Teej, one of the major festivals of Hindu women is celebrated throughout the country and elsewhere where Nepali communities are based. Teej, being celebrated by Diasporas is not uncommon these days. Nepali communities in most parts of the world organize Teej events to mark this significant festival. And essentially, Teej has evolved from being just a Hindu’s festival to overall Women’s festival – all credit to its social aspect. Women irrespective of their religion have started celebrating this festival and taking it as one of the events for get-together and building relations.
London, as it has a vibrant Nepali community observes several Nepali events. Not been long we covered cultural programme of Gulmi Samaj UK held in Farnborough and there have been more events of late here in London and the UK. Many local communities organised Teej events some days ahead of the festival. Nepali Mela 2011 that took some days ago also focused on the festival. Here’s some images and video from one recent Teej event organised by Community Development Centre UK (CODEC-UK) in London. The event that took place at Copland Community School in Wembley had a participation of hundreds and was successful in exhibiting Nepali culture through Nepali cultural show and Nepali food.
Also seen above in the gallery is Komal Oli who was in London some days ago participating in several Teej programmes organized by Nepali communities. The programme was part of event Komal Oli and Manoj Gajurel Night UK. Last year, during same time she was in a controversy with her latest song then.
[box type=”note”]Video of Teej event organised by Community Development Centre UK (CODEC-UK)[/box]
In Nepal on this second day of festival, devotees fast for 24 hours and visit Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu or any other lord Shiva shrines. Dressed in red saris and blouses with gold jewelleries, women dance and sing to the devotional songs on this day. More than three hundred thousand women visit the Pashupatinath temple to offer their praying to Lord Shiva. The festival lasts for three days. The first day is marked by grand feasting on what is called Dar and third day which is also called Rishi Panchami, is celebrated by devotees performing the act of self-purification.
Happy Teej everyone! Teej Ko Lahara gayo Barilai !! How did you celebrate this Teej?
