Hariyali Teej 2025 will be celebrated on Sunday, July 27, 2025, marking a vibrant monsoon festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Observed with great enthusiasm in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana, this festival holds immense cultural and spiritual importance. The word Hariyali means greenery, symbolizing the lush landscapes of the Indian monsoon season, while Teej refers to the third day after the new moon (Amavasya).
Women, particularly married ones, observe nirjala vrat (a strict fast without water) for the well-being of their husbands and family, adorning themselves in green attire, swinging on decorated jhulas, singing folk songs, and preparing an array of festive delicacies. Food is central to the celebration, and families come together to enjoy both traditional and creatively reimagined dishes.
Ghewar, The Quintessential Teej Sweet
Ghewar is perhaps the most iconic sweet associated with Hariyali Teej, especially in Rajasthan. This disc-shaped, honeycomb-like dessert is made by pouring a runny batter of refined flour into hot ghee and deep-frying it until golden and crisp. Once cooked, it is soaked in sugar syrup and garnished with rabri, saffron strands, silver vark, and chopped pistachios.
Traditionally distributed as a festive gift, ghewar symbolizes celebration and prosperity. For Hariyali Teej 2025, home bakers and chefs are also experimenting with healthier versions, using jaggery syrup, almond flour, or even baking instead of frying. Mini ghewar cups filled with cardamom-flavored cream or kulfi also offer a modern twist while retaining the classic flavours.
Malpua
Malpua, a syrup-soaked Indian pancake, is another beloved sweet prepared during Hariyali Teej. Made with a batter of flour, milk, and mashed banana or khoya, these small pancakes are deep-fried until golden and then dipped in fragrant sugar syrup. Malpua is often served with a generous topping of rabri, making it a rich and indulgent dessert.
The aroma of fennel and cardamom used in the batter adds to its festive charm. During Teej 2025, try giving this age-old recipe a contemporary flair by adding a touch of saffron or infusing the syrup with rose or mint essence. Malpua towers layered with cream or dry fruits can also be served as an elegant party dessert for guests.
Coconut Laddoo with a Minty Touch
Coconut laddoos are soft, round sweets made with grated coconut and condensed milk or khoya. They’re easy to prepare, making them ideal for festive cooking. For Hariyali Teej 2025, a mint-infused variation aligns perfectly with the festival’s ‘green’ theme. Fresh mint leaves can be blended into a paste and mixed with the coconut and milk mixture to impart a refreshing flavour.
The laddoos are then shaped and garnished with crushed pistachios or edible silver leaf for a festive finish. Not only do these green-hued sweets look stunning on a thali, but they also offer a cooling, palate-cleansing touch between richer items like malpua and ghewar.
Amaranth and Moong Dal Halwa
For those observing a fast or seeking a nutritious option during Teej celebrations, amaranth (rajgira) and green moong dal halwa is a comforting, sattvic choice. Rich in protein and fiber, this halwa is made by roasting amaranth flour and sprouted moong dal in ghee until aromatic, then cooking it with jaggery and cardamom powder. Chopped almonds and cashews can be added for crunch.
Unlike heavier sweets, this halwa is easier on the stomach and perfect for consumption after a nirjala vrat. It not only provides energy but also represents the traditional Ayurvedic wisdom of combining nourishment with celebration. During Hariyali Teej 2025, this rustic dessert can be served warm in earthen bowls for a traditional and eco-friendly presentation.
Sprouted Green Moong Salad
To balance the richness of festive sweets, a light and refreshing sprouted green moong salad can be a wonderful addition to the Hariyali Teej 2025 menu. This dish is especially suitable for those breaking their fast with sattvic foods. Sprouted green moong is tossed with grated cucumber, carrots, finely chopped coriander leaves, and seasoned with roasted cumin powder, lemon juice, and black salt.
It not only aligns with the festival’s green colour theme but also supports digestion and hydration. Adding pomegranate seeds or shredded coconut can make the salad visually appealing and even more nourishing. This wholesome dish also complements heavier items, bringing nutritional balance to the festive platter.
Handvo with Green Vegetables
While sweets dominate the Teej menu, savoury items like Handvo offer a delightful contrast. Originally a Gujarati delicacy, Handvo is a fermented lentil and rice cake, often packed with grated bottle gourd (lauki), spinach, or fenugreek leaves. For Hariyali Teej 2025, a green-themed version made with moong dal and spinach not only honours the season but also adds diversity to the festive spread.
The batter is spiced with ginger, green chillies, and mustard seeds, then baked or pan-cooked into a crispy cake. Handvo slices can be served with green chutney or yogurt, making it a perfect dish for brunch gatherings on Teej.
Mint Buttermilk and Herbal Drinks
Fasting during the humid Indian monsoon requires beverages that cool the body and aid digestion. Mint buttermilk (chaas) is a traditional drink that fits this role perfectly. Made with diluted curd, chopped mint leaves, curry leaves, roasted cumin, and a pinch of salt, chaas is light yet revitalizing.
Another refreshing option for Hariyali Teej 2025 is mint-coriander pani, a tangy, herbal infusion made with mint, coriander, ginger, lemon juice, and black salt. These drinks not only help rehydrate after fasting but also align beautifully with the green, monsoon mood of the festival. Served chilled in earthen or steel tumblers, they add authenticity and comfort to the meal.
Hariyali Teej 2025 offers an opportunity to celebrate love, devotion, and nature through food that resonates with both tradition and modern sensibilities. From iconic sweets like ghewar and malpua to creative takes like mint coconut laddoos and green moong salads, each recipe reflects the monsoon season’s richness and spiritual symbolism. Adding green elements, both in flavour and appearance pays tribute to the essence of Hariyali Teej, while experimenting with health-conscious alternatives ensures the festival remains inclusive and enjoyable for all ages.
