Married women across northern India get ready to observe one of Sawan's most cherished fasts, Hariyali Teej, dedicated to seeking a long life for their husbands and a happy married life. On this day, women observe a strict fast and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, dressing up in traditional solah shringar, applying mehndi on their hands, swinging on decorated swings and singing folk songs associated with the monsoon month. Here is when the fast falls in 2026 and the auspicious timings for the puja.
When is Hariyali Teej in 2026
Hariyali Teej is observed every year on the Tritiya date of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Sawan. According to the Hindu calendar, the Tritiya date this year begins at 6:46 PM on August 14 and continues until 5:28 PM on August 15. Since fasts and festivals are determined by the udaya tithi, or the date prevailing at sunrise, Hariyali Teej will be observed on August 15, 2026.
Auspicious puja timings
- Brahma Muhurat: 04:50 AM to 05:35 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 12:17 PM to 01:08 PM
- Vijay Muhurat: 02:51 PM to 03:42 PM
- Godhuli Muhurat: 07:06 PM to 07:29 PM
- Amrit Kaal: 08:18 PM to 09:53 PM
Chaughadiya muhurat for the day
- Shubh (Uttam): 07:55 AM to 09:31 AM
- Char (Samanya): 12:43 PM to 02:19 PM
- Labh (Unnati): 02:19 PM to 03:55 PM
- Amrit (Sarvottam): 03:55 PM to 05:30 PM
Why this festival matters most in North India
Hariyali Teej is celebrated with much enthusiasm in the states of northern India, particularly in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Punjab. As per an old custom, a day before Hariyali Teej, parents send their married daughters shringar items, clothes, fruits, ghevar and sweets. This gesture is believed to bring prosperity and happiness to the daughter's marital home.
Fasting rules to keep in mind
- Wearing red or green clothes is considered auspicious on this day, while black, white or brown items should be avoided.
- Women observing the fast should avoid consuming water or milk during the day.
- Only items sent from the woman's maternal home should be used for the puja.
- The fast should not be broken before the designated parana muhurat begins.
- Puja items should not be purchased on a Tuesday.
- Women observing the fast should avoid any arguments or disputes with their husbands on this day.
- Women are advised not to sleep on the night of Hariyali Teej, and instead sing bhajans and kirtans in worship of Shiva and Parvati.
