Teej is one of the most widely celebrated festivals of Rajasthan. Swings, traditional songs and dancing are the unique features of Teej celebrations in Rajasthan. Women perform traditional folk dance dressed in green colored clothes and sing beautiful Teej songs while enjoying their sway on swings bedecked with flowers..
Teej is celebrated with immense fun and fanfare in the capital city of Jaipur. On this day, women and young girls wear their best clothes and adorn themselves with fine jewelry. They gather at a nearby temple or a common place and offers prayers to Goddess Parvati for well-being of their husband.
On the occasion of Teej, markets in Jaipur are stocked with trendiest women accessories and clothes. Most of the fabric clothes display laheria (tie and dye) prints. Sweet shops keep different Teej sweets but ghewar is the main sweet of the season. At some shops malpuas are also prepared in great quantities.
All over Rajasthan, swings are hung from trees and decorated with fragrant flowers. Women both married and unmarried love to swing on these swings to celebrate the 'sawan festival'.
Teej fairs are held in number of cities in Rajasthan. Most impressive ones take place in Jaipur. Whole city is immersed in the color of the festival. There are number of stalls showcasing the culture of Rajasthan. Handicrafts, traditional Rajasthani dresses and junk jewelry are some of the major attractions for tourists visiting the fairs. Other attractions of the Jaipur Teej fair is the traditional Rajasthani mehndi.
Teej ProcessionTeej procession of Jaipur not just attracts visitors from India but also lures a large number of international tourists. High point of Teej procession is the magnificently decorated idol of Goddess Parvati which is kept on a palanquin and carried through the Pink City of Jaipur.
Thousands of devotees throng the procession which is carried out for two consecutive days. Antique gilt palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, caparisoned elephants, camels, bands, and dance groups form a part of the grand Teej procession. The palanquin of Goddess Parvati is carried by eight men dressed in red color. Teej procession is a very huge affair which moves through various places in Jaipur. Lot of Teej songs are sung when the procession moves further. Folk artists and performers enchant the crowd with their splendid performance. Some people even dress up like Gods and Goddesses and play various musical instruments. Teej prasad is distributed among the crowd of devotees.
