On Hartalika Teej, women across India observe the HartalikaVrat to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Hartalika Teej is one of the three main Teej festivals celebrated among Hindus (the other two being Hariyali Teej and Kajri Teej) in India. Falling on September 6 this year, the festival is immensely significant and is a remarkable celebration of the divine bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Married women observe the HartalikaVrat along with various other rituals for the well-being of their husbands. And the heart of all these lies in the fast (Nirjala Upwas) that they undertake in order to please God.
It's a strict fast on Hartalika Teej as most women abstain from both food and water throughout the day - from sunrise on Teej to sunrise on Chaturthi, a total of 24 hours. And beyond its physical challenges, the fast is a deep spiritual experience as well, as it connects one to the divine energy. Finally, it's broken with consuming various sweet and savory items.
In this article, let's discuss the best delicacies that you can enjoy (whether at the start or the end) this Hartalika Teej.
Ghevar is a monsoon delicacy and hence is a showstopper at almost all festivities during this season. The sweet treat is an integral part of Hartalika Teej celebrations, especially in Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. It's made with flour-milk-sugar batter and is deep-fried in ghee, making it crispy and crunchy outside and soft inside.
Khaja is deeply rooted in the culture of Indian states like Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. The deep-fried sweet treat is enjoyed widely during Hartalika Teej and is offered as part of the Bhog to God.
The item is typically made with wheat flour, sugar, and ghee, and has an irresistible blend of crunch and sweetness. And being packed with calories, it makes for a perfect choice for those fasting on Hartalika Teej.
Samak is often referred to as a "fasting food" - and for good reasons. It's a popular type of millet, loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Thanks to its high nutritional value, samak is considered a wholesome option to have while breaking a fast. Also, it's light on the stomach and keeps you full for a long time.
You can make samak into pulao or khichdi with loads of vegetables and dry fruits.
You need quick energy after observing a day-long fasting. Made with flour, milk, and sugar, malpua could be a great option for you in that case. Packed with carbohydrates and fats, the sweet treat can rejuvenate your body instantly, and also boost your spirit.
The best thing is malpua can be made in various healthy ways, making it an amazing option for health-conscious people.
Loaded with carbohydrates, sabudana vada provides instant energy to your body and hence is a great option for Hartalika Teej celebrations. Also, it contains a good amount of fiber and protein, keeping you full for a long time. And it's light on the stomach, easy to digest, and is a comfortable choice for all preferences.
Besides sabudana vada, you can also have sabudana khichdi made with veggies.
The list obviously doesn't end here. If you want to explore more options, go for Poori Sabzi, Laddu, Kheer, Kuttu Partha, etc.
