Teej with a difference
Moushumi Sen

Rajasthan’s tradition can be captured at its festive best at fairs and festivals which are dazzlingly theatrical and lively.`A0The celebration of Kajli Teej in Bundi, the queen of Hadoti, in Rajasthan, is different from the many other Teej festivals celebrated elsewhere in the state and outside. Here it`A0is a`A0more than a week-long celebration of gaiety and funfair.`A0 Goddess Uma is worshipped by the seekers of conjugal bliss and love.

The Teej festival is celebrated throughout the rainy season in Rajasthan, with each region having its own style of celebrations. Such events are manifested by wearing colorful traditional costumes, new set of bangles, decorations with the decorative mehendi and the like. It is dedicated to the eternal love of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati and it echoes of the time when women pray for a happy and long married life. As the raindrops fall on the parched land and the nostalgic aroma of the wet soil rises into the air, swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls dress up in colorful attires and sing to celebrate the rainy season. Teej, essentially a ladies festival, is dedicated to Gauri, commemorating her union with Shiva. Kajli Teej is thus a religious and cultural manifestation of the same. Besides Shravani and Bhadon ki Teej, Kajli Teej is a special attraction for foreign tourists. The festival is particularly vibrant with the traditional procession of the goddess in a decorated palanquin which passes through the main bazaars and streets. A sight of the idol Teej on two days is considered auspicious and people from all walks of life attend the fiesta. The procession has decorated elephants, camels, horses, bands, performing artistes and folk performers. The Teej statue is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open.

Exhibition of handicraft items like the traditional kataar, paintings and bangles and fancy eatables attract many. Artisans from far-flung places participate in big numbers selling their products. The first two days are dedicated to the folk instrument Algoza recital competition and it renders a melodious take-off to the fair. Though the main function lasts two days, the deliberations continue beyond Janmashtmi (the birthday of Lord Krishna). The mela venue—-the Kumbha Stadium—-comes alive every evening bustling with fun and frolic. The other popular festivals in Rajasthan are the Dobra Nath fair, Tejaji ka mela, Ghaas Bheru ki sawari (Barodia), Kartik Poornima mela, Dahelwal ji ka mela and Bhia ka hadooda. But Teej has its own charm and flavour.

An exuberant procession culminates at the heart of Jaipur. Organised jointly by the municipality and the district administration, cultural performances with special qawwali evenings, kavi sammelans and devotional songs and musical nights by well-known artistes form part of the celebrations. The curious tourists also get a feel of the local culture and enjoy the traditional festivity.

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