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Hartalika Teej is of great significance for people of the Hindu community. It is celebrated on the Tritiya or the third day of Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar each year.
Traditionally, married women observe a fast on this day, dress up in new red coloured clothing and apply mehendi (henna) on their palms.
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshiped on the occasion of Hartalika Teej and women keep a fast without consuming food or water. Not only married women, but also the unmarried girls keep this tough fast. It is believed that if an unmarried girl keeps a fast on Hartalika Teej and worships the Almighty wholeheartedly, she is showered with blessings of the god and her desires are fulfilled.
This year it will be celebrated on 1 September 2019.
Devotees worship clay idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this day. Many women make the idols at home for the puja or worship images. After taking a bath in the morning, many women don new clothes. First Lord Ganesha is worshipped, Navgarh (the nine planets) following Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshiped by offering kumkum, rice, flowers and fruits among other items.
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