Kajari Teej is one of the main three Teej festivals celebrated by Hindus in India. The celebration is mainly observed by women in North Indian states, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej are the three important and famous Teejs celebrated by women during the months of Sawan and Bhadrapada according to the Hindu calendar. This year Kajari Teej falls on August 29, 2018. Kajari Teej which is also pronounced as 'Kajali' is also known as Badi Teej while Hariyali Teej is also known as Chhoti Teej. People of some regions refer to it as Satudi Teej.

After fifteen days of Hariyali Teej comes Kajari Teej. Generally, Teej comes three days after Raksha Bandhan and five days before Krishna Janmashtami. As per the Hindu calendar followed in North India, it falls during Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada and in the Krishna Paksha of Shravana month as per the one followed in South India. In both the calendars, Kajari Teej falls on the same day. Hariyali Teej 2018 Mehndi Designs: Significance of Applying Mehndi & Latest Henna Patterns

Hariyali Teej being celebrated:

On Kajari Teej, married women pray for the well being and longevity of their husbands. They offer prayers to Goddess Parvati and ask her blessings for a happy married life. In some places, women dress as newlywed brides and worship neem tree. They gather around a neem tree and perform puja under the guidance of a priest. Women celebrating the festival fast from day to dawn.

Here are the auspicious timings for Kajari Teej Puja

Tritiya Tithi Begins = 20:39 on August 28, 2018

Tritiya Tithi Ends = 21:38 on August 29, 2018

In Rajasthan, large processions of Goddess Parvati are carried out which is accompanied by folk dancers, musicians, elephants, camels and artists. The colourful procession is one of the prime attractions of the town of Bundi during that time. They even receive tourists from abroad around the time.

Music is also a part of the festival with women singing Kajali songs and dancing to it. Women celebrating the festival also apply henna (mehendi) on their hands as it is believed to a sign of good luck. Like any other Indian festival, food is an integral part of the celebrations. Preparations of kheer, puri, badam ka halwa, gujiya, ghevar and kaju katli. Women gift Shringara to each other which includes clothes, sweets and jewellery. They spend the day in the company of other women and engage in different celebrations including games.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2018 11:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).