Festival guide
Hartalika Teej
Hartalika Teej falls on the third day of the bright half of Bhadrapada. It is one of the most demanding fasts observed by women in North India and Nepal.
Hartalika Teej dates
| Year | Date | Tithi and its timings |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday 14 September | Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya 13 Sept, 07:08 → 14 Sept, 07:07 |
| 2027 | Friday 3 September | Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya 2 Sept, 16:50 → 3 Sept, 14:19 |
Dates for New Delhi, India; times in Asia/Kolkata. Observed by the rule: tithi at sunrise.
Also known as: Teej.
Story and significance
“Hartalika” refers to Parvati being taken away (harat) by her friend (alika) to the forest, so that she could continue her penance for Shiva instead of being married to Vishnu as her father had planned.
How Hartalika Teej is celebrated
- Nirjala fast — without food or water — by many women
- Clay images of Shiva and Parvati worshipped in the evening
- Night vigil with songs and the recitation of the Teej katha
- The fast is broken the next morning
Customs vary between regions, communities and families. Please follow the guidance of your family priest or local temple for rituals and timings.
Frequently asked questions
When is Hartalika Teej 2026?
Hartalika Teej 2026 falls on Monday, 14 September 2026, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
When is Hartalika Teej 2027?
Hartalika Teej 2027 falls on Friday, 3 September 2027, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
Why does the date of Hartalika Teej change every year?
Hartalika Teej is fixed by the lunar calendar — the Shukla Paksha tithi 3 of Bhadrapada (amanta calendar) — not the Gregorian calendar. Lunar months drift against solar dates, so the festival moves by up to a few weeks from year to year.
Can Hartalika Teej fall on different dates in India and abroad?
Yes. The rule depends on the tithi at a particular time of day at your location, so a tithi that begins just before sunrise in India may begin after sunrise in North America, moving the observance by a day.