Kathmandu, August 26, 2025
Across Nepal, women dressed in vibrant red attire thronged Shiva temples today to observe Haritalika Teej, one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.
From the early hours of the morning, temples such as Pashupatinath in Kathmandu witnessed overwhelming crowds of devotees offering prayers, singing traditional Teej songs, and dancing in devotion. Authorities opened all four gates of Pashupatinath temple at 3 AM to manage the heavy flow of worshippers, with special arrangements made to allow only women inside the main sanctum after 6 AM.
The festival, which spans three days, began with Dar Khane Din, a day of feasting and celebration, followed by today’s main day of fasting (Nirjala Vrat), where women pray for marital happiness, prosperity, and the well-being of their families. The festival will conclude with Rishi Panchami tomorrow, a ritual purification day honoring ancient sages.
Local administrations and security forces, in coordination with health posts and volunteers, set up drinking water stations, first aid tents, and crowd management systems to ensure smooth celebrations in major temple sites across the country.
Though traditionally celebrated by Brahmin and Chhetri communities, Teej has become increasingly inclusive, embraced by women from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds across Nepal. For many, Teej is not only a religious observance but also a cultural expression of womanhood, where songs and dances carry both joy and subtle reflections on social realities.
This year, Haritalika Teej falls on Bhadra 10, 2082 (August 26, 2025), marked as a public holiday for women employees by the Government of Nepal.
With chants of devotion, waves of red-clad women, and the fragrance of incense filling the air, Teej once again highlighted the enduring faith and cultural vibrancy of Nepalese society.
