RAS question
Teej festival in Rajasthan is primarily associated with the worship of:
Correct answer: (D) Goddess Parvati (celebrating her union with Lord Shiva).
Teej in Rajasthan is primarily associated with the worship of Goddess Parvati, also called Teej Mata, and celebrates her union with Lord Shiva.
Explanation
Teej is linked to Goddess Parvati because the festival is dedicated, in many parts of India, to Parvati as Teej Mata, with women praying to her for the welfare of their husbands. Its focus on Hariyali or Sawan Teej in Shravan fits this monsoon setting: Rajasthan Tourism describes Teej as part of the monsoon festivals, marked by greenery, social rituals, singing, henna, festive clothes and swings. Jaipur also has a major Teej tradition. Rajasthan Tourism records a royal procession of Goddess Teej starting from the City Palace and passing through Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar, consistent with Jaipur's grand procession with the Parvati idol.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Lord Krishna is associated with Janmashtami, whereas Teej is dedicated to Goddess Parvati as Teej Mata.
- (B) Lord Ganesha belongs to the Ganesh Chaturthi context, while Teej centres on Goddess Parvati and women's worship of her.
- (C) Lord Rama is linked with Dussehra and Diwali, not with the Teej rituals and procession dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
Concept
Rajasthan's festival culture links Teej with a specific deity, season and set of ritual markers attached to women-centred festivals. RAS often covers such festival traditions because they connect folk tradition, religious practice and Jaipur's public festival processions.