Hartalika Teej 2025: When is the actual fast- on 25th or 26th? Pooja timings, rituals and story behind the celebrationHartalika Teej 2025: When is the actual fast- on 25th or 26th? Pooja timings, rituals and story behind the celebration

Hartalika Teej is a spiritual Hindu festival that celebrates the unimaginable devotion of Goddess Parvati to win the love and eternal companionship of Lord Shiva. Generally, Hartalika Teej comes one month after Hariyali Teej and is most often celebrated one day before Ganesh Chaturthi. Speaking of dates, confusion often arises regarding the exact date and the most auspicious time to perform the rituals. This year, the confusion is between the 25th and 26th-when does the Tritiya Tithi begin and until what time will it last. What will be the perfect timing for performing the puja? If the shubh muhurat is missed, when else can the puja be performed? What steps need to be followed? And most importantly, what is the real story and the actual purpose behind keeping a fast on this day? Here’s a complete guide to clear out all the confusions.


The story behind the celebration:

It all started with one friend taking another to save her from unwanted marriage . How?
The name "Hartalika" comes from two Sanskrit words-Harat, meaning abduction, and Aalika, meaning female friend-referring to a legendary tale where Parvati’s friends took her to the forest to protect her from an unwanted marriage arranged by her father. Specifically , to stop the marriage with lord Vishnu against her wish , according to Drik Panchang. During this time in the forest, Parvati worshiped a Shiva lingam, made from the sand and silt of the Ganga river, with intense devotion and austerity. Her dedication pleased Lord Shiva, who appeared before her and accepted her as his divine consort, symbolizing the power of true love and devotion.


What do women pray for on this day?Hartalika Teej is observed on the third day of the bright half of the Bhadrapada lunar month. It is significant for women, who fast and pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women also observe the fast seeking blessings for a loving and devoted spouse like Lord Shiva, just the way Parvati asked for .
Not only based on religious importance, Hartalika Teej is a celebration of feminine strength and the often neglected power of love. The festival is celebrated by gatherings, singing,and fasting, making it one of the most cherished celebrations dedicated to marital bliss and spiritual commitment.


Hartalika Teej 2025 date and timing
In 2025, Hartalika Teej falls on Tuesday, August 26. This festival is observed on the Tritiya Tithi (third lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The Tritiya Tithi begins on August 25 at 12:34 PM and ends on August 26 at 1:54 PM, according to Drik Panchang. The most auspicious time (muhurat) for performing the Hartalika Teej puja is from 5:56 AM to 8:31 AM on Tuesday , August 26,2025.

• Hartalika Teej is on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
• Pratahkala Hartalika Puja Muhurat duration -02 Hours 35 Mins (5:56 AM to 8:31 AM on Tuesday,August 26,2025 )
• Tritiya Tithi Begins - 12:34 PM on Aug 25, 2025
• Tritiya Tithi Ends - 01:54 PM on Aug 26, 2025

The vrat is ideally observed during morning hours (Pratahkal) on Tritiya Tithi. To know the exact sunrise-based muhurat,consult your local Panchang.

The Shubh Muhurat (auspicious timing) for performing the puja:
The morning time is considered the most auspicious to perform the Hartalika Puja, known as Pratahkala Hartalika Puja Muhurat. Devotees begin by taking an early bath,wearing clean clothes,and preparing themselves physically and mentally for the rituals.
Traditionally, idols or statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are made using sand, which are then worshipped with great devotion.
If for some reason performing the puja in the morning is not possible, the Pradosh period in the evening is also considered a favorable time for doing the Shiva-Parvati worship.

Step-by-step puja ritual for Hartalika Teej:

• Early morning bath: The day begins with devotees taking a holy bath to purify themselves, often using special ingredients like sesame (til) seeds or amla for added sanctity.
• Preparation of puja place: A clean area is chosen for performing the puja. On this spot, akshat (unbroken rice) and fresh flowers are scattered intentionally as an offering to the divine power.
• Water pot setup: A kalash (a sacred water pot) is filled with clean water and decorated with mango leaves and a coconut placed atop. Inside the kalash, items like coins, cloves, cardamom, betel nuts (supari), and flowers are placed, symbolizing abundance and purity.

• Clay idols: Small idols or statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are made from sand or clay and positioned at the puja site.
• Worship and offerings: The idols are adorned with flowers, sandalwood, kumkum (vermilion), turmeric, and sacred threads. Devotees offer fruits, sweets, betel leaves, and bilva (bael) leaves to the deities while chanting mantras and prayers.

• Narration of Hartalika Katha : The story of Hartalika Teej, which narrates Goddess Parvati’s devoted penance and her eventual union with Lord Shiva, is read aloud or listened to, invoking spiritual connection and devotion.
• Aarti and lamp lighting: An oil lamp is lit and waved in a circular motion before the idols while singing devotional hymns or bhajans to invoke divine blessings.

• Fasting: Throughout the day, devotees observe a strict fast, often nirjala (without taking a sip of water), proving their devotion and seeking blessings for marital bliss, happiness, and prosperity.
• Evening rituals: Before sunset, the puja is repeated or continued with offerings of bhog to the deities. The devotees then can break their fast after performing the final prayers and aarti

For many of the devotees ,Hartalika Teej is not just a festival but a beautiful tribute to the sacred love story of Shiva and Parvati. This day is believed to inspire women to embody their dedication and faith toward their families and life partners.