| Teeyan
Teeyan, a festival of the rainy season, is celebrated on the 3rd of the
bright fortnight of Sawan (July-August). The four months from Harh (June-July)
to the first half of Assu (September) are called Chaumasa. During this
period the sky generally remains overcast and the weather shifts
between sultriness and rainfall. Rains bring the longed-for relief
to the heat-stricken Punjabis, and the rhythm of the little and big drops
of rain instills in them the enthusiasm which must seek expression in
fun and frolic. A newly-married girl looks forward to the rainy days when
a brother or some other male relative from the parental home may come
to escort her to her father's place. This reversal from bride hood to
being just a daughter again is such a liberating and thrilling experience
that it cannot be put into words. One day before the Teeyan, girls apply
henna to their hands and feet, and on the day of the festival they put
on their best clothes and go out to the fair. The fair resounds with the
songs of love and the rhythm of dance. The songs are known as Teeyan songs.
The Giddha dance has become a regular and most enchanting feature of this
festival. At home women make kheer, a dish specially associated with Sawan. |
