Hartalika Teej is the most auspicious festivals celebrated by Hindu women. Married women observe intense fasting on this day to woo Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for seeking their blessings for a blissful marital life and protection for their husbands from any evil energy. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival occurs on the Tritiya (3rd day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Shravan (Sawan). This year, it falls on Friday, 6th September. Hartalika means ‘abduction of a female friend.’ As per legend, Goddess Parvati, who incarnated as Shailputri, was helped by her friend to hide from her father, the Himalaya. On the suggestion of Narada, Goddess Parvati’s father wanted her to marry Lord Vishnu. To escape this fate, with the help of her friend, the Goddess hid in the thick forests. There, she managed to impress Lord Shiva, who promised to marry her. Eventually, she married Lord Shiva with her father’s blessings, and since then, the festival of Hartalika Teej has been observed. Hartalika Teej fasting is observed strictly, often without consuming food or water for 24 hours, from sunrise on Teej to sunrise on Chaturthi. Hartalika Teej not only symbolises the eternal bond between husband and wife, but also holds importance for the attainment of wealth. According to astrological beliefs, performing specific rituals on this day can bring prosperity. Ayodhya’s astrologer, Pandit Kalki Ram, suggests that along with worshipping Shiva and Parvati, devotees should also worship Goddess Lakshmi on Hartalika Teej. To invoke her blessings, light 11 ghee lamps in front of the Goddess of Wealth during the evening. After lighting the lamps, recite the Lakshmi Chalisa and place these lamps around the main door to attract prosperity. On Hartalika Teej, it is considered auspicious to feed animals and birds like cow, dog, goat, crow, and birds. This will ensure that there will never be a financial crisis in your house.Women begin the observance by preparing new clothes, usually in vibrant shades of red and green, and fasting from sunrise to moonrise. The morning puja is a central ritual, taking place during the auspicious Pratahkala Puja Muhurat from 06:02 AM to 08:33 AM. During this time, women offer flowers, incense, and sweets to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, seeking their blessings. The application of Mehndi (henna) on hands and feet is another important custom, symbolizing beauty and prosperity. The rituals also include reciting prayers and hymns dedicated to Goddess Parvati, reflecting the deep spiritual connection and devotion of the participants. Listening to or narrating the legend of Goddess Parvati’s penance to marry Lord Shiva is a common practice, reinforcing the festival’s significance. After the puja, women celebrate with family and friends, sharing traditional foods and sweets. The day concludes with evening rituals, where women break their fast after sighting the moon, seeking its blessings for a prosperous and harmonious married life. Hartalika Teej serves a vibrant celebration of divine love and devotion, deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual practices.