Teej Festival |
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Teej is the festival of swings. It marks the advent of the monsoon month
of Shravan (August).
The monsoon rains fall on the parched land and the pleasing
scent of the wet soil rises into the air.
Swings are hung from trees and
decorated with flowers.
Young girls and women dressed in green clothes
sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon.
This festival is
dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Lord Shiva. Goddess
Parvati is worshipped by seekers of conjugal bliss and happiness.
An elaborate
procession is taken out in Jaipur for two consecutive days on the festive occasion
which is watched by people in large numbers.
The teej idol is richly decorated
with ornaments and gaudy dresses. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas
the Gangaur idol is open.