July 28, 2025

Teej is a vibrant Hindu festival primarily celebrated by women across Nepal and parts of India, dedicated to the goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva. Falling in August or September (during the month of Bhadra), Teej honors marital bliss, purity, and the strength of womanhood through fasting, prayers, and joyous gatherings.

In Nepal, Teej is marked by women dressing in red saris, applying intricate henna designs, and visiting temples to offer prayers for the health and longevity of their husbands or future spouses. The festival involves strict fasting, often without water, and singing traditional songs accompanied by rhythmic drumming and dancing in community spaces.

Teej also serves as a social occasion where women come together to share stories, celebrate their bonds, and reinforce cultural identity. Popular sites such as Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu see large congregations of devotees, with vibrant processions and rituals unfolding throughout the day.

For visitors, experiencing Teej offers a unique window into Nepal’s rich tapestry of gendered religious practices and communal celebration. The festival beautifully blends devotion, cultural expression, and empowerment, highlighting the vital role of women in Nepali society.

Time of Year: August or September (month of Bhadra)

Location: Celebrated nationwide, especially at Pashupatinath Temple and other Shiva shrines

Duration: 1-3 days

What to Expect: Women’s fasting and prayers, red attire, henna application, singing and dancing, temple visits

Interesting Facts:

  • Teej fasting is a symbol of devotion and marital harmony
  • The festival reinforces female solidarity and cultural traditions
  • Songs sung during Teej often narrate stories of Parvati and Shiva