Teej Mata’s Grand Procession Draws Devotees — Deputy CM Diya Kumari Performs First-Ever Maha Aarti at Choti Chaupad

On the festive occasion of Teej, a vibrant celebration of womanhood, the Department of Tourism organized a two-day Teej Festival 2025 in Jaipur on 27 and 28 July. The first day, Sunday, witnessed the grand and traditional Teej Mata procession, which attracted large numbers of women, local residents, and domestic and international tourists.

At Choti Chaupad, a grand stage was set up for the Teej Mata Maha Aarti, where several dignitaries participated, including Governor Shri Haribhau Bagde, Assembly Speaker Shri Vasudev Devnani, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Art & Culture Diya Kumari, Uttarakhand’s Tourism Minister Shri Satpal Maharaj, MLAs Shri Balamukund Acharya and Shri Gopal Sharma, Principal Secretary of Tourism, Art & Culture Shri Rajesh Yadav, Tourism Commissioner Mrs. Rukmani Riyar, Heritage Mayor Mrs. Kusum Yadav, Greater Jaipur Mayor Mrs. Soumya Gurjar, journalists, social media influencers, and a large gathering of women.

Deputy CM Diya Kumari performed the first-ever Maha Aarti of Teej Mata at Choti Chaupad.

Teej Mata’s Royal Procession Captivates All

The grand procession began from Janani Deodi, City Palace, passed through Tripolia Gate, Choti Chaupad, and Chaugan Stadium, and culminated at Taltora Paundrik Park.

At Choti Chaupad, the procession dazzled spectators with Rajasthani tableaux, horse-drawn carriages, adorned elephants, camels, bulls, bands, and traditional instruments like shehnai and nagara, accompanied by women empowerment displays and cultural performances.

Around 200 Folk Artists Bring Rajasthani Culture to Life

The procession started with a Kachhi Ghodi tableau by Banwarilal Jat, followed by a Gair dance from the Shekhawati region. A Bahurupiya artist captivated the crowd with portrayals of Narad, Krishna, and Lord Shiva. Internationally acclaimed artist Purnanath Sapera enchanted with melodious tunes, while Kalbeliya dancers mesmerized with graceful performances.

Other highlights included Chari dance, Hela Khyal, and puppet shows by Jaipur’s famous puppeteer Raju Bhat. Tejpal Nagauri’s group from Nagaur performed Kachhi Ghodi and Bankya vadan. Royal elephants carrying flags, bulls in red cloth, camel caravans with sword-wielding men in traditional Rajasthani attire portrayed the valorous spirit of Rajasthan.

The crowd cheered as the royal horses, ornate buggies, and elephants made their way, culminating in Teej Mata’s grand appearance from Tripolia Gate, led by a red carriage and a band troupe. Both sides of the street echoed with chants of “Jai Teej Mata.”

Women’s Tableau — A Cultural Highlight

One of the most captivating moments was the women’s tableau, where women dressed in colorful leheriya sarees balanced ceremonial pots on their heads, dancing and singing in unison — a stunning display of Rajasthani tradition.

Women Priests Performed the Rituals

Notably, women priests performed the worship rituals during Teej Mata’s procession, reflecting cultural inclusivity and modern values.

This unique and vibrant Teej celebration, filled with traditional fervor, was broadcast live by multiple media channels and displayed on approximately 200 screens across Rajasthan, with technical assistance from DOIT and the Department of Tourism.

The event served as a mesmerizing showcase of Rajasthan’s rich folk traditions and artistic heritage, leaving a lasting impression on both residents and visitors.