Moon rise time today:
The moonrise on August 22, 2024, is an important moment for those celebrating Kajari Teej and Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi. The moon is expected to rise around 8:44 pm, and the moonset will be at 8:29 am the next morning. These timings are important for the rituals of both festivals, which have deep significance in Hindu traditions.
Kajari Teej 2024
Kajari Teej is widely celebrated by women in several North Indian states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. It is part of a series of Teej festivals, which also includes Hariyali Teej and Hartalika Teej, which are celebrated during the Sawan and Bhadrapada months.
Kajari Teej, also called Badi Teej, is usually celebrated three days after Raksha Bandhan and five days before Krishna Janmashtami. In the North Indian calendar, it is celebrated during the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month, while in the South Indian calendar, it falls during the Krishna Paksha of the Shravan month. Despite these differences in calendar systems, Kajari Teej is celebrated on the same day in both traditions.
Significance of Holy Kajari Teej 2024:
The name Kajari Teej comes from ancient traditions, signifying the desire for the husband’s presence during a period of separation. This festival, associated with the monsoon season, is celebrated with deep reverence. Women observe fasts and perform rituals such as the Rudra Abhishek Puja to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Married women pray for a harmonious and fulfilling married life, wear beautiful apparel and apply mehndi. In some rural areas, older women also pay respect to the neem tree and the moon as part of the celebration. Unmarried girls also observe a fast, wishing for a kind and loving future spouse. Kajari Teej is marked by vibrant songs, dances, communal prayers and various festive events, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance.
Rituals associated with Kajari Teej 2024:
On Kajari Teej, women worship Goddess Parvati and seek her blessings for maintaining harmony in their marital life. The day begins with waking up early, finishing morning chores, dressing up in new clothes, applying sindoor, bindi, bangles and mehndi, much like newlywed brides. In some areas, women gather to worship the sacred neem tree under the guidance of a priest and offer prayers with offerings such as kumkum, rice, turmeric, henna, fruits and sweets. Women also observe a strict fast, known as Kajari Teej Vrat, beginning with a meal before dawn followed by abstinence from food and water for the entire day.
Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi 2024
Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi, celebrated on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha, is an important day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. This monthly festival is especially revered by devotees who observe fasts and rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi 2024: Date and Time
This year Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi falls on August 22, Thursday. According to the Drik Panchang, the Chaturthi Tithi began at 1:46 pm on August 22 and will end at 10:38 am on August 23. Devotees observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise, and break their fast only after sighting the moon. This fast is believed to bring relief from difficulties and fulfilment of wishes. When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, it is known as Angarki Chaturthi and is considered especially auspicious.
The observance of Sankashti Chaturthi is based on the belief that the blessings of Lord Ganesha can help overcome life’s obstacles, and this fast is a way to seek his divine guidance during challenging times.
