Hartalika Teej is being celebrated on 14th September, 2026. This vrat falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya, the third day of the bright half of the Bhadrapada month.

On this day, devotees observe Nirjala vrat and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together for marital bliss and progeny. This time, this fast coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi, making the day even more special.

However, many devotees are confused about the two dates and which one they should observe the fast on. Let's understand the reason behind this confusion and what the tithi and puja muhurat timings are.

When Is Hartalika Teej And Why Is There Confusion Between Two Dates?

According to Nirnaya literature of  Dharmashastra, vrats are observed on the basis of udaya tithi (tithi present at sunrise). Tritiya begins at 07:08 AM on 13th September, which is after sunrise that day. So the 13th does not qualify. 

Tritiya then continues through the whole night and ends at 07:06 AM on the 14th, just after sunrise. So, 14th September carries the udaya tithi, and that is why the vrat will be observed on this day.

However, some families follow different traditions. They perform the main puja in pradosh kaal, the twilight hour after sunset, when Tritiya is fully running. Both practices are valid. The rule is simple: follow your family tradition, and do not switch dates midway through a vrat you have already begun.

Event  Date And Time 
Hartalika Teej 2026

Monday, 14th September 2026
Tritiya tithi begins 

07:08 AM on Sunday, 13th September 2026
Tritiya tithi ends 07:06 AM on Monday, 14th September 2026
Pratahkal puja muhurat

06:12 AM – 07:06 AM on 14th September
Vrat type

Nirjala–nirahara (no food, no water)
Parana (fast broken)

Morning of Tuesday, 15 September, after puja

On this day, devotees worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together (Image: Facebook/LordShivaPictures)

Hartalika Teej 2026 Vrat Rules

On Hartalika Teej, devotees, especially married women, observe nirjala vrat, meaning they abstain from having food and water throughout the day.  Some devotees observe phalhaar vrat and consume fruits, milk, nuts or certain vrat-friendly foods, like sabudana khichdi, roasted makhana or kuttu rotis.

What Do Devotees Traditionally Eat Before The Fast?

The meal before starting the vrat also matters. Instead of eating very oily or heavy food, a balanced meal with complex carbohydrates, protein, vegetables and enough fluids is suggested.

When Is Hartalika Teej Vrat Traditionally Broken?

Traditionally, the Hartalika Teej fast is broken in the morning after the main day of fasting, by following some simple puja rituals.

Hartalika Teej Puja Vidhi And Samagri

Hartalika List Puja Samagri  List

  • Gangajal
  • Roli / Kumkum
  • Akshat (rice)
  • Chandan powder
  • Sindoor
  • Mauli / Kalawa
  • Haldi ki Ganth
  • Copper Kalash
  • Bhimseni Kapoor
  • Panchmeva
  • Solah shringar for Parvati
  • Fresh flowers
  • Bel patra (bilva leaves), shami leaves, durva grass

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Hartalika Teej Puja Vidhi

According to Drik Panchang, the right way to perform the Hartalika puja is:

  • Devotees should take an early morning bath with Sesame and Amalak powder if possible.
  • Devotees should wear clean clothes and then take Sankalp to perform Hartalika Vrat to please Uma-Maheshwar.
  • Then make the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha from clean river sand or black clay. Place them on a wooden chowki over a red or green cloth, facing east or north-east.
  • Fill a copper kalash with water and a little gangajal, place mango leaves and a coconut on top, and place it on the right side of the idols.
  • Offer roli, akshat, chandan, haldi, flowers, dhoop and a ghee diya. 
  • Offer Bilva leaves and dhatura to Lord Shiva; sindoor, mehendi, bangles, comb and the sixteen shringar items to Goddess Parvati.
  • After this, it is compulsory to recite or listen to the full Hartalika Teej katha with the family.
  • Then perform aarti and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
  • Some devotees stay awake through the night singing bhajans, while some households perform aarti at each of the four praharas.
  • On the morning of 15th September, offer the final aarti, immerse the sand murtis in flowing water or a clean pot, and break the fast.

Perform aarti and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Image: Pexels)

Why Is Hartalika Teej Celebrated?

According to Bhavishya Purana, the legend of Hartalika Teej was narrated by Lord Shiva himself while reminding Goddess Parvati about her incarnation as Shailputri at the home of King Himalayaraj.

Goddess Shailputri always desired Lord Shiva as her husband. However, her father, King Himalayaraj, intended to marry her to Lord Vishnu. When Goddess Parvati learned of this, she did not know what to do, as her heart belonged only to Lord Shiva.

Seeing her distress, a loyal friend helped her escape into the dense forests where she performed extreme penance to please Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati abstained from food and water, sat amidst nature, and meditated.

Her devotion and sacrifice pleased Lord Shiva, and he promised to marry her. This episode, where Goddess Parvati’s friend “Harit” (abducted) her to the forest, gives the festival its name “Hartalika”, a combination of harit (abduction) and aalika (female companion).

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Thus, Hartalika Teej symbolises devotion, love, and the triumph of determination. It also honours the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, a divine example of marital harmony.

FAQs

1. What is the meaning of 'Nirjala Vrat' in Hartalika Teej?

The meaning of 'Nirjala Vrat' in Hartalika Teej is a fast without water, observed from sunrise to sunrise.

2. Can unmarried girls observe Hartalika Teej?

Yes, unmarried girls usually observe the Hartalika Teej vrat to find a desired partner.