Mumbai: Hartalika Teej Vrat 2025 Date, Significance and Rules: Hartalika Teej is one of the most sacred festivals observed by Hindu women. Celebrated every year on the Tritiya tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, the fast is primarily kept for marital bliss, conjugal happiness and the long life of one’s husband. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati performed intense penance and was blessed to marry Lord Shiva. Since then, married women observe this fast for their husband’s longevity while unmarried girls keep it in the hope of finding a good life partner.

The day holds great spiritual value for suhagin (married) women and is considered one of the most auspicious occasions in the Hindu calendar. The vrat is said to remove obstacles in married life, ensure harmony, and strengthen the bond between husband and wife. However, a common question that arises is whether this fast, once undertaken, must be continued for a lifetime.

Is Hartalika Teej Vrat compulsory for life once started?

Religious texts and Puranas emphasise the significance of the Teej fast, considering it extremely meritorious. Once a woman begins the vrat, it is traditionally believed she should continue it for life, as it is directly associated with the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Discontinuing midway is generally not seen as auspicious.

What if you cannot continue every year?

However, exceptions exist in cases of ill health, old age or unavoidable circumstances. In such situations, scriptures allow women to mentally offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and formally relinquish the fast. In some traditions, the responsibility of continuing the vrat can even be passed on to another woman in the family, such as a daughter or daughter-in-law.

Spiritual benefits of Hartalika Teej Vrat

The vrat is regarded as a symbol of dedication, faith and loyalty towards one’s partner. It is believed to not only bless women with a harmonious marital life but also to remove hardships and difficulties. Observing Hartalika Teej with devotion is said to bring immense spiritual merit, while offering the strength to overcome struggles in personal life.