Haryali Teej

Hariyali Teej is celebrated on the third day of the waxing moon in the month of Shravan, 5th month of Indian luni-solar calendar.

Due to India's geographic location, summers, especially in the northern states, are extremely hot. Temperatures in the Indo-Gangetic Plains are of the order of 45 degree centigrade (105 F). This day marks the onset of Monsoon season, which brings rains and thus relief from the scorching heat of the summer sun. India enjoys enviable 6 seasons, Monsoon season being one of them.

This festival is primarily considered to be a womens festival. They wear fine new clothing, bangles. They are given gifts as well. Married women to go to their maternal homes to celebrate this festival. They decorate the palms of their hands with beautiful henna designs and alta, hang swing on the branches of trees and enjoy the season amidst pitter-patter rain drops.

In Vrindaban, Banke Bihari Ji's appearance day is celebrated on this day with euphoria. Devotees create a huge bungalow of very fragrant flowers. On this day Bihari Ji sits on a sandalwood swing which is decorated with several precious jewels. This swing is mounted on a chariot which is followed by a huge procession that comes out of the temple and goes to that bungalow. On all other days his feet stay covered by his dress, but only on this day Bihari Ji's lotus feet can be seen. Lots of devotees flock to see those feet which are worshiped by even Brahma and Shankar.

There are several historical reasons also, to celebrate this auspicious day. 

1. When Ved Vyas decided to write Mahabharata, he invited Lord Ganesh to write it down. This is the day when Lord Ganesha started writing the epic Mahabharata.
2. Ganges descended on this earth from heaven on this day.
   
3. Treta Yug starts on this day
4. Kuber was granted the custody of wealth on this day. That is why it is very auspicious to donate gold to some real saint or temple.
5. Sudama was blessed with the opulence of 2 worlds on this day

In the olden times, people used to take a dip in the Holy Ganga River for they believe that if one takes a dip in Ganga river on this day then the person will attain moksha (liberation from bond of Maya). Some used to donate gold to a God - realized saint and temples, for any deed done to God and saint has infinite recompense.

Now-a-days people instead of donating have started buying gold, in the hopes of ending their poverty. Well, main poverty is poverty of mind. So the goal of this festival is to can get rid of poverty of mind and get wealth of everlasting, even increasing, ever new bliss.

For the devotees of Shri Radha Krishna too this is a very devotional day.
Several days before this day, Gopis start preparing for