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Teej is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated by women with great enthusiasm and devotion, mostly in states like Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. It is a time of joy, fasting, and feasting. The festival celebrates the bond between married couples, just like Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, making it a significant occasion in many parts of India and Nepal.
As a part of the festivities, preparing and exchanging special hampers has become a cherished tradition. Teej is essentially a communal event where women from the entire neighbourhood come together to celebrate the festival together, so giving these Teej hampers to each other furthers that bonding. These hampers are often filled with an assortment of delectable treats that reflect the spirit of Teej.
If you are planning on making the best, most thoughtful Teej hamper and need some suggestions, we have a few options that you can try and add to your festive gift hamper.
Sweets and Confections
No festival is complete without an indulgent selection of sweets. It is said that "muh meetha karna," or having a sweet, is auspicious. To create a delightful Teej hamper, include an assortment of traditional Indian sweets like ladoos, barfis, and pedas. These treats are not only delicious but also stay fresh for longer, making them a perfect addition to the hamper. Additionally, consider including some modern twists on classic sweets, such as saffron-infused chocolates or rose-flavoured macarons, to add a touch of contemporary flair. But amongst all this, do not forget the traditional ghewar!
Credits - Cookwaan
Dry Fruits and Nuts
Add a touch of health and nourishment to the hamper with an assortment of premium dry fruits and nuts. Almonds, cashews, pistachios, and dried figs are not only rich in flavour but also provide essential nutrients. These offerings symbolise prosperity and well-being, aligning perfectly with the blessings exchanged during Teej celebrations.
Herbal Teas and Beverages
Given that Teej falls during the monsoon season, herbal teas and refreshing beverages are a thoughtful addition to your beautiful hamper. Include a selection of herbal teas like tulsi tea, jasmin tea, or ginger-infused concoctions that offer warmth and comfort during rainy days. To further add to the experience, you can also include a few beautifully decorated tea cups and saucers, according to your budget.
Savoury Delights
Credits- Cooking with Siddhi
Balance out the sweetness by including a variety of savoury snacks that are sure to delight the taste buds. Crispy mathris, papads, makhana or foxnuts, namkeen mix, and fried, spicy chivda mix are excellent choices. Some of these snacks, like the makhana, can be enjoyed during the fasting period for those who do not do the nirjala vrat or water-less fast. Other snacks can be part of the post-fast feast.
Spice Blends and Condiments
Teej celebrations often involve elaborate feasts, and what better way to enhance the culinary experience than by including spice blends and condiments? Packets of fragrant garam masala, mango chutney, and home-made or good store-bought pickles can add an extra layer of flavour to the festive dishes. These additions will not only make the women who are fasting feel special on the evening of Teej but also stay with them as a memory of this joyful festival.
Fresh Fruits
Amid all the indulgent treats, fresh fruits provide a refreshing and wholesome element to the hamper. Opt for seasonal fruits like pear, custard apple, banana, and mosambi. The inclusion of fresh fruits not only complements the overall assortment of the Teej hamper but also aligns with the tradition of getting close to nature and appreciating what Mother Earth does for all her children.
Creating a special Teej hamper is a thoughtful way to embrace the festive spirit while delighting the senses with an array of culinary delights. This hamper not only brings joy to the women, who fast for the entire day selflessly, but also honours the rich cultural heritage associated with this festival. As you curate your Teej special hamper, remember that each item chosen carries a message of love, prosperity, and togetherness, making the festival even more meaningful and memorable.
