On this second day of the three-day festival which falls on the third day of the first fortnight of the month of Bhadra, devotees are fasting for 24 hours following the first day marked by grand feasting on what is called Dar. [break]
As many as 3, 00,000 Hindu women are expected to visit the holy Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu during the festival this year for worshiping.
Married women beseech the deity to grant blessing upon their husband and children whereas unmarried ones pray hoping to get a good husband.
On the third day, also called Rishi Panchami, devotees perform the act of self-purification taking bath and paying homage to the deities.
Hindu women putting on red saris and blouses with gold jewelries and singing and dancing to the tunes of devotional songs are very much part of this festival.
According to Hindu mythology, Parbati, who took a fond liking to ascetic Lord Shiva performed tough penance on the Himalayas to win him as her husband.
The festival of Teej is celebrated in recognition of Parbati’s deep love and devotion to Shiva, who realizing her true dedication, later agreed to marry her.
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