Festival in Rajasthan - Teej Festival
Teej festival is a traditional celebration of the arrival of rainy season, but this year, on Monday, August 12, the Jeej had to be celebrated amidst drought caused by delayed monsoon. Usually, the rains come down, and the spirits soar high in celebration. Songs and dance mark the gaiety of the Teej held every year during the Hindu month of Shravan.
In Jaipur, elephants draped in glittering silks and silver bells led an entourage of camels, traditional dancers and a marching band along with bedecked bullock carts which wound its way through the city's streets.
An idol of Hindu Goddess Teej, the presiding deity of the festival, was carried on a palanquin in the procession. Thousands of people lined the streets and rooftops to catch a glimpse of the procession. Ample arrangements were made for the tourist for the bird's eye-view of the procession.
"Festival's very nice. The procession is very colourful. Many people, very erderly," commented Patrick Guthrie, a foreign tourist."You don't get camels and elephants on the streets back in Canada, very special," said Martha Mcdonald, a visitor from Canada. The procession which began from the city palace lasted close to two hours.
Teej is observed by young girls and women dressed in their best seeking the Goddess' blessings. Legend says that on this day goddess Parvati was united with Lord Shiva after a penance of a hundred years.
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