Hariyali Teej

What

Hariyali Teej is celebrated with women dressed in green, applying henna, singing traditional songs, and swinging on decorated swings hung from trees during the monsoon season.

Why

The festival marks Parvati's long penance to win Shiva as her husband, and their eventual reunion — 'hariyali' means greenery, tying the celebration to the lush, rain-fed landscape of the monsoon season in which it falls.

Preparation

• Wear green if that's your custom
• Apply henna if you enjoy the tradition
• Find or set up a swing if accessible
• Sing or listen to traditional monsoon songs