Key Takeaways:

• Festival dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, observed on the third day of Bhadra's bright half
• Fasting options include nirahar, jalahar and phalahar, with scholars urging health-conscious choices
• Large gatherings at Pashupatinath and other temples, with 4,000 security personnel and 855 volunteers deployed
• Celebrations subdued this year due to devastation from the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 14 Haritalika Teej, the Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is being observed across Nepal today with women observing fasts and offering prayers at Shiva temples. Devotees believe that observing the fast and worshipping Shiva and Parvati on the third day of the bright half of Bhadra brings family happiness, peace and wellbeing. The festival is also traditionally associated with the belief that Goddess Parvati performed penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. Although women are generally associated with the festival, religious scholars say the Haritalika fast is prescribed for both men and women. They also say fasting does not necessarily mean abstaining completely from food and water. 'Fasting can be observed in three ways: without food or water, with water, or with fruits. Those who can should observe a complete fast, while others should choose an option suited to their health,' said religious scholar Prof Dr Devmani Bhattarai. He referred to the religious principle that one should protect one's health before undertaking a fast. The festival is being observed at Pashupatinath and other Shiva temples across the country. A large number of women devotees began gathering at the Pashupati area early in the morning. The Pashupati Area Development Trust said all four doors of the main temple were opened from 3 am to facilitate worshippers. The Trust has deployed 4,000 security personnel and 855 volunteers from 24 religious and social organisations in the Pashupati area. Arrangements have also been made to distribute sandalwood paste at several points for devotees. Devotees have also gathered at Gokarneshwar, Nageshwar, Makhhan Mahadev in the Basantapur Durbar Square area, Doleshwar and Tripureshwar, among other temples in and around the Kathmandu Valley. The Haritalika fast is observed with the belief that it fulfils wishes and brings prosperity and wellbeing to the family. According to religious scholars, the fast is considered both obligatory and optional, depending on the interpretation of religious texts. Women also use Teej as an occasion to express their personal experiences, hardships and grievances through songs and gatherings. However, this year's celebrations have been subdued compared with previous years due to the loss and devastation caused by the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa on Aug 26. Teej formally began on Sunday after women observed Dar, a traditional pre-festival feast. The festival continues until Rishi Panchami. Haritalika fast is observed on the third day, Ganesh worship on the fourth day and the worship of the Saptarishis, along with Arundhati, on the fifth day. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi and Rishi Panchami fall on the same day, according to the approved calendar.