Hindu women across the country on Thursday observed the Teej festival, also called 'Haritalika'.

Women fast and wish for a prosperous life of their spouse and family on this festival which falls on the third dark day of the lunar month according to Nepali month of Bhadra.

Women rejoice with various delicious dishes known as 'Dar' a day before 'Teej' and fast on the next day as per the tradition. The three day festivity begins with 'Dar' on the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadau and is marked with fasting and cultural programmes next day.

Women on this day take ritual baths in the morning and offer worship while in the evening. They pay homage to Lord Shiva, light lamps and spend the night awake.

The festivity comes to an end on the fifth day of fortnight after worshiping the legendary 'Saptarishi' (seven sages).

This unique festival of Nepali women is also a celebration of sisterhood as sisters gather at natal home and indulge in jubilant dancing and singing.

The legend has it that Parbati, the daughter of Himalayas, was on her maiden fast, wishing for the health and the well being of her spouse, Lord Shiva. Since then the same day has been recognized as the Haritalika Teej.

Married women put on bangles, ‘Pote’ (a necklace made of glass beads), ‘Tilahari’ and ‘Sindur’ (crimson powder) considered the symbols of good luck and dress themselves up in red saris or other red outfits and adorn themselves with different kinds of ornaments.

Both married and unmarried women perform various ‘pujas’ (worships) and observe fasting, praying for fulfillment of their wish for a happy and prosperous conjugal life.

The Pashupatinath temple in the capital sees overwhelming number of women devotees this day, with temples of Lord Shiva attracting a huge crowd of revellers across the country. The Government has also announced a public holiday today for all women employees.

Prez, Veep extend greetings on Teej

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed her best wishes to all Nepalis living at home and abroad on the occasion of the great festival of Nepali women, Haritalika Teej.

In a message today, President Bhandari said that the Constitution of Nepal has ensured rights of women along with the political changes in the country adding that the recently concluded local level polls and upcoming ones have helped establish the women leaders in the country.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun 'Pasang' has also expressed best wishes to all Nepalis women at home and abroad for their happiness, peace, prosperity and good health on the occasion of the Haritalika Teej.

In a message today, the Vice President has urged all the women to take pride in the achievements received from the revolutionary struggles in the country. In his message, Vice President Pun has said that the Nepalis women have made a great contribution in the nation building and make Nepal familiar to the world. He has also wished for promotion of mutual goodwill, tolerance and fraternity as well as for a creative and wonderful Teej festival.