Teej Festival: A Personal Journey Celebrating Womanhood, Traditions, and Equality- Dhruva Thapa

The Teej Festival, celebrated with immense zeal and fervor in both Nepal and India, holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a cultural event; it’s a reflection of traditions, transformations, and a continuous journey towards gender equality.

Embracing Teej in Nepal:
Growing up in great Nepali Culture, I’ve witnessed how the Teej Festival is primarily embraced by married women. It’s a time of year when our rich cultural heritage and religious devotion take center stage. The vibrant festivities and heartfelt prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are awe-inspiring.

The Notable Tradition of Fasting:
One of the most striking aspects of Teej is the 24-hour fast undertaken by married women. It’s believed to secure their husbands’ longevity and well-being. Fasting, for many, is a deeply spiritual experience. However, during Teej, it sometimes blurs the line between devotion and obligation. I’ve often wondered about the pressure on women to undergo such a demanding fast and its implications on personal autonomy and consent.

The Spiritual Core of Teej:
Central to the festival is the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, an exquisite expression of faith and devotion. Yet, the elaborate solah shringar, involving dressing up elaborately, can seem contradictory to the solemnity of fasting and worship. It sometimes feels like we prioritize external appearances over the inner spiritual journey that fasting and devotion should entail.

Challenging Gender Disparities:
Teej also brings to light the enduring gender disparities within Nepalese society. The festival often emphasizes women’s roles as caregivers and their perceived subservience to their husbands. This reinforces traditional gender norms, which is a stark contrast to the society’s ongoing strive for gender equality.

The Commercialization Critique:
In recent times, critics within Nepal have argued that Teej has become overly commercialized. The sale of expensive clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics has taken center stage, potentially creating economic disparities among celebrants.

Acknowledging the Positive Aspects:
Nevertheless, it’s important to acknowledge the positive aspects of Teej. The festival provides a wonderful platform for women to come together, bond, share experiences, and celebrate their marital lives. It’s a time to express devotion to our partners and cherish the bonds we share.

Questioning the Imbalance:
Now, a pressing question arises: why do only women fast for their husbands’ well-being or to attract a better life partner? Why shouldn’t men follow similar traditions, especially in our pursuit of equality, when fasting is a deeply personal choice?

Seeking Equality Through Teej:
This gender-based asymmetry in fasting traditions is something I’ve often contemplated. Fasting should be a personal choice, unrestricted by gender expectations. If women are expected to fast for their spouses’ well-being, why shouldn’t men do the same for their wives? This imbalance contradicts the principles of gender equality we hold dear.

An Authentic Celebration:
Furthermore, I’ve noticed that most Teej parties are attended by men while women fast and engage in worship. This observation raises questions about the authenticity of the festival’s purpose. If Teej is fundamentally about devotion and fasting, it seems inconsistent that men participate in lively celebrations while women adhere to strict fasting rituals, reflecting an underlying inequality.

My Personal Commitment to Equality:
As a Hindu male who wishes to fast during Teej in the same way as my wife, my commitment to equality is unwavering. It signifies my willingness to challenge traditional gender norms and promote inclusivity. Fasting, I believe, is a deeply personal choice and should transcend gender expectations. My approach aligns seamlessly with the broader goals of gender equality, and I’m determined to challenge stereotypes associated with traditional rituals.

Conclusion: A Journey Towards Equality:
In conclusion, the Teej Festival isn’t just a celebration of traditions; it’s a reflection of a complex interplay between tradition, transformation, and gender equality. While we celebrate our rich cultural heritage and religious devotion, we mustn’t shy away from questioning gender roles and autonomy. Encouraging both men and women to have the option to fast and participate equally in Teej festivities is our way of contributing to a more balanced celebration that respects individual choices and beliefs. Teej is not just a festival; it’s a personal journey towards celebrating womanhood, traditions, and equality, and I’m excited to be part of this transformative journey.