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According to Drik Panchang, "Hartalika Teej Vrat is observed during Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month. On this day, makeshift statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are made with the sand and worshipped for marital bliss and progeny" This year, Hartalika Teej will be observed on 26 August. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva with great devotion, which is believed to bring the desired blessings. This fast is considered very rigorous, as it is observed Nirjala, which means without drinking water or eating food. Women undertaking this fast abstain completely from eating and drinking throughout the day, making it one of the most challenging fasts. Women observing it for the first time should prepare themselves mentally to follow all the rules and rituals with full devotion. Let's take a look at the key rules for this fast: Special Rules to Follow During the Fast

• It is believed that women should not sleep during the day and staying awake at night is considered auspicious. Singing devotional songs and chanting the names of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati multiplies the spiritual benefits of the fast.

• Women are encouraged to adorn themselves with "Solah Shringar". According to religious tradition, wearing black clothes and bangles is discouraged. Instead, green and red are considered auspicious colours.

• It is important to maintain a positive atmosphere on this day.

• Women should also take care to not observe the fast during menstruation. If they wish to maintain a spiritual connection, they can undertake mental prayers, meditation, and mantra recitation, but should avoid touching the worship materials.

"Hartalika Vrat is known as Gowri Habba in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and it is a significant festival to get blessing of Goddess Gowri. "On the day of Gowri Habba women observe Swarna Gowri Vratha to seek blessings of Goddess Gowri for happy married life," states Drik Panchang.