Has Teej lost its cultural touch?

Teej is the third day after the new moon that signifies the arrival of monsoon according to the Hindu calendar. Traditionally, it’s a day when married women pray for the long lives of their husbands. Today, it’s celebrated with much aplomb, with parties starting almost a month before Teej. ApEx spoke to some women to find out how they feel about the way the festival is being celebrated these days.

Sanjita Shakya, 21

I didn’t know about Teej until recently when I got to listen to some music on it and learned what it was all about. Newars don’t celebrate teej. But I like the concept of it now that I know about it. Families get together on this day and find a safe space to express their emotions. It’s quite lovely to think about. What I don’t like is that the celebrations are becoming commercial and people are using it as an excuse to party and do all kinds of random things. I don’t think we should take a serious festival so lightly.

Urmila Bhattarai Baral, 40

It’s an important celebration in our culture. Earlier, it used to be a day for women to get together and talk about their feelings and such. Now people have taken it to another level. There are parties being organized in banquets and hotels and people are drinking and dancing. It’s becoming a rather strange kind of culture. I believe we have to go back to our roots and enjoy it the way it was meant to be—as a religious festival where women came together, danced, and sang religious songs.

Samita Shrestha, 44

It’s one of the biggest festivals for Hindus. Earlier, the Newar community didn’t celebrate Teej but now there are many people who do. There’s a huge difference between how Teej used to be celebrated years ago and how it’s celebrated today. It was once a festival of feasting followed by fasting. Now, it’s become a reason for endless parties. Nevertheless, I think women should enjoy this festival as a day when they can forget all their worries, get together with their loved ones or simply be by themselves.

Sumitra Tamang, 63

I believe Teej is one of the greatest festivals in our culture. I love it that women come together to celebrate. In our village, we have lots of fun during Teej. Women come together and sing and dance. It’s a really vibrant atmosphere. I like how festive it feels and it makes me really happy.