The lunar month of Sawan (monsoon) holds a special significance in the life, culture, economy, and society of Punjab. Throughout northern India, including Punjab, this month is called the month of Sawan. The dark clouds finally bring rain, providing relief from the scorching heat of the months of Jeth and Harh (May to mid July in Punjab). The rain alleviates the suffering of living beings and vegetation and bestows a unique beauty upon the earth. It is during this time that the festival of Teeyan, a celebration of a happy and prosperous married life for newly married women, takes place in Punjab.
Women sing folk songs and recite boliyaan (traditional Punjabi couplets) and do giddha (traditional Punjabi dance). They dress up in traditional Punjabi attires.
During Teeyan in Punjab young married women get to visit their parental villages and catch up with their friends. In the past, villages would have fairs where women would get together to celebrate. Special food like kheer puda (rice pudding and sweet roti) is also prepared during this time. By and large, the festival is celebrated under the shade of peepal and banyan trees near the village ponds and lakes, fostering a sisterhood.
The festival begins on Teej (which is the third day of the month of Sawan) and is celebrated for thirteen days. When the time comes to part at the end of Teeyan, the women express their feelings through boliyan, like the one below.
Sawan veer ikkthiya karein,
Bhado chandri vichhode pavein
Bhado nu koshdiyan, dubara milan di taap le ke gaundiyan ….
Teeyan teej diyan, vare dina nu fer”
This translates to…
Sawan unites us,
Bhado brings separation,
Cursing the month of Bhado,
They sing with the desire to meet again…
Teeyan of Teej,
Waiting for the days to return
Sadly, the traditions around Teeyan are gradually fading in Punjab. The place of the said trees and ponds has been taken by school grounds, given that these ancient trees too are disappearing in the name of development.
Also Read: These two women are singing Punjab’s past into present
The lead image shows a woman celebrating Teeyan.
Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir is an independent journalist based in Punjab.
