
Thanjavur Hindu residents celebrate annual ‘Allah Festival' on Muharram
Though the village has only a few Muslim families, the predominantly Hindu population has long upheld this unique tradition. Preparations for the festival began ten days in advance, with residents cleaning and decorating the 'Allah Koil,' an ancient public shrine located at the village chavadi (community square). The structure was adorned with fresh flowers, electric lights, and a newly painted green flag- an important symbol for the event.
On Saturday night, a key ritual marked the beginning of the event. A symbolic representation known as the 'Five Fingers Allah'— a hand figure with five fingers — was taken out in a grand procession, followed by similar symbols with four, three, two and one finger respectively, each tied to a pole.
On Sunday, the day of Muharram, residents offered prayers from their doorsteps and draped silk towels over the symbolic hand figures as a mark of reverence. The festival culminated with a traditional fire-walking ceremony (Thee Mithi) at the chavadi, performed by devotees who had taken vows.

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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Hariyali Teej 2025 date: When is Sawan ki Teej? All about the Hindu festival
Hariyali Teej 2025: Hariyali Teej, also known as Sawan Ki Teej, is an important Hindu festival mainly celebrated by women in North India. It's a joyful occasion filled with prayers, love, and age-old traditions. This festival honours the sacred bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolising a happy and prosperous married life. In this article, we'll look at the Hariyali Teej 2025 date, its meaning, rituals, and how people across India celebrate this colourful festival. When is Hariyali Teej in 2025? Hariyali Teej is observed on the third day of Shukla Paksha (the bright phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Shravan (Sawan). This usually comes in July or August. In 2025, Hariyali Teej will fall on Sunday, 27 July. As per the Drik Panchang: Tritiya Tithi starts: 10:41 PM on 26 July 2025 Tritiya Tithi ends: 10:41 PM on 27 July 2025 Since the festival is celebrated according to Udaya Tithi (sunrise timing), the main rituals will take place on 27 July. Important timings on Hariyali Teej 2025: Sunrise: 5:40 AM Sunset: 7:15 PM Moonrise: 7:57 AM Moonset: 9:05 PM (These timings may differ by location, so please check a local panchang for exact details.) What is Hariyali Teej? Hariyali Teej, also called Sawan Teej, Chhoti Teej, or Shravana Teej, takes place two days before Nag Panchami. It's a monsoon festival filled with greenery and nature's beauty—hence the word 'Hariyali', which means green. The festival celebrates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu stories, Goddess Parvati did penance for 108 lives before Shiva accepted her as his wife. Their divine union took place on this day. That's why Parvati is worshipped as Teej Mata. Women celebrate this day with devotion. Married women pray for the long life and happiness of their husbands, while unmarried girls seek blessings for a good life partner. Hariyali Teej is celebrated with much excitement in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, where it is also known as Teeyan or Shingara Teej. Why is Hariyali Teej Important? Hariyali Teej is not just a festival—it's a celebration of love, faith, and married life. The green surroundings during the monsoon symbolise fresh beginnings and prosperity. The festival brings a positive vibe and marks nature's renewal. For married women, Hariyali Teej is just as important as Karwa Chauth. It shows the strength of love, dedication, and prayers, much like Goddess Parvati's strong faith in Lord Shiva. It also gives women a chance to bond with each other, dress up, and enjoy traditional activities. Hariyali Teej 2025: Key Rituals Here are the major traditions followed on this day: 1. Nirjala Vrat (Fasting Without Water) Many women keep a strict fast without food or water for 24 hours, praying for the health and well-being of their husbands. Unmarried girls also observe the fast to get a loving partner. The fast is usually broken the next morning after worship and prayers. 2. Puja for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati Women perform a special prayer (puja) with idols or pictures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, decorated with flowers, sweets, and fruits. A 16-step ritual called Shodashopachara is followed, where items like sindoor, kumkum, bangles, and mehendi are offered to Teej Mata. Devotional songs (bhajans) and Hariyali Teej Katha are also recited. 3. Dressing in Green and Applying Mehendi Green is the theme colour of this festival. Women wear green sarees or lehengas, jewellery, and do solah shringar (16 bridal adornments). Applying mehendi (henna) on hands and feet is a must. A dark henna colour is seen as a sign of deep love between the couple. 