New Delhi. The fast of Hartalika Teej (Hartalika Teej 2026) is considered very special for married women. On this day, women observe a fast to wish their husbands' long life and happy married life and worship Mother Parvati and Lord Shiva. Many women also observe Nirjala fast, due to which they may have to remain without water and food for the whole day. In such a situation, along with worship, it is equally important to take care of your health.
There are many traditions in every family regarding Teej fast. Some women remain dehydrated the whole day, while some women eat fruits as per their health condition and family tradition. Problems can arise when women, in their enthusiasm to observe the fast, ignore body signals or suddenly eat too much food while breaking the fast.
Apart from this, working too hard in the morning preparation without eating anything, not taking enough rest, drinking less water beforehand and eating heavy food as soon as the fast is over are such habits which can cause problems. So, what are the common mistakes that should be avoided while observing this Teej fast? What things should be kept in mind during Nirjala fast and what precautions should be taken while breaking the fast? Let us know.
Do not stop drinking water suddenly before fasting
If you are going to observe Nirjala fast then reducing the intake of water or liquids a day in advance is not the right way. It is important to keep the body normally hydrated. Considering the heat, humidity and your activity throughout the day, taking enough fluids can suddenly reduce the pressure on the body during fasting the next day. However, the amount of water that is appropriate for you depends on the weather, age, activity and health. In case of any illness or special advice from the doctor, give priority to the same.
Do not ignore body signals in the name of fasting
The fast of Teej is related to religious faith, but it does not mean that the fast should be continued at any cost despite ill health. Symptoms like extreme weakness, dizziness, feeling faint, confusion, excessive thirst or unusual weakness should not be ignored. Especially pregnant women, elderly people, people suffering from diabetes or other health problems, it is better to take medical advice before fasting.
mistake of working too much in the morning
On the day of Teej, amidst puja, decoration, mehendi, preparations and household chores, women are often unable to find time to relax for themselves. Standing continuously or doing excessive physical exertion during Nirjala fast can increase fatigue. Try to complete the necessary preparations for the puja well in advance. Assign heavy work to other family members and take rest at intervals during the day.
Avoid staying in the sun and heat for too long
If the fast of Teej is waterless then staying in the sun for a long time in hot weather can increase the problem. The risk of dehydration in the body may increase and problems like weakness or dizziness may occur. If you have to go out for puja or any religious event, keep the weather in mind and if possible stay in a cool or shady place.
Do not eat heavy food as soon as you break your fast.
The most common mistake people make after a day's fasting is that they eat too much food as soon as the puja is over. Eating too much fried or heavy food suddenly after being on an empty stomach for a long time can cause stomach discomfort. While breaking the fast, it is better to take food slowly and in limited quantity. One can start with fruits, light food or easily digestible things. After this, normal food can be taken as per need.
Don't rely only on tea and coffee
Even for women who do not observe Nirjala fast, taking only tea or coffee throughout the day is not a good option. Women who eat fruits during fast can choose nutritious and balanced options for themselves. Food items like fruits, milk or curd and popular vegetarian food at home can be taken as per one's need. Making excessively sweet or deeply fried fruit snacks your entire day's meals is not a balanced option.
Do not be careless about medicines
If you take any important medicine daily, do not stop it voluntarily or change its timing due to fasting. It may be necessary to take some medicines with food or water. In such a situation, before fasting, talk to the doctor and take proper advice regarding the timing of the medicine or the method of fasting. It is not right to ignore health related responsibilities along with religious faith.
This Teej, take care of your health along with faith.
As much as it is important to decorate, worship and celebrate the festival with family on the day of Teej, it is equally important that you stay healthy. Before fasting, keep the body normally hydrated and avoid excessive exertion. If you feel unwell, do not ignore the symptoms and take food slowly while breaking the fast. Along with faith, caution is also important, because the joy of the festival can be fully felt only by staying healthy.