Karva Chauth falls approximately nine days before Diwali, making it one of the most significant fasting festivals for Hindu women in North India. This sacred day is marked by married women fasting from sunrise to moonrise, seeking the welfare, prosperity, and long life of their husbands. Karva Chauth is unique because it involves a rigorous fast, often without food or water, showing the devotion and love that women have for their spouses.
Early Morning Rituals and Preparations for Karva Chauth
Before sunrise, married women prepare and eat a special meal known as Sargi. This pre-dawn meal is essential as it provides energy to sustain the women throughout the day-long fast. After Sargi, the morning is spent engaging in festive activities, such as applying henna (mehendi) on hands and feet, decorating the pooja thali, and meeting with friends and relatives.
Karva Chauth Pooja and Afternoon Gatherings
In the late afternoon, women gather at a common place, such as a temple, garden, or a host’s home, to participate in the Karva Chauth pooja. An elderly lady or the priest narrates the legend of Karva Chauth, reminding everyone of the spiritual importance of the fast. During this time, mothers of newlywed girls also present ‘Baya’ to the parents of their son-in-law. Baya typically includes Mathris, almonds, and gifts, symbolizing goodwill and familial bonds.
Breaking the Karva Chauth Fast at Moonrise
The fast is traditionally broken after sighting the moon. Women offer water to the moon before breaking their fast. This ritual symbolizes the end of a long day of devotion and prayers. Once the offering is complete, women receive water or a morsel of food from their husbands, officially ending the fast.
Significance of Karva Chauth Among Newlyweds
Karva Chauth holds special significance for newlyweds. Markets brim with vibrant festival items days in advance, and preparations often begin a week before the actual day. This unique fast, where women refrain from both food and water, is celebrated widely among North Indian communities across India and the world. It is an extraordinary display of a wife’s love, devotion, and prayers for the longevity and well-being of her husband.
Strengthening Family Bonds Through Karva Chauth
Karva Chauth provides a perfect opportunity for married women to bond with their in-laws. The festival, rich in social and cultural significance, involves fasting, applying henna, and exchanging gifts. The ‘Sargi’, prepared by the mother-in-law, consists of sweetmeats and sometimes even clothing, symbolizing blessings and good luck for the daughter-in-law. This festive day strengthens familial ties and creates a sense of unity among women.
Learn more about Karva Chauth and its customs.
