Women prepare for Haritalika Teej fast with traditional dar feast on Thursday

KATHMANDU: In preparation for the Haritalika Teej fast, women from the Sanatan Hindu community are gearing up to consume “Dar (Darr is a midnight food consumption for the endurance to the fasting of Teej day)” on Thursday.

According to tradition, Dar is eaten on the evening of Bhadra Shukla Dwitīya (the second day of the bright half of the lunar month of Bhadra).

Since the fast requires women to go without food and water the following day, it is customary to eat Dar the night before.

Dar is viewed as a form of preparation for the Teej fast.

Although Dar is usually eaten two days after Kushe Aunsi (the day to collect sacred grass), this year it falls one day later.

Panchangs (Hindu calendars) indicate that this year, the Aunsi stretched over two days, which caused Dwitīya to shift to the third day.

It is a tradition for maternal homes to either bring or invite their daughters for Dar.

Sisters often gather to celebrate, enjoying a variety of foods until late at night. Women who remain in their marital homes also partake in Dar with their families.

As Dar is consumed in preparation for the next day’s fast, it is customary to eat “sattvic” (pure and wholesome) foods. Common dishes include kheer (a milk-based rice pudding), dhakane (steamed rice flour cakes), gundpak (a sweet), and fruits.

It is believed that consuming Dar provides strength and sustenance for the day of fasting.

Dharma scholar Dr. Ramchandra Gautam mentions that traditionally, Dar should be eaten in two portions and finished by midnight.