The day before Haritalika Teej, known as the ‘Dar’ day, is celebrated with families, friends, and neighbors gathering to enjoy various traditional dishes.
Since the Teej fast is observed without food and water the following day, people traditionally consume nutritious meals the night before to prepare for the fast.
According to legend, Goddess Parvati observed a fast without food to win Lord Shiva as her husband. Following this belief, married women observe the Teej fast praying for the health and longevity of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a worthy husband and worship Lord Shiva. On Teej day, Shiva temples across Nepal, including Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, witness large crowds of devotees.
After the rituals, women and men gather to sing and dance to Teej songs, celebrating the festival with music and joy.
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