Goldstar’s Vidushi Rana: ‘Teej is not just a women’s festival, but a day of sisterhood and unity’

Kathmandu – Vidushi Rana, Branding and Marketing Director of Nepal’s leading footwear brand Goldstar Shoes, will be marking this year’s Teej festival outside Kathmandu. Known for considering Teej not just as a women’s festival but as a symbol of love and unity among sisters, Rana shared her childhood memories and thoughts about the occasion in a conversation with Kapil Bhandari.

Rana recalled her earliest memory of Teej with her mother. “She would wear a red sari, red bangles, red thread, and red tika while observing a day-long fast. I used to be fascinated by her beauty and dedication. As a child, I had heard that women fast during Teej to get a good husband like Lord Shiva,” she said.

For Rana, the festival holds deep emotional significance. “From the very beginning, I understood this fast as a way to pray for a husband’s long life and good health. If keeping a fast brings longevity and good health to the person I love, I am more than happy to do it,” she added.

Highlighting the essence of Teej, she said the celebration today extends beyond fasting and rituals. “Teej has become a festival of sisterhood and bonding. Women gather for feasts a day before, enjoy music and dance, and then observe the fast the next day by visiting temples like Pashupatinath. Coming together and strengthening ties among sisters is one of the most beautiful aspects of Teej,” Rana reflected.

This year, however, will be different for her. She revealed that she will be in Bangkok for a meeting during the festival. “I won’t be able to perform the rituals at home, but I believe faith comes from the heart. Wherever I am, I will observe Teej in my own way. For working women, it’s not always possible to celebrate in traditional ways, so this Teej will be a little different for me,” she said.