Teej: woman's day Nepali way

Namaste!

Teej is the festival of Hindu women honouring their husbands. The first day is called darkhana and at this day women enjoy a real feast: all kinds of curry - mutton, chicken, fish and vegetable, with chutneys, eggs, fruits and sweets. The women often gather in one room and seat themselves on the floor around a spread of dishes. They eat, chat, joke and dance until midnight when the Teej fast starts. Not the finest crumb of food or the smallest drop of water should be taken for the following twenty four hours. This strict fast is performed on behalf of one's husband to ensure his good health and long life.
According to legends goddess Parvati fasted and prayed fervently for god Shiva to become his wife. Impressed by her devotion Shiva blessed her to be his wife. Parvati then sent emissary to spread the message of the religious fasting among mortal women promising prosperity and longevity to their husbands.

All through this second day of Teej groups of dressed in red sari women walk towards the Pashupatinath temple  dancing and singing on the way. Women worship to the Lingam, the phallic symbol of Shiva, offering flowers, sweets, grains of rice and coins. However, it is taboo for them to touch the lingams and all the offerings are simply thrown on Shiva's masculine symbol.

More than 300 000 women visit the Pashupatinath temple on Teej every year.

An interesting opinion about Teej festival here