Teej is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Celebrated mainly by married women and unmarried girls across North and Western India, the festival symbolizes marital bliss, devotion, prosperity and the arrival of the monsoon season. In 2026, devotees will observe Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej, each carrying unique traditions, fasting rituals and spiritual importance.Women observe a strict fast, perform special pujas, decorate themselves with green bangles, mehndi and traditional attire, and pray for a happy married life and the well-being of their families. Unmarried women also keep the fast seeking an ideal life partner, inspired by Goddess Parvati's unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. ET OnlineTeej Festival 2026 Calendar highlighting the dates of Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej with symbolic Hindu festival decorations, puja essentials and monsoon-inspired festive artwork (AI Image)Teej Festival 2026 CalendarFestivalDateDayHariyali TeejAugust 15, 2026SaturdayKajari TeejAugust 31, 2026MondayHartalika TeejSeptember 11, 2026FridayAlso Read: August 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Complete List of Ekadashi, Vrat, Teej, Raksha Bandhan, Eclipses & Important DatesHariyali Teej 2026Hariyali Teej marks the beginning of the Teej celebrations during the holy month of Shravan (Sawan). The festival coincides with the lush greenery brought by the monsoon, symbolizing prosperity, fertility and new beginnings.Women wear green sarees or suits, apply intricate mehndi designs, sing traditional folk songs, swing on beautifully decorated jhulas and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.Spiritual SignificanceAccording to Hindu beliefs, Goddess Parvati observed intense penance over several lifetimes to win Lord Shiva as her husband. Pleased with her unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva accepted her as his consort. Hariyali Teej commemorates this divine reunion and inspires devotees to cultivate patience, faith and commitment in relationships.Hariyali Teej RitualsObserve Nirjala or Phalahar fast depending on family traditions.Wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath.Wear green clothes and adorn yourself with sixteen traditional bridal ornaments (Solah Shringar).Offer flowers, fruits, sweets and sacred leaves during Shiva-Parvati Puja.Listen to or read the Hariyali Teej Vrat Katha.Seek blessings for marital harmony, prosperity and family happiness.Kajari Teej 2026Kajari Teej is observed during the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. The festival is particularly popular in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is associated with strength, patience and devotion.Women pray for the longevity and success of their husbands, while unmarried women seek a suitable life partner. Farmers also regard Kajari Teej as an auspicious occasion for praying for a good harvest.Importance of Kajari TeejKajari Teej represents emotional resilience and unwavering devotion. Traditional Kajri folk songs celebrating the beauty of the rainy season form an important part of the festivities in many regions.Kajari Teej RitualsObserve a day-long fast.Worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati during the evening.Offer seasonal fruits, sweets and sacred items.Listen to the Kajari Teej Vrat Katha.Perform Moon worship after moonrise before concluding the fast.Hartalika Teej 2026Hartalika Teej is considered one of the most spiritually significant Teej festivals. It commemorates the day when Goddess Parvati's friends secretly took her into a forest to prevent her marriage to Lord Vishnu, allowing her to continue her penance for Lord Shiva.Eventually, Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati as his wife, making Hartalika Teej a symbol of determination, devotion and divine blessings.Hartalika Teej RitualsObserve a strict Nirjala fast.Create clay idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.Perform night-long prayers and devotional singing.Offer Bilva leaves, flowers, fruits and sweets.Break the fast only after completing the prescribed rituals on the following day.Difference Between Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika TeejFestivalMain ThemeSpecial RitualHariyali TeejCelebration of monsoon, prosperity and Shiva-Parvati reunionGreen attire, swings, mehndi and festive celebrationsKajari TeejDevotion, family well-being and agricultural prosperityMoon worship and Kajri folk songsHartalika TeejGoddess Parvati's intense penance for Lord ShivaNirjala fast, night vigil and clay idol worshipAlso Read: Ekadashi in August 2026: Complete Dates, Vrat Timings, Parana Time, Significance and BenefitsFasting Rules for TeejWhile customs vary across regions and families, these practices are commonly followed:Begin the fast after an early morning bath.Maintain purity in thoughts, speech and actions.Worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with devotion.Avoid consuming grains if observing a strict fast.Follow your family tradition regarding water and fruit consumption.Read or listen to the Teej Vrat Katha.Donate food, clothes or essentials to those in need after completing the rituals.Why Teej Festivals Are ImportantBeyond religious observance, Teej reflects India's rich cultural heritage. The festivals celebrate nature, the arrival of the monsoon, feminine strength and the sacred bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Through fasting, prayer, traditional music, dance and community gatherings, devotees express gratitude and seek divine blessings for health, happiness and lifelong prosperity.Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.