In the month of August, Rajasthan has two reasons to celebrate – the parched dry months are quenched by the monsoon showers; and the festival of Teej is celebrated by women all over the state.

A special occasion for girls and women, Teej is observed in homage of Parvati and her devotion to Shiva. Thus women pray to her for the long life of their husbands. Along with the prayers is a lot of merriment, song and dance. Wherever you travel in Rajasthan you will see swings tied on to trees and balconies, decorated with garlands of flowers. Groups of women swing each other to the tune of lively songs and music.

The city of Jaipur comes alive, especially the market area near Johari Bazar. Garment shops announce sales and ladies flock to the market to buy new saris. Also on display are the typical lacquer bangles of Rajasthan and other trinkets and jewellery..

As the day of the festival nears, mehndi wallis get into action, etching out intricate patterns of henna on ladies’ hands. The sweetmeat shops are also a buzz of activity selling the Teej specialty – ghevar – a delicious circular mithai that resembles honey combs and drips with sugar syrup.

A grand procession is held on the streets of Jaipur where Teej Mata is taken out on a silver chariot. Elephants with ornate howdahs, horses, camels and loud brass bands, are all part of this procession and there is dancing and singing all along the way. The procession winds through the lanes of the old city and people come out to pay homage to the goddess. This is a very special time to visit the state of Rajasthan and take part in a festival held dear to the local people’s hearts.

A special occasion for girls and women, Teej is observed in homage of Parvati and her devotion to Shiva. Thus women pray to her for the long life of their husbands. Along with the prayers is a lot of merriment, song and dance. Wherever you travel in Rajasthan you will see swings tied on to trees and balconies, decorated with garlands of flowers. Groups of women swing each other to the tune of lively songs and music.

The city of Jaipur comes alive, especially the market area near Johari Bazar. Garment shops announce sales and ladies flock to the market to buy new saris. Also on display are the typical lacquer bangles of Rajasthan and other trinkets and jewellery. As the day of the festival nears, mehndi wallis get into action, etching out intricate patterns of henna on ladies’ hands. The sweetmeat shops are also a buzz of activity selling the Teej specialty – ghevar – a delicious circular mithai that resembles honey combs and drips with sugar syrup.

A grand procession is held on the streets of Jaipur where Teej Mata is taken out on a silver chariot. Elephants with ornate howdahs, horses, camels and loud brass bands, are all part of this procession and there is dancing and singing all along the way. The procession winds through the lanes of the old city and people come out to pay homage to the goddess. This is a very special time to visit the state of Rajasthan and take part in a festival held dear to the local people’s hearts.