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Karva Chauth

Karva Chauth is a ritual of fasting observed by married Hindu women seeking the longevity, well-being and prosperity of their husbands. It is a popular amongst married women in the northern and western parts of India, especially, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

This festival comes nine days before Diwali on the fourth day of new moon in the month of Kartik that falls somewhere between October and November. Those observing fast get up before sunrise, wear good clothes, eat a little food before the first sunlight touches earth and start their fast. In some sections, Shiva, Parvati and their son Kartikeya are worshipped on this day along with the ten karwas which means earthen pots are filled with sweets. The fast then starts. Throughout the day no food or water is taken.

In early evening, fasting women dress up in special colorful clothes with Bindis on their foreheads. Bangles and other jewellery are worn and special henna patters are applied on the hands. They usually gather at a common place like a temple courtyard or a place in the neighborhood and listen to mythological stories underscoring the importance of fast on Karva Chauth. After the moon rises, the women see its reflection in water. Then they do Puja and pray for their husband’s health and long life and finally break their fast. Husbands pay warm compliments to their wives for undergoing day-long hardship by remaining hungry and thirsty and buy them gifts as a mark of love and appreciation.