Hartalika Teej is a special festival honouring the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva through prayers, fasting, and the elegant tradition of Solah Shringar. Observed in various regions, it unites women—married and unmarried—in a shared celebration of marital harmony and blessings.
Gowri Habba, celebrated mainly in southern India, shares roots with Teej by honouring Goddess Parvati. Regional customs—such as Gauri Pujan in Maharashtra—feature unique pooja arrangements, decorations, and festive foods, all of which revolve around devotion and meaningful jewellery adornment.
Both Teej and Gowri Habba emphasise reverence for Goddess Parvati, devotion to Lord Shiva, and the custom of Solah Shringar—the 16 adornments symbolising grace and tradition for women.
Date, Rituals, and Muhurat in 2025
In 2025, Hartalika Teej will be observed on Tuesday, August 26, aligning with the Tritiya Tithi (third lunar day) of Bhadrapada. In Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, the same day is celebrated as Gowri Habba, honouring Goddess Gauri (Parvati) and seeking her blessings for marital harmony and prosperity.
- Tritiya Tithi Begins: August 25, 2025, at 12:34 PM
- Tritiya Tithi Ends: August 26, 2025, at 1:54 PM
For those performing morning rituals, the most auspicious window falls between 5:56 AM and 8:31 AM, offering 2 hours and 35 minutes for the pooja. This period is considered ideal for invoking divine blessings, dressing in Solah Shringar, and offering prayers with the traditional samagri, including turmeric, kumkum, fresh flowers, new attire, sweets, a mirror, and teej jewellery.
The Story Behind Hartalika Teej
The legend tells of Goddess Parvati’s unwavering penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband. She retreated into the forest, enduring days of fasting and meditation, until Shiva accepted her devotion. This steadfast faith is commemorated every year, with women observing a fast and dressing in full Solah Shringar to mirror the goddess’s grace.
The act of adorning oneself is not just ornamental; it is a symbolic gesture of purity, commitment, and the celebration of womanhood.
What is Solah Shringar?
The phrase Solah Shringar refers to the sixteen traditional jewellery worn by women, particularly during significant occasions. These elements combine jewellery, cosmetics, and clothing to present a complete form of beauty associated with feminine divinity and marital devotion.
Each adornment carries its own symbolism, whether it is the auspiciousness of sindoor, the protective nature of bangles, or the prosperity signified by a waist belt.
Solah Shringar Checklist with Teej Jewellery Suggestions
| Adornment | Jewellery Type | Style Idea |
| Bindi | — | Choose red or maroon for traditional sarees; match with attire colour for modern looks |
| Sindoor | — | Apply neatly along the parting; pairs beautifully with festive silk sarees |
| Maang Tikka | Gold maang tikka | Temple designs for South Indian events; kundan styles for North Indian celebrations |
| Earrings | Chandbali, jhumki | Chandbalis for bridal functions in the North; jhumkis for temple visits or South Indian poojas |
| Nose Ring | Gold nose ring, nath | Traditional nath for weddings and Maharashtrian looks; simple nose pin for daily wear |
| Necklace | Gold choker, kundan set | Layer a choker with a long necklace for grand occasions |
| Mangalsutra | Gold mangalsutra | Lightweight styles for everyday wear; antique patterns for festive rituals |
| Bangles | Gold bangles | Red-green glass with gold for Teej; temple motif bangles for Gowri Habba |
| Armlet (Bajuband) | Gold or gemstone armlet | Gemstone-encrusted for weddings; plain gold for religious functions |
| Ring | Hathphool, statement ring | Hathphool for traditional North Indian bridal wear; statement ring for cocktail evenings |
| Waist Belt (Vaddanam) | Gold waist belt | Heavy designs for South Indian weddings; lighter styles for smaller gatherings |
| Anklets (Payal) | Silver or gold-plated anklets | Silver for everyday wear; gold-plated with ghungroos for festivals |
| Toe Rings (Bichiya) | Simple gold bands | Twin bands for bridal looks; plain gold for understated elegance |
| Scent (Itar) | — | Rose or sandalwood fragrances for temple visits and rituals |
| Hair Accessory | Floral clips or brooch | Fresh flowers for religious functions; gold brooch for contemporary styling |
| Dress/Saree | — | Green saree with matching bangles and earrings for Hartalika Teej and Gowri Habba |
Jewellery Checklist for Solah Shringar
- Bindi: On Hartalika Teej, the bindi is more than a decorative dot; it is a sign of tradition and devotion. A bright red bindi pairs beautifully with a silk saree, while deep maroon complements rich temple jewellery.
