This annual reminder of Teej, a festival popularly known for its fasting and praying by Nepali women for the long life of their husbands, is organized by the Women’s Creation Center of Lazimpat.
“The event provides platforms for the hidden talents of women in different creative sectors like handicraft and jewelry designs,” says the event manager and chairperson of the Center, Milu Thapa. She adds, “We wish to establish Teej as a celebration for all womankind.”
The event, which is taking place from July 30 to August 02 has altogether 107 stalls in place. Inaugurated by Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala, the highlights of the event include saris, kurtas, handicrafts, jewelries, homemade pickles to food stalls.
“While saying food stalls, let’s drop the idea of restaurants. The food stalls at the event concentrate on foods prepared by women, mainly for Teej festival,” informs production and trainee manager Anita Shrestha.
The two particular stalls not to miss out in the food section is one by the ladies of Bandipur who specialize in “sel roti” – the Nepali doughnut – prepared from the mixture of flour, sugar and butter – and another of the same kind by Thakali women. Rice pudding (“khir”), pickles and hot “alu dum” are other savory items at the stalls.
There is something for everyone at the event: Bangles studded with beads and glasses that can attract women of every age; handicrafts and bamboo products, which can be gifted as souvenirs. Or if white metals and silver jewelry are your weakness, then stalls such as the Himalayan Handicraft has an array of jewelries to choose from.
The stall of Sabhab Chura Pasal of Naxal is one to look out for a special attraction. Besides regular bangles and beads, the stall has handmade hairpins made from different colored beads. Displaying one of her creations, Subana Banu of the stall said, “The new accessories for women to watch out for this Teej are beaded hairpins.”
But one may also find the stalls displaying those huge domestic utensils a bit incongruous.
“There’s more than fasting to Teej festival these days. New ideas like sharing and exchanging gifts among each other are catching up gradually,” says Milu. And it is evident at the event that Teej, besides being just a fasting session only, has other aspects involved as well. Teej fashion, for example. The latest saris and kurta pieces are on display for Teej at the event.
The event is also spreading its wings outside Kathmandu from this year. For more interactions among women of different cultures and traditions, this time the event will reach Pokhara.
“Besides the dar khane hours on the eve of Teej, when women treat themselves to sweets and delicious dishes, we’ll also organize a singing and dancing event,” informs Anita Shrestha.
Happy Teej, everyone!
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