Karva Chauth

Karva Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated by married women in India, particularly in the northern regions, with great devotion and enthusiasm. The festival is observed on the fourth day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, usually in October or November. It is a day when married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.

The main elements of the Karva Chauth puja include:

Fasting: Married women observe a strict fast from sunrise to moonrise, refraining from food and water during this time.

Puja Thali: Women gather at a common place or in their homes for the evening puja. They prepare a decorative thali (plate) containing items like a small decorated pot (Karva), a lit lamp (diya), vermillion (sindoor), and various sweets.

Narration of the Legend: Before breaking the fast, women often narrate the story or legend associated with Karva Chauth. This story typically involves the devotion and determination of a queen named Veeravati, who observed a strict fast to save her husband’s life.

Moonrise: Women eagerly await the moonrise. Once they spot the moon in the evening sky, they break their fast by looking at the moon through a sieve and then at their husband. This is a significant moment, and the husband often offers his wife the first sip of water and a bite of food.

Feasting: Following the moonrise and the ritualistic break of the fast, families come together to share a meal, and the celebrations continue late into the night.

Karva Chauth is a symbol of the love and devotion that married women have for their husbands, and it is a day for strengthening marital bonds and celebrating the togetherness of married life. It has been passed down through generations as an important and cherished tradition.