Banjara teej is a nine-day ritual and festival observed by Banjara
community especially in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Maharashtra. Banjara
Teej in 2024 begins on August 18. The festival ends on August 26 on Sri Krishna
Janmashtami day.
The main ritual during the period is the sowing and growing of
wheat saplings in a small basket made of bamboo. This basket with growing wheat
shoots is known as Teej. It symbolizes prosperity.
Young girls who participate in the ritual pray to Lord Sevalal for their well-being.
During the nine day rituals, groups of young girls sing and
danced with the teej on their heads, seeking prosperity for the village and the
community.
On Janmashtami day, the Teej is carried on the traditional
phuliagan on the head of the girls.
The girls, who reach nearby river or pond singing songs,
immerse Teej in the water.
Banjara Teej begins on Shravan Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi Tithi
and ends on Shravan Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi as per traditional Hindu lunar
calendar followed in Telangana.