Hariyali Teej 2026: Date, Vrat Vidhi & Story
When is Hariyali Teej 2026 — Saturday, 15 August. The tritiya tithi, vrat and puja vidhi, the Shiva-Parvati story, and how the three Teej festivals differ.
The green of Sawan, swings hung from branches, mehndi on the hands and the sound of green bangles — Hariyali Teej is a celebration of feminine strength, love and the returning rains. In 2026 it falls on Saturday, 15 August.
The date at a glance
Hariyali Teej 2026: Saturday, 15 August · Shravana Shukla Tritiya
Tritiya tithi: from about 6:46 PM on 14 August to about 5:28 PM on 15 August (New Delhi)
Tithi and timings shift slightly by region and panchang — do confirm with your local panchang.
The meaning — Shiva and Parvati reunited
The heart of Hariyali Teej is the union of Shiva and Parvati. Tradition holds that Goddess Parvati performed severe austerity across many lifetimes to win Lord Shiva as her husband, and that her penance was fulfilled on Shravana Shukla Tritiya, when Shiva accepted her.
The day therefore stands for steadfast devotion, patience and love — and is kept as a prayer for a happy married life.
The real message of this festival
Parvati's story is not only a story about marriage — it is a story about resolve. When a goal is true, even years of effort do not feel long. That is the patience Teej teaches.
Why green?
The festival arrives as the monsoon begins and the dry earth puts on a green cover. Green is the colour of that renewal, prosperity and good fortune. So on this day:
- a green saree or suit is worn
- green bangles and the sixteen adornments are put on
- mehndi is applied to the hands
- a swing is decorated and Teej songs are sung
Vrat and puja vidhi
- Bathe in the morning, wear green, and take the vow of the fast.
- On a clean platform, install an image of Shiva and Parvati (and Ganesha).
- Many households also shape a Shivling from clay.
- Offer bel leaves, dhatura and shami leaves to Shiva, and suhag items — bangles, bindi, sindoor, mehndi — to Parvati.
- Light a lamp and listen to or read the Hariyali Teej story.
- Perform the aarti, and break the fast after the evening worship.
गौरी शंकर अर्धांगिनी यथा त्वं शंकरप्रिया।
तथा मां कुरु कल्याणि कान्तकान्तां सुदुर्लभाम्॥
Meaning: O Gauri! As you are the beloved consort of Shiva, so may my married life also be blessed.
Three Teej festivals — clearing the confusion
This is the most common question. All three are distinct:
| Teej | Tithi | In 2026 | Distinctive feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hariyali Teej | Shravana Shukla Tritiya | 15 August | Swings, mehndi, green adornment |
| Kajari Teej | Bhadrapada Krishna Tritiya | ~15 days after Hariyali Teej | Folk songs, Neemdi puja; chiefly Rajasthan |
| Hartalika Teej | Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya | 14 September | The strictest waterless fast |
Where it is celebrated
Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Punjab keep this festival with particular enthusiasm. The Teej procession of Jaipur is famous, carrying an image of Goddess Parvati through the city. Teej is also celebrated widely in Nepal.
Please take care of your health
In several traditions the Teej fast is kept without water. Pregnant women, anyone with diabetes or blood pressure, and those who are unwell should consult a doctor before fasting. A waterless fast in Sawan humidity does not suit everyone — devotion lies in the feeling, not in the hardship.
A special coincidence in 2026
This year Hariyali Teej falls on 15 August — India's Independence Day. The celebration of green and the pride of the tricolour, on a single day.
Save the vrat vidhi as a PDF
Reading from a phone during puja is awkward. Save this whole article — the tithi, vrat vidhi, shloka and story — as a PDF, or print it out, and it will be with you at the place of worship without needing the internet.
Choose “Save as PDF” in the print window.
Related reading
- Nag Panchami 2026 — puja vidhi and story
- Independence Day — Sanskrit shlokas with meaning
- Mahamrityunjaya Mantra — meaning and benefits
- The full 2026 festival calendar
The essence of Teej is love, patience and gratitude towards nature. Warm wishes for Hariyali Teej! 🌿
Frequently asked questions
When is Hariyali Teej 2026?
Hariyali Teej 2026 falls on Saturday, 15 August. The tritiya tithi runs from about 6:46 PM on 14 August to about 5:28 PM on 15 August (New Delhi) — confirm with your local panchang.
Why is Hariyali Teej celebrated?
Tradition holds that it was on Shravana Shukla Tritiya that Goddess Parvati's long austerity was fulfilled and Lord Shiva accepted her as his consort. The day therefore celebrates their reunion and the wish for a happy married life.
Why is green worn on Hariyali Teej?
The festival falls in Sawan, at the start of the monsoon, when everything turns green. Green stands for that new growth, prosperity and good fortune — which is why women wear green sarees and bangles, and apply mehndi.
What is the difference between Hariyali, Kajari and Hartalika Teej?
They fall on three different tithis. Hariyali Teej — Shravana Shukla Tritiya (15 August 2026). Kajari Teej — Bhadrapada Krishna Tritiya, about a fortnight later. Hartalika Teej — Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya (14 September 2026), which carries the strictest waterless fast.
Can unmarried women keep the Hariyali Teej fast?
Yes. Married women keep it for their husband's long life and a happy marriage, and unmarried women for a desired match. Tradition considers the vrat auspicious for both.
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