja itself, with its own order, katha and offerings, can feel like one more thing to get right while fasting. A pandit leads the ritual, so you can focus on the vrat rather than the checklist.
Why it is done
Teej is a set of festivals dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, observed in the monsoon season, mainly in North and West India. Many women keep a fast, dress in traditional clothes and perform a puja with a katha. Which Teej is observed, and how, varies by region and family.
Who it is for
Women observing Teej, whether married or unmarried according to their family's custom; families who want a pandit to lead the puja at home; households new to the vrat.
When to do it
Teej falls on different tithis in the monsoon months depending on which Teej you observe, for example Hariyali, Kajari or Hartalika. Your pandit can confirm the date and a muhurat. Follow your family's custom.
Choose your ceremony
About 1 hour for the standard ceremony; about 1.5 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Teej Vrat works if the 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 and the offerings easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: the vrat puja with sankalp, ganesh pooja, Shiva-Parvati worship, the vrat katha and aarti. About 1 hour, 15 vidhi steps, led by one pandit.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: a fuller puja with more steps and more time at each, including a longer worship of Shiva and Parvati. About 1.5 hours, 22 vidhi steps, led by one pandit.
If this is a simple home puja, the standard is a good fit. If your family follows the fuller vidhi, or many guests are joining, the extended ceremony gives more time.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself, and ask the pandit for the list in advance.
The sequence
- Pavitrikaran and achaman
- Deepak lit and ganesh vandana
- Sankalp with family details and the vrat
- Establishment of Shiva and Parvati, often with mitti or an idol
- Puja with the traditional offerings
- Teej vrat katha
- Aarti and pushpanjali
- Prasad and the breaking of the fast, as per your family's custom
How to prepare
- Confirm which Teej you are observing and its date
- Clean the puja area and arrange a chowki facing a clear wall
- Keep traditional offerings ready, as per your family's custom
- Plan fasting-friendly water and snacks for the family, and a light meal for after the vrat
- Keep a diya and basic puja items ready
- Decide whether you will use pandit-provided samagri or your own
Who should attend
The women observing the vrat, and family members who wish to join. Husbands and family can be present for the katha and aarti.
Your tradition
Teej customs differ widely: Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej have different stories and offerings, and families in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Nepal follow their own practices. Tell us which Teej and your tradition when booking.
Safety
This vrat usually involves fasting. If you have a health condition, are pregnant or are unwell, speak to your doctor and follow your family's custom on how strictly to fast. The puja also involves a diya, so keep the flame away from clothes and children.
Questions
Which Teej is this puja for? Teej has several forms. Tell the pandit which one you observe, and the puja will follow that vidhi.
How long should I plan for? About 1 hour for the standard ceremony and about 1.5 hours for the extended one.
Is fasting compulsory? Fasting is a traditional part of the vrat, but families differ and some do a lighter version. Do what suits your health and family custom.
Can the puja be done in the evening? Many families do it in the morning or evening, depending on their custom. Your pandit can advise on timing.