4. Swings and Singing Folk Songs Flower-decorated swings are set up in gardens or courtyards. Women enjoy swinging and singing traditional Teej songs related to love, the monsoon season, and devotion. These moments bring cheer and celebrate womanhood. 5. Sindhara Tradition Married women, especially newlyweds, receive gifts from their parents or in-laws called Sindhara. These include sarees, bangles, sweets, mehendi, sindoor, and ghewar (a sweet dish). For newly married women, their first Teej after marriage, also known as First Sawan, is very special. 6. Cultural Events and Processions In many areas, people organise fairs, parades, and cultural programmes. Women take part in folk dances, kite flying, and group gatherings. Temples host bhajans and kirtans to praise Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. How Hariyali Teej is Celebrated Across India Hariyali Teej is celebrated with great joy and devotion in different parts of India, though each region has its own unique way of observing it. Here's how it's celebrated in different states: Rajasthan: In Rajasthan, the festival is called Shingara Teej. It is celebrated with colourful processions of Maa Parvati, lively fairs, and traditional Ghoomar dance. Women wear bright clothes, enjoy sweets like ghewar, and swing on decorated swings hung from banyan trees. Punjab: Here, the festival is known as Teeyan. Women gather together to sing folk songs and perform the traditional Giddha dance. Mehendi (henna) and swings are an important part of the celebrations. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh: Women observe Nirjala Vrat (strict fasting without water), perform puja, and sing Kajari songs that speak of love and longing. People also organise cultural programmes and community gatherings. Haryana: Hariyali Teej is a public holiday in Haryana. The state government often organises events like kite flying and folk performances. Women wear green outfits and enjoy special dishes like kheer and malpua. Traditional Foods of Hariyali Teej Food is an important part of the festival, especially after the fasting ends. Here are some popular traditional dishes: Ghewar: A sweet dish from Rajasthan made with flour, ghee, and sugar syrup. It's mostly enjoyed after breaking the fast. Malpua: Sweet pancakes served with rabri or sugar syrup. Kheer: A creamy rice pudding flavoured with cardamom and dry fruits. Coconut Laddoos: Made with coconut and condensed milk, these are soft and sweet. Halwa: A rich dessert made from sooji (semolina), flour, ghee, and sugar. All these dishes are sattvic, meaning they are vegetarian and considered pure, adding sweetness to the festival. Why Hariyali Teej is Special in 2025 Hariyali Teej in 2025 will be celebrated on 27th July. This festival is all about love, faith, and cultural traditions. It honours Goddess Parvati's devotion to Lord Shiva. Women wear green clothes, apply mehendi, sing songs, and enjoy swinging under trees. For newly married women, the first Sawan Teej is extra special. Families bless them with gifts and love. In today's time, people also celebrate online, share festive photos, and join virtual gatherings. Hariyali Teej beautifully blends age-old customs with modern ways of celebration. Easy Ways to Celebrate Hariyali Teej 2025 Here are some simple ideas to enjoy the festival: Wear Green: Dress up in green clothes and wear traditional jewellery. Apply Mehendi: Decorate your hands and feet with beautiful henna designs. Use a Swing: Set up a swing at home or in your garden, decorate it with flowers, and enjoy it with songs and laughter. Do Puja: Create a small puja corner at home. Worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and read the Teej Katha. Make Festive Dishes: Prepare sweets like ghewar, kheer, and malpua to share with family and friends. Join Local Celebrations: Visit nearby fairs or temples, join kirtans, and enjoy the festive mood with others. Hariyali Teej is a joyful festival that brings people together to celebrate devotion, love, and the beauty of the monsoon season. Whether you're fasting for your partner, praying for a happy future, or simply enjoying the festive vibes, Hariyali Teej has something for everyone. Celebrate this special day with tradition, tasty food, and lots of happiness. Wishing you a very Happy Hariyali Teej 2025! FAQs: When is Hariyali Teej 2025? In 2025, Hariyali Teej will be celebrated on July 27. Which god is worshipped on Hariyali Teej? Hariyali Teej is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.


Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
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Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Mosque serves Murugan devotees; rekindles Thirupparankundram's spirit of unity
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