Haritalika Teej (हरितालिका तीज)

Haritalika Teej is a three-day Hindu festival (Bhadra 9-11, 2082 B.S.) when Nepali women venerate Parvati’s devotion to Shiva. The observance blends lavish Dar-Khane feasts, a strict water-less fast (nirjala vrata) and ecstatic courtyard dances.

Scriptures recount Parvati’s penance—she sculpted a clay Shiva idol and fasted on Tritiya until Shiva agreed to marry her. Women imitate this austerity, praying for conjugal harmony, health and spiritual merit.

1. Dar-Khane (25 Aug 2025): Midnight feast of goat curry, sel-roti, yoghurt, nuts and sweets.
2. Teej Fast (26 Aug 2025): From 03:30 NST women in crimson saris and green pote queue at Shiva shrines, pour holy water on the Shivlinga, sing hymns and dance till dusk.
3. Rishi Panchami (28 Aug 2025): Sunrise bath with datiwan twigs, veneration of Sapta Rishi and closing sattvic meal.

• Song-and-dance contests in Basantapur Durbar Square
• Midnight abhishek of Shiva at Pashupatinath live-streamed worldwide
• Charity stalls offering jal and energy drinks to fasters

Main venue: Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu (≈400 000 visitors).
Other hubs: Halesi Mahadev, Galeshwor, Siddheshwar Dham and Nepali diaspora temples.
Festival window 2025: 25–28 Aug 2025.