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Festivals of Nepal

Teej- The festival of women honoring their husbands.

1. Although he knew of his daughter's love for Lord Shiva, Parvati's father had taken the decision to give her in marriage to Vishnu !

On the eve of the wedding ceremony, Parvati implored her friends and her maid servants to help her escaping from her father's palace. They succeeded and took her away to a deep forest where she hoped to meet her beloved Shiva.

From his abode on Mount Meru (also called Kailash), Shiva had watched her adventure and knew of her motivation. Now he saw her praying to him and imposing many penances. Shiva's heart was sincerely moved but still, he wanted to submit her to a final "test": he took the shape and appearance of Vishnu. Then, approaching Parvati still hiding in the forest, flattered her with compliments while, at the same time, vilifying Shiva ! In spite of all the bad things she heard about her beloved, Parvati reaffirmed again and again her determination to marry Shiva and no one else. Shiva then abandoned his disguise and agreed to marry Parvati, having now obtained her father's consent.
Thus, TEEJ commemorates the love of women for their husbands as well as it celebrates solidarity among women.

2. Shiva had lost his first wife (whose name is not mentioned anywhere !) His sadness made him neglect his duties, one of which was to ensure that Good always prevails over Evil. For a very long time, he spent days and nights in complete prostration praying and meditating. The gods, touched by so much devotion, decided to give "new life" to his wife. thus, beautiful Parvati was born. But Shiva hardly threw a glance towards her and remained unmoved whereas Parvati fell more and more in love with Shiva. As a last resort, she decided to fast until death would come.
Then only, Shiva took pity on her and proposed marriage !

What happens: The festivities start with an especially elaborate, fine and convivial meal, (usually a rich mutton and chicken curry.) It is meant to enable the women to endure more easily the ensuing compulsory 24 hours' fasting. On this occasion, the husband has no right to grumble against his wife's expenses related to this repast.

In the afternoon, a lively exchange of visits takes place.
From then on, women stay together, chatting and feasting until midnight, the hour when the TEEJ fast is deemed to start. Not the tiniest crumb of food nor the smallest drop of drink should be absorbed. Custom rules that women have to proceed towards Pashupatinath, dressed in their red and golden saris (usually the ones they wore on their wedding-day). Walking arms in arms or holding hands, singing and dancing, they cover any distance in order to reach, before sunrise, the sacred bathing place along the banks of the Bagmati. Should some of the women have to stay inside their house, they would also abstain from any menial domestic work.

Once at Pashupatinath, they change saris and take one or several baths. However it is "taboo" for them to touch the Shiva lingams displayed around the famous temple and on the surrounding hills. They must be satisfied by throwing flower petals or rice grains on Shiva's masculine symbol.

After having taken their ritual dips, many women will visit one after the other the 108 chaityas (108 is a very sacred number both for Hindus and Buddhists !) erected in the Pashupatinath area. This circumambulation is said to ensure good health and long life to husbands.

One more procession has to be performed on Teej: at Teku, the confluence point of Bagmati and Vishnumati, where ablutions have also to be made before proceeding onto the other bank of the stream, climbing up the steep hillock to pay homage to Goddess Bijeswari, at the temple dedicated to this goddess and which is exclusively reserved to women worship.

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