Hartalika Teej 2024: Why Married Women Donate Makeup Items To Priests

Hartalika Teej Vrat, an important festival observed by the Hindus, will be celebrated on September 6 this year. On this festival, married women observe the Nirjala fast for the protection, of the long and healthy life of their husbands. Also, as per religious beliefs, the married women donate makeup-related products to the Brahmins. This is considered to be of pivotal importance.

Shyam Baba, priest of Bhagwati Bhawan institution in Medininagar, Jharkhand revealed the reason behind this to Local 18 Jharkhand. He said that as per the religious scriptures, whatever charity is given to Brahmins is considered given to God. Shyam Baba said that therefore, during Hartalika Teej, married women donate their makeup-related items, so that their shringar (husband) remains safe. The women also donate the prasadam and fruits to the Brahmins by attaching them to branches.

Many stalls have been set up in the Medininagar’s market for the puja. In this region, seven make-up items are being given away decorated in branches. Its price is between Rs 50 to 80. Shop operator Munna Kumar said that on the occasion of Hartalika Teej Vrat, 2 types of garlands are being decorated and given as make-up items to customers. Small-size makeup-related products are being given to consumers for Rs 50. Meanwhile, big-size items are being sold to customers for Rs 80. It contains bangles, vermilion, a blouse piece, nail polish, a mirror and other items along with makeup.

What is Hartalika Teej Vrat and How it Got Its Name?

Hartalika Teej is observed on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the month of Shravana in honour of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The term Hartalika is derived from two words: Harat, meaning abduction, and Aalika, meaning friend. It thus translates to abduction by friends and Teej refers to the Tritiya Tithi. According to the beliefs, Goddess Parvati’s father wanted to marry her to Lord Vishnu. However, she wished to marry Lord Shiva. To stop this, Goddess Parvati’s friends took her from the palace and hid her in the forest. There, by performing rigorous penance for many years, Goddess Parvati pleased Lord Shiva and eventually won him as her husband.