Teej is one of the important Hindu festivals celebrated in many parts of India and Nepal. The monsoon festival primarily celebrated by girls and women is dedicated to the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The day is marked with large-scale celebrations in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Hariyali Teej falls on the third day of the month of Shravan, as per the Hindu calendar. This year, Hariyal Teej is celebrated on August 13, 2018.

There are three symbolic Teej that are celebrated by women during the Hindu months of Sawan and Bhadrapada. While Hariyali Teej which is also known as Choti Teej and Shravan Teej falls on August 13, Kajari Teej is celebrated on August 29 and Hartalika Teej on September 12. Hariyali Teej 2018 Mehendi Designs: Significance of Applying Mehendi & Latest Henna Patterns

Teej 2018: Muhurat Timings

Tritiya Tithi Begins at 08:38 am on August 13, 2018

Tritiya Tithi Ends at 05:46 am on August 14, 2018

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati took 108 re-births until Lord Shiva finally married her. Hariyali Teej celebrates the determination of the Goddess. Hence on Teej, married women pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands. It is hence that, from this day onwards, the Goddess declared this day as auspicious for women and those fasting will find blessings in their married life. Sweets like ghevar, kheer, malpua and jalebi are prepared on this day. Other dishes are also prepared to commemorate this day.

Hence, some women also observe fast and visit temples to offer special prayers. During the fast, many women are presented with shringaar (make-up) by their in-laws which signified blessings from elders for a happy married life. They dress in green as it is Hariyali Teej representing monsoon which brings greenery. Unmarried girls also participate in the celebrations. People give gifts to their daughters and daughters-in-law on this day. It has become a tradition for married women to visit their parent's house on Teej and return after Raksha Bandhan.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2018 09:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).