Karva Chauth is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly by married women in India and some other parts of South Asia. The festival is celebrated on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Kartik (in October or November) and is dedicated to the well-being and long life of the husband. It’s an important day for many families, as it symbolizes the bond between husband and wife. On Karva Chauth, married women observe a strict fast from sunrise until the moonrise in the evening.
What Is Karva Chauth?
Karva Chauth is a one-day festival that takes place on the fourth day after the full moon during the month of Kartik (October/November). On this day, married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husband’s long life and prosperity. They also perform various rituals throughout the day such as praying to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, exchanging gifts with family members, singing songs dedicated to marriage, etc.
The fasting ends when they see the first glimpse of the moon through a sieve or strainer while looking at their reflection in water or oil placed inside it. The fast is broken by drinking water or eating food from their husband’s hands. Husbands often give gifts to their wives as a token of love and appreciation for their sacrifice and devotion.
Karva Chauth is believed to be a way for married women to express their love and devotion towards their husbands and seek blessings for their long and healthy life. It is a significant festival in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in various parts of India.
The Significance Of Karva Chauth
According to Hindu mythology, Karva Chauth has a story associated with it. It is believed that a queen named Veervati observed the Karva Chauth fast for the longevity of her husband. However, due to her strict fast, she suffered from severe thirst and hunger. As a result, she became very weak and fainted.
At this point, Lord Shiva appeared before her and revealed that her fast was not observed correctly. Veervati had broken her fast after seeing the reflection of the moon in a pot of water, which was not the actual moon. Lord Shiva instructed her to fast again and correctly break the fast after seeing the moon.
After this incident, the queen observed the fast again, following all the rituals and correctly breaking the fast after seeing the moon. As a result, her husband regained his health and lived a long life.
This festival has been celebrated since ancient times as a way for wives to show love and devotion towards their husbands. In modern times, however, its significance has evolved into something more than just marital loyalty; it now serves as an opportunity for couples to strengthen their relationship by spending quality time together despite busy schedules and hectic lifestyles. Additionally, celebrating Karva Chauth helps bring families closer together by providing them with an excuse to get together once every year.
Associated Traditions And Rituals
On this auspicious occasion, there are several traditions associated with it which include dressing up in traditional attire like sarees or salwar kameezes along with wearing jewelry made out of gold or silver coins called “Karvas” around wrists or necks; preparing dishes like puris (fried bread) sweetened milk pudding; offering prayers at temples dedicated specifically for worshipping goddess Gauri who represents fertility & abundance among Hindus; performing puja ceremonies where offerings such as flowers & fruits are given away in order exchange blessings from gods & goddesses alike.
Before the fast, the mother-in-law prepares a special meal called ‘sargi‘ for her daughter-in-law. It is usually a sumptuous meal consisting of sweets, fruits, and other delicacies. Women apply intricate designs of henna on their hands and feet, which is considered as a symbol of love and devotion towards their husbands. Husbands often give gifts to their wives as a token of love and appreciation for their sacrifice and devotion. Women also exchange gifts and sweets with their relatives and friends. These rituals add to the festive mood and make Karva Chauth a special and significant festival for married women in India.
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