As Nepal is diverse culturally, foods in this country have different tastes and flavours. Yet, there are some food items that are common to all and hence unify the country. Of them, sel roti (or, simply, sel) is one. Shape-wise, sel roti is a Nepali doughnut. It is a traditional Nepali ring-shaped sweet bread that is deep-fried in oil or ghee and made with granulated rice or rice flour. This authentic Nepali sweet is loved by most Nepalis and is considered mandatory during Hindu festivals and ceremonies like Dashain, Tihar, Teej, weddings, bratabandhas, and others. Not only in Nepal, but sel roti is also made and enjoyed by many Nepali-speaking communities in Sikkim , Darjeeling , and of late, wherever Nepalis are there . Additionally, this delicacy is also available in many local restaurants in Nepal. And, sel roti is also sent as a gift (koseli) or as a prasad to family members and friends living away from home during any puja or ceremony or festival. Instead of buying s
Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily by women
in various parts of India and Nepal. It falls on the third day of the bright
half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada, which usually occurs in August or
September. The festival holds great significance, especially for married women,
as it is dedicated to the goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva.
1.First Day
This
day is called as Dar Khane Din which means feast day. It is the day before
Teej. It is probably the only day in the whole year where women are allowed
full freedom of expression. For a whole year, they devote themselves to their
family, and on this particular, they have a freedom to have a day to just by
her.
The women come together in one place dressed up in a
best look and clothing using full makeup, and they sing and dance in Teej
songs. They also have a grand feast with several varieties of food and sweets.
Women also get invited by their parents or brothers, where they have a feast in
the eve of the Teej. The feast goes till the midnight, after which the fast for
24-hour starts.
2.Second Day:
This
is the day of fasting. After having a grand feast, women fast for next
24-hours. Married women keep the fasting without having food and drink for
long-life, peace and prosperity of their husband and family as a blessing of
her devotion from God, while unmarried women fast to get blessed with a good
husband. Women fast in their own way, some eat fruits and liquid, while some
don’t even have a drop of water.
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| Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal |
3.Third Day:
The
final day of Teej is Rishi Panchami where women offer their praying to the
Saptarishis (seven sages) after completing the previous day’s puja. They take a
ritual bath in holy rivers, ponds or any other water masses with red mud which
is found on the roots of the sacred datiwan bush along its leaves. This act
final ritual of purification is believed to discharge women from all their
sins.
Here's a typical story associated with the
Teej festival:
The Legend of Teej:
The most popular legend behind Teej revolves around the divine love story of
Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati, an
incarnation of the goddess Sati, was deeply in love with Lord Shiva and wished
to marry him. However, Shiva was initially unaware of her existence and was
engrossed in his ascetic life.
Determined to win Shiva's heart, Parvati decided to
undertake severe penance and rigorous fasting. She gave up all her royal
comforts and luxuries, and for many years, she meditated and performed
austerities in the forests and mountains.
Impressed by her unwavering devotion and
determination, Lord Shiva eventually appeared before Parvati and accepted her
as his wife. This union marked the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati and is
celebrated during the Teej festival.
Teej Celebration:
Teej is celebrated with great enthusiasm by married and unmarried women alike.
They dress up in colorful traditional attire, apply henna on their hands, and
adorn themselves with jewelry. The festival involves various customs and
rituals:
- Fasting: Women observe a day-long fast without consuming food or water. This fast is believed to bring marital bliss and longevity to their husbands and to honor Parvati's dedication.
- Swings: Women often
gather in groups to swing on beautifully decorated swings, often hung from
trees. These swings symbolize the playful union of Lord Shiva and Goddess
Parvati.
- Mehendi (Henna):
Applying intricate mehendi designs on hands and feet is an essential part of
Teej celebrations. The designs are often symbolic and include images of Shiva,
Parvati, and other religious motifs.
- Offerings:
Devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to offer
prayers and seek blessings for a harmonious married life.
- Songs and Dance:
Women sing traditional Teej songs and dance to celebrate the occasion. These
songs often narrate the story of Parvati and Shiva.
- Feasting:
After breaking their fast at the appropriate auspicious time, women indulge in
a grand feast with family and friends, enjoying a variety of traditional
dishes.
Teej is not just a religious festival but also a
cultural celebration of the bond between husbands and wives. It brings women
together to celebrate their devotion, love, and the enduring spirit of
marriage. The festival is also an occasion for women to take a break from their
daily routines and enjoy some quality time with friends and family.
Very nice
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