Karwa Chauth:
Karwa Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival observed by married women in India, where they fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of their husbands. The festival falls on the fourth day after the full moon, usually in October or November, based on the Hindu lunar calendar. The word “Karwa” means an earthen pot used to store wheat and “Chauth” means the fourth day.
Key Rituals and Traditions:
1. Fasting: Married women observe a day-long fast, refraining from food and water from sunrise until they spot the moon in the evening.
2. Sargi: Before sunrise, married women eat a special pre-dawn meal called “Sargi,” which is prepared by their mother-in-law. It usually includes foods like sweets, fruits, and nuts.
3. Puja: Women gather together, usually at a temple or someone’s home, to perform a special puja (ritual prayer). They listen to the Karwa Chauth Katha (the story associated with the festival) and offer prayers to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.
4. Bayas: The fasting women receive gifts and new clothes from their husbands or in-laws, known as “Bayas.”
5. Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken once the moon is sighted. The woman first views the moon through a sieve, then looks at her husband’s face and prays for his well-being. The husband offers her water and the first morsel of food to end her fast.
6. Importance of Moon: The moon holds special significance in Karwa Chauth rituals. It is believed that the moon has the power to bless couples with a happy and long married life.
Significance of Karwa Chauth:
1. Symbol of Love: Karwa Chauth is considered a symbol of the deep love and devotion that a married woman has for her husband. It’s seen as a way of strengthening the bond of love between the spouses.
2. Traditional Beliefs: Many women observe Karwa Chauth believing it ensures the well-being and longevity of their husbands. It is also seen as a way to pray for the prosperity and health of the family.
3. Cultural Celebration: Karwa Chauth is not just a religious festival but also a cultural celebration where women dress in traditional attire, apply mehndi (henna), and come together to celebrate womanhood and marital relationships.
4. Modern Adaptations: While the traditional essence of the festival remains, the way Karwa Chauth is celebrated has evolved with modern times. Women often participate in community events, share their experiences on social media, and engage in festive gatherings.
Karwa Chauth, while rooted in tradition, continues to be an important and cherished festival for married women in many parts of India.