HT Correspondent
HOJAI, Sept 3: The town of Hojai reverberated with religious fervour as the Kajali Teej festival was joyously celebrated. Kajali Teej is one of the three significant Teej festivals observed by Hindus in India.
Hariyali Teej, Kajali Teej, and Hartalika Teej hold special importance among women and are celebrated during the Sawan and Bhadrapada months of the Hindu calendar. Kajali Teej, also known as ‘Kajari’ or Badi Teej, follows fifteen days after Hariyali Teej. Typically, Teej falls three days after Raksha Bandhan and five days before Krishna Janmashtami. In North India, it falls during Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada, while in South India, it falls during Krishna Paksha of Shravana. In both calendars, Kajali Teej is celebrated on the same day.
On the auspicious occasion of Satudi Teej, married women, especially from the Maheshwari and Daima communities, fervently prayed for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. This year, the festival fell on September 2. The women gathered to offer prayers to Goddess Parvati and seek her blessings for a blissful married life. Dressed as newlywed brides, they worshiped the neem tree and performed puja rituals. Women observed a fast from dawn until evening and broke it after sighting and worshiping the moon, partaking in prasadam. Kajali hymns echoed through the festivities, and women adorned their hands with intricate mehendi designs, symbolising good fortune.
As is customary in Indian festivals, traditional dishes played a central role in the celebrations. Girls captured the festive moments with selfies and relished the joyous atmosphere. Preparations included the making of kheer, puri, and various sweets, enhancing the festive spirit.
