Dixya Poudel

Teej is a celebration of the sanctity of womanhood and the sacred worship of Lord Shiva. Every year in Teej, one can observe girls and women decked up in red finery. Especially women adorn themselves in red saris draped across their lithe bodies. Extravagant gold jewelleries complete their looks along with elaborate hairdos and accessories. Girls likewise wear kurtha salwar tailor made to the latest fashion. Lately, pompous and garish celebrations mark the festival which used to be about being true to womanhood.

It is a blessing to be a woman, especially in current times when equal rights and opportunities are granted to women. They are the ones who give birth to children and guarantee the continuation of lineage in a family. They also take care of the entire family members. Women are perceptive and judicious. They are feminine and yet can take on the world with their intelligence, creativity and compassion. One should never underestimate the resilience and profundity within a woman.

However, girls from a young age know that the rules are different for them. They are often usurped by boys and are further likely to be put down and bullied by male members of their societies. Girls realise that they must speak softly and quietly or else face condemnation if they dare to raise their voices. Thus girls grow up to be women who know that their seat at the table could be snatched at any moment. Women further become experts in pacifying men in their lives. They juggle both work and home while knowing that it is a man's world.

Yet, there have been promising changes in socioeconomic, cultural and traditional roles in gender. Thus in the face of the huge strides in women empowerment, it is alarming to see girls and women regressing to pomp when it comes to Teej festivities. And Nepali society collectively seems to encourage such extravagant celebrations which has become mostly about superficial appearances.

Throughout the three-day celebrations of Teej, girls and women participate in the festival which is then plastered all over the social media, with each competing for attention. While appearances are important aspect of individuals' lives, it is their personality, talent and character that speak out loud. Apparently today it is all about external appearances solely in the name of the festival. Teej has certainly shape-shifted in the past few years.
Each year, as Komal Oli's Teej songs with outrageous lyrics are belted out by the speakers, girls and women gather around to celebrate the festival. And the essence of Teej seems to have altered greatly. What was once a festival about the sacredness of being a woman is now about lavishness. During Teej, unmarried girls fast in hopes of a suitable husband while married women fast for the longevity and well-being of their husband.

Goddess Parvati fasted for Lord Shiva's hand in marriage and it became the hallmark of a festival that is now exclusively celebrated by girls and women. Each festival has its own legends that permeate in traditions and Teej is no exception. While girls and women celebrate this festival, they ought to keep in mind the true meaning and purpose of the festival. In the end, Teej is an ode to womanhood in a spirit of joviality and respectful celebrations.