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All thanks to the dominance of Punjabi culture in Bollywood, it is a common perception among most people of India that Karvachauth is practiced in all parts of North India. No, it is not. It is a beautiful festival celebrated in Punjab, Delhi and some parts of UP. As a Bihari girl, I grew up watching my mother celebrate Teej.
Now, be informed that there are three types of Teej – Haryali, Kajari and Hartalika. Hartalika Teej is celebrated in the Northern part of India mainly in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and parts of Uttar Pradesh. As per the Hindu calendar, Hartalika Teej is celebrated on the third day of the first fortnight of the month of Bhadra (August-September).
Biharis have been looked down upon for ages – we have been stereotyped in the media (on TV and cinema alike), we have been called names (not-so-fun-fact : ‘Bihari‘ is used as a slang in Delhi for anyone who looks gawaar) and the ignorance towards our culture is also there, of course.
In light of Teej coming up on 12th September, I decided to take a stand and tell everyone 5 things that we are tired of listening!
- Teej to abhi gayi na (Wasn’t it Teej a few days back?)
Haan gayi, wo sawan wali thi, ye dusri hai! Remember, there are three types of Teej – Haryali, Kajari and Hartalika.
2. Tum log Paani me jate ho na (You guys go inside water, right?)
Wrong. That is Chhat. This is Teej.
3. Acha nirjal matlab, baap re! (Oh! You don’t even get water!)
Ummm! It’s a choice. You can eat fruits, have juice and eat all the way through the fast or you can not drink/eat anything at all. And you know what, you can completely not celebrate Teej altogether as well. No, we are not forced to do anything. It’s our choice.
4. Matlab Karvachauth nahi hota tum log me, matlab ekdum nahi. (You people do not celebrate Karvachauth like at all!)
Do we ask you if you celebrate Chhat or Teej. No, right. Why? I mean, WHYYYY?
5. Tumlog wo naak tak orange sindoor lagate ho na, haha! (You people put orange vermilion till your nose tip, that’s funny!)
AAAAAAAAAAA… No, it is not funny. It is not at all funny to make fun of any culture or tradition. The “orange sindoor” is auspicious and ceremonial and I feel we glow when we apply it. Do not need your opinion, thank you. End of story.
Featured Image Painting Source:Internet, Painting By: Vrindavan Das
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