Kathmandu — Nepali women are preparing to eat Dar today to gain strength for the Haritalika Teej fast. With Dar being eaten today, the four-day Teej festival officially begins.

Haritalika Teej, particularly celebrated by Nepali women, begins with the tradition of eating Dar on the second day of the bright half of Bhadra (Bhadra Shukla Dwitiya). Traditionally, women are invited to their maternal homes by their families and are served Dar. Dairy-based and nutritious foods are commonly prepared as Dar, providing energy and strength for the fasting day. According to religious scholar Prof. Toyaraj Nepal, wheat bread and ghee are considered particularly filling and suitable for those observing the fast.

Teej, which was traditionally celebrated mainly in Nepal, has in recent years gained popularity in India as well, partly due to increased media coverage. Teej songs are also increasingly being featured on Indian television channels.

Dar Tradition Before the Nirahar Fast

Since many women observe Teej by fasting without food or water, devotees eat sweet and nutritious dishes as Dar today to prepare themselves physically for Monday's fast. Traditionally, maternal families, brothers and relatives invite daughters, sisters and other women to their homes and serve them Dar.

Religious scholar Nepal says that according to traditional scriptures, Dar should be consumed before the night reaches its second quarter.

Teej is also regarded as an occasion when women express the hardships, pain and difficulties they have experienced throughout the year. Through Teej songs, women publicly share their experiences and emotions, particularly the struggles they face after leaving their maternal homes and moving to their marital homes.