Hartalika Teej, one of the most significant fasts observed by married women, brings a special celestial alignment this year. The fast is observed annually on the *Tritiya Tithi* (third day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. Married women observe this fast for their husbands' longevity, prosperity, and a blissful marital life, while unmarried women worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with the desire to find a suitable life partner. In 2026, the Hartalika Teej fast will be observed on Monday, September 14. Notably, a unique coincidence is occurring on this day, generating great enthusiasm among devotees.

**What the Astrologer from Deoghar Says**
Pandit Nand Kishore Mudgal, a renowned astrologer from the Mudgal Jyotish Kendra at Deoghar’s Pagal Baba Ashram, told a 'Local 18' correspondent that this year, the fast of Ganesh Chaturthi will also coincide with Hartalika Teej. Consequently, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesh will all be worshipped on the same day. According to the astrologer, this day is considered highly significant from both a ritualistic and religious perspective. Married women observing the Hartalika Teej fast for the first time, in particular, should pay special attention to the rules of worship.

**Avoid Wearing Black Clothing**
According to Pandit Nand Kishore Mudgal, the Hartalika Teej fast should be observed with deep devotion and a *sattvic* (pure and serene) mindset. Women should refrain from wearing black clothing on the day of the fast. Furthermore, no black-colored items should be used during the worship rituals. It is essential to keep the mind calm and pure on this day; one should harbor no malice, anger, or negative feelings toward anyone during the prayers. Women should wear red or yellow attire while worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Red and yellow are considered auspicious colors and hold special significance in the rituals. Perform worship using the *Shodashopachara* (sixteen-step) ritual on the day of Teej

An astrologer advised that preparations for the fast should begin a day in advance, starting on September 13th. On this day, one may prepare an idol of Goddess Parvati and a *Parthiva Shivling* (an earthen *Shivling*) made of sand. Subsequently, on September 14th, the entire Shiva family should be worshipped following the prescribed rituals and the *Shodashopachara* method. Offering new clothes and items of adornment (*shringar*) to Goddess Parvati during the worship is considered auspicious. Women may offer items symbolizing marital bliss (*suhag*) according to their devotion and pray to Goddess Parvati for the happiness, peace, and enduring marital harmony of their families.

Observe a night vigil (*Jagaran*) on the day of the fast: Another important rule regarding the Hartalika Teej fast has been highlighted. According to Pandit Nand Kishore Mudgal, sleeping during the day of the fast is considered inauspicious. Therefore, women observing the fast should exercise special care throughout the day and night; they should stay awake at night (*Jagaran*) and contemplate Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In many places, there is also a tradition of spending the night engaged in *bhajan-kirtan* (devotional songs) and prayers.

Break the fast the next day after sunrise, only after offering *sindoor* (vermilion)
The fast is broken (*paran*) the following day after sunrise. According to the astrologer, one should offer *sindoor* to Goddess Parvati before breaking the fast. Thereafter, the worship should be concluded according to the rituals, and the fast should be broken. Ultimately, Hartalika Teej is not merely a fast but a symbol of the unwavering love, penance, and faith shared between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In this context, women observing the fast for the first time should perform the worship with devotion and a pure, *sattvic* mindset while adhering to the rules, so that they may receive the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

PC Social Media