- Sindoor: Applying sindoor is an essential part of the Teej adornment ritual. Store it in a finely engraved box and complete the look with a neat hair accent like the Queen of Organising Juda Pin in Gold-Plated 925 Silver.
- Maang Tikka: For Gowri Habba and Hartalika Teej poojas, a bride-inspired piece such as the Shaadi Shringar Maang Tikka in Gold-Plated 925 Silver evokes a goddess-like grace. For North Indian traditions, kundan work captures the ornate aesthetic.
- Earrings: Earrings frame the face and highlight the pooja-ready glow. For South Indian Gowri Habba rituals, wear sculpted jhumkis, such as the Roohani Gemstone Jhumki Earrings, while chandbalis, like the Flutter Gemstone Chand Bali, add grandeur to North Indian Teej celebrations.
- Nose Ring: The nath holds special meaning for married women during Hartalika Teej. Wear the Nath-inspired Kiara Cutout Gemstone Nose Pin. You could also enjoy a sparkling touch with a diamond-studded nose adornment, as in the Kamna Diamond Nose Ring.
- Necklace: Necklaces are layered to create a complete, auspicious look. For Gowri Habba, wear the Ganpati 22K Diamond Pendant close to the neck, then let the Rain Drops Diamond Necklace cascade below for a graceful layering effect, thus celebrating Gowri pooja and Teej in sparkling style.
- Mangalsutra: For Hartalika Teej, the mangalsutra stands as a powerful emblem of marital devotion. The Navya Diamond Mangalsutra is perfect for daily wear yet looks festive with sarees, while the Aiza Diamond Mangalsutra adds grandeur for the pooja.
- Bangles: Bangles are central to the Solah Shringar tradition. For Teej, pair red and green glass bangles with gold bangles, such as the Amrita 22KT Gold Bangle. Or, you could add sparkle with the Malar 22K Gold and Diamond Bangle and the Radiant Trellis Diamond Bangle.
- Armlet (Bajuband): The bajuband is worn to signify strength and beauty. For Gowri Habba sarees, a floral-inspired piece, such as the Dampati Arm Band in Dual-Plated 925 Silver, adds a regal finish.
- Rings: Rings are a subtle but important part of the complete adornment. A Vanki-style ring, such as the V-Trail Diamond Vanki Ring, blends tradition with artistry in South Indian finery, while a bold choice, like the Rasmon Rivaj Ring in Gold-Plated 925 Silver, works well for evening gatherings.
- Waist Belt (Vaddanam): The vaddanam is a South Indian favourite for both Teej and Gowri Habba, symbolising prosperity. The Dancing Dulhan Waist Band in Gold-Plated 925 Silver looks striking over silk sarees.
- Anklets (Payal): Anklets are worn to invoke auspiciousness with every step. Keep it dainty with The Precious One 7-Stone Anklets in Gold-Plated 925 Silver or go ornate with the Oxidised OTT Anklets in 925 Silver.
- Toe Rings (Bichiya): Toe rings complete the bridal-style Solah Shringar. Choose antique finishes, such as the Antique Apis Mammas Heritage Toe Rings in 925 Silver, for traditional attire, or the Oxidised Antique Kostha Window Toe Rings in 925 Silver, for everyday elegance.
- Scent (Itar): A subtle fragrance, preferably rose or sandalwood, adds a sensory layer to the Hartalika Teej or Gowri Habba experience, lingering through the pooja and social gatherings.
- Hair Accessory: Hair adornments enhance the festive braid or bun. The Rufida Bloom Juda Pin in Gold-Plated 950 Silver adds a delicate sparkle without overpowering the floral gajra.
