Teej festival procession attracts foreign tourists to Jaipur

JAIPUR - A colourful procession of Hindu deity Parvati on the occasion of Teej festival attracted scores of people here on Thursday.

Thousands of locals and hundreds of foreign tourists congregated along the streets to witness the traditional procession of the festival.

It was taken along by a group of folk musicians and dancers.

The festival in which married Hindu women pray to Goddess Parvati for marital bliss, well being of spouse children and purification of one’s own body and soul, dates back to the era of Sekhawats and the other kings who ruled Jaipur.

A tourist from Germany said the festival was astonishing.

“It’s very impressive, so many people gathered, lets make a guess around twenty thousands, that is very impressive to see, and it was nice to be here,” said Ruray, a tourist from Germany.

Another overseas visitor said the festival highlighted the devotion of a Hindu woman towards her husband.

“About this festival, I know it has to do with the Parvati who is wife of Shiva. It is an event when women can dress up in parity and show how they want to follow Parvati’s example of being devoted towards their husbands,” said Sarah, a tourist from Portugal.

Over the last couple of years, the Department of Rajasthan Tourism has viewed this Teej Festival as an ideal potential to attract tourists from home as well as abroad.

The foreign tourists were not just part of this festival or onlookers. They were more curious to know its significance.

“We are very surprised because there are so many people gathered around here, so many colours, so many animals and horses, so many people holding something (Chhatras - the traditional umbrellas). I don’t understand the complete meaning of the festival but it was a nice one,” said Lisa, a visitor from USA.

The Teej festival is a three-day-long celebration that combines sumptuous feasts as well as rigid fasting.

Falling in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada or Bhado, it is also gala arrival of the monsoon. By Lokendra Singh (ANI)