Kajari Teej 2025: Date, Significance, and the Sacred Neemdi Puja Ritual
New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): Kajari Teej, one of the most unique among the three major Teej festivals, will be celebrated this year on 12 August 2025, marking a day of devotion, marital bliss, and cultural tradition for married women. The festival falls on the Krishna Paksha Tritiya of the Bhadrapada month, and this year the tithi begins at 10:33 AM on 11 August and ends at 8:40 AM on 12 August. As per the Udaya Tithi, the festival will be observed on 12 August.
In Hindu culture, the three primary Teej festivals are Hariyali Teej, Hartalika Teej, and Kajari Teej—each dedicated to the well-being and prosperity of married women. What makes Kajari Teej distinct is the traditional Neemdi Puja, where neem branches are worshipped as a manifestation of Goddess Durga. In several regions, an earthen idol of the Goddess is placed over neem leaves, and women offer turmeric, vermillion, bangles, bindis, and the solah shringar (sixteen adornments) during the rituals.
Neem is believed to embody divine energy and blessings, offering women akhand saubhagya (eternal marital bliss). Its cooling and medicinal properties are also seen as a purifier for both body and mind, blending spirituality with nature worship.
Kajari Teej is also celebrated through vibrant folk songs depicting themes of monsoon, love, separation, and longing. Women dressed in green sarees, adorned with green bangles, sindoor, mehendi, and jewelry, swing joyfully while singing in groups. The day concludes with married women offering arghya (water offering) to the Moon, praying for a happy and prosperous married life.