Among the many festivals in Nepal, Teej festival is one of the most famous festivals celebrated by Nepali Hindu women. Women celebrate Teej for marital happiness and the well-being of spouses and children. Traditionally, women dress in red, gather together, dance and sing to Nepali folk and Dohori music. A grand feast is usually involved on the eve of Teej as women will begin fasting when midnight hits. Nowadays, women across Nepal begin the celebration of Teej as early as one month prior.
On the 24th of August Sunday, VIN supported a celebration of Teej festival “Jitpurphedi women agriculture co-operative Limited in Jitpurphedi”. There were a lot of participants from women’s group members, Jitpurphedi women agriculture co-operative management committee members, co-operative loan sub-committee members, co-operative account committee members, education sub-committee members, VIN staff and top women entrepreneur Ms. Laxmi Sharma. The Teej festival celebration program was announced by co-operative staff Sita Lamichhane. There was a different program like; welcome speech, exchange welcome, speech from guest and VIN, singing and dancing and Dar program. The program was started from near about 12 pm. Women women were happy as they could celebrate Teej program In their own cooperative building. From VIN, Ms. Om Shrestha, women empowerment program officer, she said that the Teej festival celebration started from begging by women’s empowerment program at Jitpurphedi. Happiness, prosperity as well as some sad stories were highlighted of Nepali women. Top women entrepreneur Laxmi Sharma was invited as a guest to inspire the women. She expressed her story of hardship in her life. She encouraged women to be entrepreneurs and she promised to help women who wanted to be entrepreneurs. She illustrated the opportunities of business in Jitpurphedi. All women audience and guests were happy from the program. At last co-operative president closed the program with best wishes to all women of Teej festival. Over 280 women attended and celebrated Teej festival with Daar.
In high spirit, they sang and danced along to traditional Nepali folk music. It was wonderful to take part in such a joyful celebration, with women in Jitpurphedi. Women promised that they will continue the program in the coming years. It was a very lively afternoon, with lots of singing and dancing, surrounded by the festivity of Teej.