By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: In preparation for the Hartalika Teej fast, which is observed by married women for unbroken marital bliss, the markets of Patna are bustling with activity. The festival, set for September 6, has seen shops across the city, including those on Kankarbagh Main Road, Boring Road, Bailey Road, Khetan Market, Hathua Market, Thakurbari Road, and Boring Canal Road, decorated and ready to welcome shoppers.
Women have been flocking to these markets, purchasing new clothes, jewellery, bangles, and cosmetics in anticipation of the celebration. The demand for bangles, in particular, is high, with a variety of collections now available. According to tradition, it is customary to gift jewellery along with a saree on Teej, and shopkeepers have stocked up on a wide selection to cater to this.
In the bangle market at Kadamkuan, shops specialising in cosmetics and bangles are attracting crowds of women from noon until late in the night. Shopkeepers, like Arpit Agrawal, have noted that red has become a popular colour choice this year. Bangles in various designs, priced between Rs 60 and Rs 200 per dozen, are flying off the shelves. Jerkin bracelets from Jaipur and artificial jewellery are also in demand, with women seeking bangles that match their festive attire.
On Teej, bangles made of stone, metal, glass, and lacquer are especially popular, with the Lahthi set, starting at Rs 300, being a particular favourite. Bracelet sets, priced between Rs 250 and Rs 1,500, and designer bangles, priced between Rs 100 and Rs 150, are also trending. Traditionally, wearing bangles on the entire arm is considered a sign of respect, and this sentiment continues to resonate with buyers.
A new collection of sarees has also hit the market in time for Teej, with silk work sarees, particularly in red, pink, and champagne colours, being in high demand. Rajesh Makharia of Khetan Market mentioned that printed chiffon sarees, as well as Chanderi and Organza sarees, are selling well. The market has seen a surge in the sale of sarees ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000, with Georgette sarees being especially popular, starting at Rs 350.
The jewellery market has become equally vibrant, with anklets, toe rings, and ear and nose jewellery flying off the shelves. Umesh Tekriwal, General Manager of Tanishq Fraser Road, stated that jewellery sales tend to peak around Teej, with new collections being introduced to meet the demand. Mangalsutras, chains, lockets, and jhumka earrings are among the top-selling items, with prices ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 5 lakh.
Meanwhile, shops selling baskets for donations, a traditional part of the Teej celebration, have also seen increased activity. These baskets, priced between Rs 30 and Rs 100, come complete with puja materials and are available in neighbourhoods and markets across Patna.
Hartalika Teej will be celebrated on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya, September 6, in the conjunction of Hasta Nakshatra and Chitra Nakshatra, and Shukla Yoga. On this auspicious day, married women will observe a strict fast, refraining from food and water, as they pray for their husband’s long life and a happy, prosperous married life.
As part of the ritual, idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati will be made from clay and worshipped with Vedic mantras. Acharya Rakesh Jha has noted that the fast will be observed under the auspicious conjunction of Udaya Gamini Hasta Nakshatra, Shukla Yoga, Gar Karan, Amrit Yoga, and Ravi Yoga. By fasting on this day, women will receive blessings for unbroken good fortune, happiness, prosperity, and the long life of their husbands, along with the fulfilment of all their desires.
