Hartalika Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by women in India and Nepal, primarily in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. It falls on the Tritiya (third day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada or Bhado (August/September).

The festival is celebrated in honor of Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as the ideal wife and mother. On this day, women observe a day-long fast and offer prayers to the goddess for the well-being of their husbands and families. They dress up in traditional attire, apply henna on their hands, and exchange gifts with each other.

The legend behind Hartalika Teej is that Goddess Parvati had performed penance for years to win Lord Shiva's hand in marriage. She was deeply devoted to him and wanted to marry him against the wishes of her father, King Himalaya. To escape her father's plans to marry her off to someone else, she went into seclusion in a forest with her friend, Goddess Shailputri. Hence, the name Hartalika Teej, which means "abduction of the friend."

Hartalika Teej is an important festival for married women and is believed to strengthen the bond between husbands and wives. It is also a symbol of female bonding and solidarity, with women coming together to celebrate the festival and share their experiences.