When we began planning Teej – Celebrating Women’s Wellness and Community, our vision was to create a gathering where Punjabi women could celebrate tradition while also engaging in meaningful conversations about well-being. We wanted to provide more than just a cultural event; our aim was to offer a safe and supportive space where women of all ages could connect, share experiences, and uplift one another.
The planning process began with open conversations in our community. We asked women what Teej meant to them and what they would like to see included in the celebration. Many expressed a desire to preserve the traditional elements of singing, dancing, and mehndi, while also making space to discuss important topics such as mental health, stress, and self-care. This feedback shaped our program, allowing us to honour cultural traditions while also addressing the needs of women in today’s world.
Through this process, we learned that collaboration was essential. Every individual who contributed, from volunteers coordinating activities to participants sharing their personal stories, played a vital role in making the celebration meaningful. We also discovered how quickly connections can develop when people are given a safe and joyful space to engage with one another.
The celebration of Teej became more than a one-day festival. It sparked conversations about the importance of ongoing support networks and encouraged participants to remain connected well beyond the event. Women left not only feeling celebrated but also empowered to continue supporting one another in their daily lives.
Ultimately, this project demonstrated that when culture and wellness are brought together, community bonds are strengthened. Teej – Celebrating Women’s Wellness and Community reminded us that joy, tradition, and healing can coexist, creating resilience and sisterhood that extend far beyond the festival itself.
