Also called Badi Teej (the "greater" Teej, as opposed to Hariyali Teej's Chhoti Teej), Kajari Teej is observed by women across North India for the long life and prosperity of their husbands, with unmarried women observing it for a devoted partner.
Kajari Teej 2026: Date and Timing
- Date: Monday, 31 August 2026
- Tritiya Tithi: 9:36 AM (30 August) to 8:50 AM (31 August)
The Vrat Katha
A poor Brahmin couple had nothing in their home for the Kajari Teej fast — no ghee, no flour, no fruit. Undeterred, the wife went into the forest, shaped small idols of Shiva and Parvati from mud, and offered leaves and wild berries under a neem tree. Moved by her sincerity, Parvati appeared and blessed her with a life of prosperity and marital happiness — the story behind why sincerity, not abundance, is said to matter most in this vrat.
Shiv Parvati Ganesh Murti - Silver Plated (5 Inch)
Brass Lord Shiva Meditating Idol (4 Inch)
Rituals
- Nirjala Vrat: A fast without food or water from sunrise to moonrise; some observe a milder Phalahar version with fruit and milk.
- Neemdi Puja: A neem branch, representing Neemdi Mata (a form of Parvati), is installed and worshipped — unique to this Teej among the three.
- Sattu Bhog: Roasted gram flour mixed with ghee and sugar, offered as prasad.
- Moon worship: The fast is broken only after moonrise, with arghya (water offering) made to the moon.
- Kajri songs and swings: Traditional monsoon folk songs and decorated swings mark the celebratory side of the day.
Luxurious Blue Neelkanth Shiva Idol - Gold Plated (6.25 Inch)
Lord Shiva Dhyana Mudra Antique Murti
Things to Avoid During the Vrat
- Onion, garlic, meat, and alcohol.
- Grains and regular salt, for those observing the strict fast.
- Sleeping during the day — the time is meant for bhajans and katha instead.
Conclusion
Kajari Teej 2026 falls on 31 August, closing out a dense stretch of Shravan-Bhadrapada festivals that starts with Raksha Bandhan and runs into Janmashtami. Its heart is the same story told at Hariyali Teej — devotion outweighing what you have to offer — carried through a different set of rituals centred on the neem tree and the moon.
