KAJLI TEEJ

Celebrated In : Bundi, Rajasthan In the month of : Bhadra (Third day)

Teej is the festival of swings. It marks the advent of the monsoon month of Shravan (August). The monsoon rains fall on the parched land and the pleasing scent of the wet soil rises into the air. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. This festival is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Lord Shiva.

Goddess Parvati is worshipped by seekers of conjugal bliss and happiness. An elaborate procession is taken out in Jaipur for two consecutive days on the festive occasion, which is watched by people in large numbers. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open.

Teej festival is celebrated all over the state with each region having its own unique touch. Kajli Teej of Bundi is different in several ways- while Teej is celebrated on the third day of the month of Shravana, in Bundi it is celebrated on the third day of the month of Bhadra.

The festival starts with the procession of goddess Teej in a decorated palanquin from the beautiful Naval Sagar. It passes through the main bazaars and terminates at Azad Park. The procession has decorated elephants, camels, bands, performing artists and colourfully dressed people.

The people who gather here from surrounding areas also get to watch and participate in the cultural programmes that are organised in the evenings. it provides a very good chance to see performances by local artists from Hadoti region.

Though the main function of Teej is held only on two days, the celebrations continue upto Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna.