For a few days in late summer, the streets of Nepal turn red as women dressed in red saris gather to sing, dance and pray. Teej is one of the most joyful and colourful festivals of the year.
Quick answer: Teej (Haritalika Teej) is a Hindu festival celebrated by women, usually in August or September. Women wear red, sing and dance, and many fast for the wellbeing of their husbands and families, or, if unmarried, to find a good husband. The biggest crowds gather at Pashupatinath.
The story
Teej honours the goddess Parvati, who fasted and prayed to win Shiva as her husband.
How it's celebrated
- Dar khane din: a feast the day before the fast.
- The main day: women fast, many without even water, and visit Shiva temples.
- Singing and dancing in red saris, with green glass bangles.
- Worship and the breaking of the fast on the following days.
Seeing Teej
Pashupatinath is packed with women in red on the main day; visit early, be respectful and ask before taking photos. Note that many women are fasting. See our Pashupatinath guide and festivals of Nepal.