- Saree/Dress Coordination: For Hartalika Teej, green sarees are especially auspicious. Pair them with coordinated jewellery like the Haze Elegance Gemstone Matching Set for a harmonious, photo-ready finish.
Regional Jewellery Styles – Teej Festival Looks from North to South
North India (UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan)
Heavy kundan sets, gold jhumkas, ornate naths, and bridal maang tikkas are staples. Red and green bangles complete the traditional Teej festival look.
West India (Maharashtra, Goa)
Marathi nath, bugadi earrings, the distinctive tanmani necklace, and green glass bangles paired with gold are popular.
South India (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu)
Temple jewellery remains the centrepiece, with kasu mala necklaces, vaddanams, guttapusalu, and South Indian gold harams. Traditional gold nose pin designs and large jhumkis are also common choices.
How CaratLane Makes Solah Shringar Easy
- Browse region-specific collections curated for Hartalika Teej and Gowri Habba.
- Use CaratLane’s Try at Home service to experience the look before you buy.
- Enjoy quick and secure delivery across India for all festival orders.
- Shop from dedicated Solah Shringar selections to complete your adornment in one place.
- Filter designs by region, style, and occasion for faster decision-making.
- Enjoy quick and secure delivery to ensure your jewellery arrives in time for the celebrations.
- Shop confidently with CaratLane’s authenticity guarantee on all gold and diamond designs.
Gold & Diamond Jewellery for Gifting During Teej
Teej is also a time to express love through meaningful gifts that celebrate relationships. Traditional choices such as gold nose pins for Teej, intricately crafted bangles, and ceremonial mangalsutras honour the cultural roots of the festival. For a more modern touch, consider sleek, lightweight pendant sets or contemporary diamond pieces that suit both festive wear and everyday style. Whether you’re gifting your mother, sister, or spouse, you can find a range of thoughtfully designed options in CaratLane’s Gifts for Mom and Gifts for Her collections, blending heritage elegance with current trends.
FAQs
- What is Hartalika Teej and why is it celebrated?
It is a festival honouring Goddess Parvati’s devotion to Lord Shiva, marked by fasting, prayers, and traditional adornment.
- Which state celebrates Gowri Habba?
Gowri Habba is primarily observed in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
- What are the 16 items in Solah Shringar?
Solah Shringar includes bindi, sindoor, maang tikka, earrings, nose ring, necklace, mangalsutra, bangles, armlet, ring, waist belt, anklets, toe rings, scent, hair accessories, and traditional attire.
- What jewellery is worn for Hartalika Teej?
Gold jhumkas, kundan necklaces, naths, bangles, and other Solah Shringar pieces are common.
- What is the date and muhurat for Hartalika Teej in 2025?
The date is 26th August 2025, with morning or evening pooja considered most auspicious.
- How is Teej different in North and South India?
In North India, Hartalika Teej involves a strict nirjala fast, temple visits, and dressing in bright sarees or lehengas with kundan jewellery, ornate naths, and red-green bangles. In South India, the day is marked as Gowri Habba, with early morning poojas, haldi-kumkum gatherings, and decorating the Goddess Gowri idol in silk sarees, temple jewellery, and jasmine flowers. Both honour Goddess Parvati and incorporate the Solah Shringar tradition.
- What is the significance of Solah Shringar in Teej vrat?
Solah Sringar symbolises devotion, beauty, and the blessings of marital harmony.
- What to gift on Hartalika Teej?
Gold bangles, nose pins, and diamond pendants are popular choices.
Celebrate the spirit of Teej and Gowri Habba with Solah Shringar.
Hartalika Teej and Gowri Habba are more than festivals; they are celebrations of devotion, tradition, and the beauty of self-adornment. Dressing in Solah Shringar not only honours cultural heritage but also creates a personal connection to the values these occasions represent. Whether you prefer timeless temple gold or modern diamond accents, each piece carries its own meaning and charm.
Explore CaratLane’s curated collections today and find jewellery that reflects both tradition and your unique personality. Visit us now to celebrate the season in style: shop for your perfect Solah Shringar look and make this festival truly memorable.
Suggested Reading:
Hartalika Teej: The Best Jewellery Gifts for Your Loved Ones
