The celebration of Teej is among the most important festivals of women, devotion, and the monsoon. Even though Hariyali Teej and Hartalika Teej are festivals dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, they are celebrated on separate dates with unique practices and significance.
Hariyali Teej would be observed on August 15, 2026, in the month of Sawan, while Hartalika Teej would be observed on 14 September.
When is Hariyali Teej 2026?
The celebration of Hariyali Teej is scheduled for 15th August, 2026. This festival is celebrated on the third day of the bright fortnight of Shravana, coinciding with the monsoon season. Hence, the term "Hariyali Teej" refers to the presence of greenery in the environment during this time. On this day, women dress themselves up in green attire and paint their hands with Mehendi. They also wear bangles and participate in prayers. There is also a tradition of swings and songs in connection with this festival.
When is Hartalika Teej 2026?
Hartalika Teej will fall on September 14, 2026. This is a Hindu festival that takes place in the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada and is marked by the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati. This festival originated from the legend of Parvati’s resolve to marry Lord Shiva. As per the legend, Parvati's friend saved her from an undesired marriage and carried her away to a secluded place where she started her worship of Lord Shiva.
The word ‘hartalika’ is derived from two Sanskrit words: one means friend, and the other refers to taking away or carrying away.
What is the difference between Hariyali Teej and Hartalika Teej?
Despite being both festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, there are certain dissimilarities between these two festivals. Hariyali Teej is a festival that takes place during Sawan and is associated with the monsoon season, lushness, and joy of married life. It is common for women to wear green clothes, apply mehendi to their hands, play on swings, and enjoy festivities.
Hartalika Teej, on the other hand, is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada and is especially devoted to Parvati’s penance and desire to be united with Shiva. Women observe a fast and offer prayers to both Shiva and Parvati.
Why are both festivals linked to Goddess Parvati?
The similarity that both festivals have in common is that of devotion to the God Shiva by Goddess Parvati. Hariyali Teej is a festival that celebrates the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. It is a festival of love and devotion. Hartalika Teej is more centered around the legend of Parvati's penance for Shiva.
Because of this connection, both festivals hold special importance for married women as well as unmarried women who observe the traditions with prayers for a happy married life or a suitable spouse.
How is Teej traditionally celebrated?
Teej celebrations combine religious observances with colourful cultural traditions. Women may wear festive clothes, apply mehendi, decorate themselves with jewellery and bangles and prepare traditional sweets. Hariyali Teej is particularly known for swings, singing and gatherings during the monsoon. In some communities, married daughters also receive gifts from their mothers as part of the Sindhara tradition.
Hartalika Teej is more closely associated with fasting, prayers and listening to the vrat katha. In several regions, women observe a strict fast and perform puja dedicated to Shiva and Parvati.
Hariyali Teej vs Hartalika Teej at a glance
The easiest way to remember the difference is simple: Hariyali Teej comes during Sawan and celebrates the greenery of the monsoon along with Shiva and Parvati's union, while Hartalika Teej comes later and centres on Parvati's penance and devotion to Shiva.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on religious beliefs and popular traditions. There is no scientific evidence to support it. India TV does not vouch for the accuracy of any of the information.
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