As our holy scriptures have it, Mata Parbati as a girl, fasted and prayed for Lord Shiva’s hand. Touched by her bhakti, Bholenath, took her as his wife. Parbati, in gratitude, sent a messenger to spread the importance of her fasting and puja among mortal women. Hindu women believe that Teej or Haritalika brata brings well-being and longevity to their hubbies. Widows look forward to a reunion with their deceased husbands whereas unmarried girls hope to get Mr Right. Dancing and merry-making are an integral part of the occasion.

In the days of yore, a woman could not dream of living separately from her man, no matter how badly she was treated. Women used to fast and worship the divine power for the sake of their Pati Parameshwars (husbands treated as gods). Even in this modern world, the fair sex continues to fast on Haritalika, including the most vociferous of our feminists and the NGO-wallis.

I am not sure whether the male-dominated society takes Parbati’s devotion in a positive light, but what I am certain of is that women, despite the austere rituals, will continue the tradition till eternity. Such is the spirit of women. If men had to make similar sacrifices for their wives, the number of those willing could perhaps be counted on one’s fingers. By fasting during Teej and praying for their spouses, women are giving continuity to a time-honoured tradition.

Festival like this one add meaning and spice to life even though they may appear to be at odds with the process of modernisation. Let men understand that this is an honour, which women bestow on their male counterparts.

However, Teej and the trends in modern society seem to be at odds. Virtually every Hindu woman celebrates Teej. At a time of rising divorce rates and second marriages, whose long life would women wish for? Whose prosperity would they pray for if they think that their husbands have made their life miserable? And how many of those widows would prefer a reunion if they felt that their husbands, when alive, were responsible for their hellish past and present? Even then, the occasion’s eternal message of loyalty, sacrifice and family values continue to inspire us.