Celebration of Womanhood Lights Up Teej Festival 2025
Jaipur, 30 July 2025: “Yatra naryastu pujyante, ramante tatra devataḥ” (where women are worshipped, there the gods reside). This Vedic verse came to life as historic streets of the Pink City, Jaipur turned into a grand stage for the Teej Festival, celebrating womanhood, creativity, and rich traditions of Rajasthan. Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari, this year’s Teej became more than a festival – it became a cultural statement.
Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ms. Diya Kumari, emphasized that traditional festivals like Teej, deeply rooted in the state’s vibrant cultural fabric, offer a unique opportunity to invite and engage tourists from across the globe. Speaking about the celebrations, she stated, “Teej is not just a festival, it is a cultural experience that can strengthen Rajasthan’s appeal as a destination. This year, we have planned the Teej Festival at a much larger scale. Since the festival is wholly dedicated to women, we have consciously designed this edition with women at its core, whether as performers, curators, or cultural ambassadors.”
Highlighting the tourism vision of the state, Diya Kumari mentioned that Rajasthan is working towards becoming a year-round tourism destination. “We are focusing on attracting visitors even during the shoulder seasons. Festivals like Teej give us the perfect platform to offer memorable experiences rooted in our traditions,” she said. She further added that the government is pushing for alternative tourism formats such as MICE tourism and concert-based events during off-peak months, which will broaden Rajasthan’s offerings and strengthen its presence on the global cultural tourism map.
The 2025 edition stood out for placing women at the heart of every celebration. For the first time in the 298-year history of the royal Teej procession, women priests performed the sacred aarti of Teej Mata. Female entrepreneurs inaugurated the Teej Fair, while women-designed tableaux lined the streets, giving the age-old festival a fresh voice.
The royal procession began from the Zenana Deorhi of City Palace, moving through Tripolia Gate, Chhoti Chaupad, Chogan Stadium, and concluding at Pondrik Udyan. The spectacle featured decorated elephants, camels, horses, royal buggies, and hundreds of folk artists, with women performers taking center stage.
Deputy CM Diya Kumari led the Maha Aarti at Chhoti Chaupad, joined by Governor Haribhau Bagde, Speaker Vasudev Devnani, and Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj. For the first time, drones showered flower petals during the aarti, which was broadcast live across over 200 public screens in Rajasthan. Padmanabh Singh of the former royal family performed aarti at Tripolia Gate, bridging tradition with inclusivity.
Pondrik Udyan, the final stop, turned into a lively cultural hub with stalls by women entrepreneurs showcasing handicrafts, lahariya textiles, terracotta items, mirror-work art, and eco-friendly products. Evening performances included Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, Bhawai, Kathak, and soulful folk songs by women artists. Traditional swings, henna corners, and local cuisine added to the festive charm.
This year’s festival brought forward a simple truth – traditions thrive when they welcome new voices. The celebrations honored not just Teej Mata, but every woman who embodies strength, beauty, and faith. Jaipur’s Teej 2025 stood as a celebration where heritage met inclusiveness, and where every woman was at the heart of the story.