Teej Festival 2025 – A Grand Celebration of Women, Faith, and Culture

Teej 2025 was celebrated across Nepal on 26th August, and once again, it proved to be one of the most vibrant, meaningful, and spectacular festivals of the year. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her eternal union with Lord Shiva, Teej carries immense spiritual importance for Hindu women, symbolizing devotion, love, and the power of prayer.

This year’s celebration painted Nepal in shades of red. From early morning, thousands of women dressed in radiant red sarees, adorned with sparkling glass bangles, mehendi designs, and elegant jewelry, filled the streets and temples. The atmosphere was alive with joy, faith, and the sound of folk songs and traditional dances that echoed through city squares and temple courtyards.

The heart of the celebration was at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, where an overwhelming crowd of women gathered. Many waited in long queues that stretched for kilometers, some even staying overnight to secure their chance to worship Lord Shiva. Despite the scorching sun and hours of waiting, the energy never faded. Women were seen singing, clapping, and encouraging one another, turning even the waiting lines into moments of celebration. The devotion, patience, and unity displayed by thousands created an unforgettable spiritual and cultural scene. In both cities and villages, Teej was not just about rituals but also about togetherness and empowerment. Married women fasted for the well-being and longevity of their husbands, while unmarried women prayed for a good life partner. Families came together, communities organized singing and dancing programs, and everywhere there was a strong sense of sisterhood and joy.

The festival began with Dar Khane Din, when women enjoyed a grand feast the night before fasting. The second day was the main fasting day, where most women refrained from food and even water as a symbol of sacrifice and devotion. The final day, Rishi Panchami, marked purification rituals, where women performed prayers, bathed with sacred leaves, and sought forgiveness for past mistakes.

Teej 2025 was more than just a religious festival—it was a celebration of Nepali identity, culture, and womanhood. The sight of thousands of women gathered in red, dancing, singing, and praying with such devotion, left an impression that will be remembered long after the festival is over.

As Kabru Adventure Holidays witnessed and captured these moments, we feel proud to share the beauty of Nepal’s living traditions with the world. Festivals like Teej remind us that Nepal is not only home to breathtaking mountains but also to timeless culture, vibrant spirituality, and the strength of its women.

The Story & Significance of Teej – A Festival of Love, Devotion & Womanhood

Teej is one of Nepal’s most colorful and meaningful festivals, celebrated by Hindu women to honor Goddess Parvati and her eternal union with Lord Shiva. It marks the arrival of the monsoon season and is deeply connected with womanhood, love, and faith. According to legend, Parvati wished to marry Shiva, but he was absorbed in meditation and indifferent to worldly love. Undeterred, she performed 107 lifetimes of fasting and penance. In her 108th birth as the daughter of King Himalaya, her father tried to arrange her marriage to Lord Vishnu. Heartbroken but resolute, Parvati’s close friend Hartalika helped her escape into the forest, where she continued her strict fasts and prayers. Touched by her devotion, Lord Shiva finally accepted her as his wife.

From this story, the festival is also known as Hartalika Teej, symbolizing not only devotion and sacrifice but also the strength of female friendship. The rituals of Teej are celebrated over three days:

• Dar Khane Din – a grand feast before fasting.

• Teej Vrat – the main fasting day, where many women abstain even from water.

• Rishi Panchami – a purification day of prayer, bathing with sacred leaves, and asking forgiveness for past mistakes.

Beyond its religious significance, Teej strengthens family bonds and creates a sense of unity in communities. Married women fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a good life partner. Temples and streets come alive with thousands of women dressed in vibrant red sarees, singing, dancing, and celebrating together.

At Kabru Adventure Holidays, we see Teej as more than just a festival—it is a celebration of Nepal’s living culture, timeless spirituality, and the enduring strength of its women.