KATHMANDU, Sept 11: Festival enthusiasm is portrayed equally in people of all walks of life. Haritalika Teej, better known as Teej, is one such celebration which brings Hindu women together to observe the merriment of the day, and at the same time fast all day. While married women fast hoping for the longevity and good health of their husband, unmarried women fast in hopes of finding a good husband.
However, at present, the manner of celebration has been influenced by the contemporary changes in the society. Actress Sanchita Luitel says, “Most youngsters can be seen enjoying the festivities. Male involve-ment isn’t as odd as it used to seem in the past. Male and female participation is an indicating factor that our society is accepting gender equality.”
Singer Mina Niraula advocates women empowerment
Further sharing her own experience, Luitel shared, “I think health is the greatest thing of one’s life, and it’s not ideal to fast intensely for the sake of religious practice. I take partial fast every year, which means I don’t bar myself from consuming fruits as I worship Lord Shiva. My husband (Nikhil Upreti) also accompanies me.”
The modern-day highlights of Teej include fashion shows, musical programs, social gatherings, and many other communal activities. Thus, it’s evident that Teej has expanded its horizon beyond traditional practices.
Nitendra Kumar Karna, CEO of L and N Modeling Agency, organized Teej Special Fashion Show and Musical Event at Crown Banquet. He expressed his views saying, “It is not mandatory to organize traditional programs to celebrate the festival. People can experiment with different events as well. This kind of program is productive; they allow women to boost their confidence.”
He further shared, “The common mindset compels people to consider modeling as a vulgar activity. We want to prove that fashion is not offensive, and even traditional dresses can be showcased maintaining cultural and traditional integrity.”
Apart from fashion shows, musical events, cultural program, and social gatherings, fair and exhibitions are also organized. Participation of women entrepreneurs is the highest at these fairs. In these exhibitions, the participants showcase their work. Nepal Women Chamber Of Commerce and Trade Committee recently organized a fair, ‘Teej Special Fiesta-2018,’ to promote the work of such women entrepreneurs.
Though people are accepting the change and engaging in different activities to celebrate the festival, some of the youths still think that changes are not good. 21-years-old Prativa Baral expressed, “I think the traditional way of celebration is better than the modern version. Teej has transformed into a commercial affair. It is a platform to showcase clothes and jewelry rather than internalizing the true meaning of the celebration.”
