Teej, a major festival observed by Hindu women, mostly the members of the Brahmin and Chhetri community in the hills and women from Awadhi culture in Tarai, is being celebrated on Tuesday.

The festival falls on the third day of the waxing moon in the Nepali month of Bhadra.

Traditionally, women observe a day-long fast, visit temples and worship Lord Shiva and Parvati for marital harmony and good fortune. On the eve of Teej, women gather at a place and feast on a variety of savoury dishes so that the food will keep them going throughout the day of fasting.

Women on this day take ritual baths in the morning and offer worship in the evening. They pay homage to Lord Shiva, light lamps and spend the night awake.

The tradition of celebrating Teej festival is believed to have originated from Hindu legend. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati’s wish to marry Lord Shiva was granted after she undertook a rigorous fast.

Apart from the religious aspect, women attire themselves in red clothes, which are believed to be auspicious and indicate sensuality and purity. They also sing and dance to traditional and contemporary songs. Both married and unmarried women perform various ‘pujas’ (worships) and observe fasting, praying for fulfillment of their wish for a happy and prosperous conjugal life.

Here are some photos showing women celebrating Teej taken by Post’s photographer Elite Joshi.