Hong Kong Desi

Teej is meant to celebrate the goals and achievement that make your life full of happiness. Teej also referred to festivals celebrated by Hindu women in India and Nepal. Hartalika Teej in monsoon is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated by Hindu girls and women by observing fast and offering prayers to Lord Shiva. Along with fasting, women and girls stay awake whole night and enjoy the evening with games, devotional songs, dancing to celebrate the union of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. Hong Kong resident Janhavi Wekhande Chandratre shared her Hartalika Teej celebration pictures with Hong Kong Desi readers. While sharing her feelings about puja, Janhavi said, "after coming to Hong Kong, I missed India, Indian festivals, and celebrations. I started performing this puja since I was 12. I use sand to create Lord Shiva's murti (idol) for puja. I keep murti on kalasha and decorate kalasha with vida, paan, supari, Prasad(fruits), diyas and flower rangoli."

n Your Story -- An exclusive interview with newsmakers by Hong Kong Desi -- this week we are presenting Shweta Rastogi, an artist with an unexceptional amount of talent. HKD: Tell us about yourself, Shweta. Shweta:  I am Shweta Rastogi, a commerce graduate, fashion designer and a self-taught artist. I was born and brought up in Delhi, India. Before moving to Hong Kong, I have spent a few years in Mumbai as well. Bringing my thoughts on a canvas in the form of a colourful painting has always remained a passion and an overwhelming experience for me. Over time, I started experimenting with different art forms which helped me grow as an artist.  I strongly believe that one can't learn Art enough, and there is always scope to learn and improvise. I still feel that I am a student who needs to learn so much in this space, and this thought keeps me going. HKD: How you were introduced to this art? Shweta:  I must say that I have been inclined towards Art from my childhood. H