Sep. 20, 2023 By Ethan Marshall
More than 450 people gathered for an evening full of fun and music at the 2023 Teej Festival on Sept. 17 in Elmhurst. Several local elected officials sent their Teej greetings at the festival celebration, including Mayor Eric Adams, Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Grace Meng and Assemblyman Steven Raga.
Photo by Madhu Acharya
The Teej Festival holds immense significance in Nepalese culture, symbolizing the strength, resilience and empowerment of Nepalese women. During this joyous occasion, the community comes together to celebrate its cultural heritage, share traditions and foster unity.
Photo by Madhu Acharya
Occurring around the month of August, Teej is a festival celebrated by women all over Nepal for three days. Decked up in bangles and red sarees and tika, women sing and dance to traditional folk songs for days. It is specially significant for married women, who get a special invitation to visit their maternal home and feast.
Photo by Madhu Acharya
Following a long feast, known as Dar, the women spend the next 24 hours fasting , where they do not eat or even drink water. Women of all age groups, young and old, dance for hours without a drop of water or food for an entire day.
Photo by Madhu Acharya
On the final day of this three day Teej Festival, women satisfy seven saints offering them food, money and various offerings. They attempt to purify their bodies and souls by bathing with red mud and brushing their teeth with branches of a bush tree, known as datiwan.
Photo by Madhu Acharya
The significance of such a festival is for women to ask for special blessings from Lord Shiva, to have attain a good husband in life and to pray for his longevity and prosperity.
Photo by Madhu Acharya
The Teej celebration was managed by Triveni Entertainment LLC. Founded in 2023, this prominent organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting Nepalese culture, traditions and values in the United States. Its mission is to foster a sense of community among Nepalese immigrants while also sharing their rich heritage with the larger American society. Community Leaders Nabaraj KC and Kham Lal Bhatta are two managing partners in Triveni Entertainment LLC.
Photo by Madhu Acharya
Triveni Entertainment is a dynamic event organizing and management company dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences. With a deep passion for entertainment, it specializes in curating and orchestrating a diverse range of events that captivate audiences across the globe.
Photo by Madhu Acharya