Hartalika Teej brings Nepali community together in Manali

Women observe day-long fasts for husbands’ well-being; cultural programme held at Manu Rangshala

Manali, September 15

Hartalika Teej was celebrated with traditional fervour at the historic Manu Rangshala in Manali, where the Mool Pravah Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj, Nagar Committee Manali, organised a cultural programme on Monday. The celebrations brought together members of the Nepali community, particularly women observing the festival for their husbands’ long life and well-being.

The programme began with prayers for the peace of the souls of people who lost their lives in the recent floods in Nepal. This was followed by traditional worship of Lord Shiva and the lighting of a ceremonial lamp to mark the start of the cultural programme.

The event featured a series of cultural performances, including Nepali songs and dances as well as performances on popular Bollywood songs. Singers from Nepal also performed during the programme, entertaining the gathering at Manu Rangshala.

Nepali-origin women Vishnu Sharma, Radhika and Sanchita Tamang said Hartalika Teej holds special significance for married women, who observe a day-long fast and worship Lord Shiva while praying for their husbands’ long life.

They said similar to the tradition of Karwa Chauth observed by Indian women, Nepali women observe Hartalika Teej by fasting for their husbands. They added that some women observe the fast without consuming even water during the day.