Chitri Devi, 93, a resident of Shahbad Mohammad Pur while reminiscing the old times says, “I miss the old times, the old way of celebrating festivals, especially Teej. We used to sing traditional songs 'Teejan Ke Geet'. I and other ladies of the neighbourhood sat together to make sweets. Things have changed now." she sighs.
The Hariyali Teej is among the most celebrated Indian festivals observed during monsoons. Ladies pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a happy marriage. Traditionally, Teej was marked by various rituals, each associated with a belief. Hymns, folklore and swinging on trees found a place in the celebration.
With the passage, some of these rituals have now lost meaning or have been modified with practical alterations. While there is no problem with this, knowledge of the previous times can be enriching and pleasant. CitySpidey talked to some ladies to know about how they celebrated Teej in the old times.
Chitri Devi continues, "I used to wake up early, take bath and leave to fetch water for my home and to pour fresh water from the well on shiv ling and Parvati. We used to fast from one day before Teej. We also used to design the ‘Green Odhani’ which we wanted to carry with our attire. In addition, we used to sing traditional songs which we called 'Teejan Ke Geet'. Green colour saree, lehnga, suit, green bangles, and mehndi are must during Teej."
While talking about what displeases her about the current times, she says, "People remain outside now as they organise Kitty parties and other events. Everyone makes their plans for festivals and even if they are at home, they are always busy on their phone chatting and posting instead of laughing and talking together."
एजी कोई हंस हंस झोटे देय, सावन आया रंग-भरा जी.
अम्मा मेरे बाबा को भेजो री, कि सावन आया कि सावन आया कि सावन आया…
बेटी तेरा बाबा तो बूढ़ा री, कि सावन आया कि सावन आया कि सावन आया…
अम्मा मेरे भैया को भेजो री…
बेटी तेरा भैया तो बाला री, सावन आया, सावन आया…
"This was the song my mother and aunties loved to sing", remembers Sunita, 52, a resident of Sector 8 Dwarka.
She continues, “2-3 days before Teej we used to go to our ‘khet’, to fix a tree for our swing. The next day went by decorating that tree with other women of our family. Even the unmarried girls used to wear green bangles and apply mehndi. On the day of Teej, we used to play on the swing. Women used to dance and sing traditional songs. Everyone is so busy now that there is little excitement for festivals."
Mahbiro Devi, 62, a resident of Sector 23 Dwarka, says, “Nothing is pure now whether it's emotions, ways of celebrating festivals, love for each other, respect and excitement. Festivals are just another festival for them now. Earlier, we used to celebrate every festival together with our neighbourhood. Earlier we used to make every sweet at home and used jaggery in the making despite of sugar which is good for health too. Now people do not have time for their families also."
