Participants fast during the festival in honour of Goddess Parvati and her devotion to Lord Shiva. Photo: Supplied
Dozens of Hindu women gathered in South Auckland on 26 August to celebrate Hartalika Teej, a traditional festival observed in parts of northern India.
"This is a significant festival back home, and the main ritual is our fasting," said Shalini Alok, executive member of the Bihar Jharkhand Association of New Zealand, which hosted the celebration in Manurewa.
"It's a 24-hour fast," she said. "We don't even drink water."
Fasting is observed in honour of Goddess Parvati, who fasted before marrying Lord Shiva, according to Hindu mythology.
Married women take part in the ritual to pray for marital happiness, their partners' wellbeing and family harmony.
"Unmarried women also observe the fast to be blessed with a good husband," Alok said.
"There was a special pooja, and we prayed and sang devotional songs to mark the occasion."
Hartalika Teej is a traditional Hindu festival observed by women in parts of northern India. Photo: Supplied
Beyond the rituals, Hartalika Teej is also observed as a celebration of friendship and cultural bonding.
Women wear vibrant green and yellow attire for the occasion, which symbolises prosperity and harmony.
"Hartalika Teej is not just a festival, it is a celebration of devotion, cultural heritage and community bonding," said Amit Shankar Verma, president of the Bihar Jharkhand Association of New Zealand.
"We are proud to keep these traditions alive in New Zealand and share them with the next generation."
Other community groups in Auckland have also hosted Hartalika Teej celebrations in recent weeks.
The Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand marked Hartalika Teej at Balmoral Community Hall on 26 August, while the New Zealand Nepal Society celebrated the festival at Freeman's Bay Community Hall on 23 August.
