Karwa Chauth is one of the famous festival celebrated mostly by the Hindu and Punjabi married women. The festival is mainly celebrated in Northern and Western states of India like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. In Indian tradition, Karwa Chauth festival is considered as one of the most significant occasion that strengthens the sacred marital bond between husband and wife.
For all Indians, marriage is the most sacred bond of a life time. So, the festival is celebrated with so much of joy and enthusiasm among the married women. On the auspicious day of karwa chauth, married women dress up in their best clothings, shimmering jewelry and apply mehandi on their hands. They keep fast for the whole day without taking even a single drop pf water. In the evening, they break their day long fast after watching the moon in night and having food from their husband.
The Rituals
The fast of Karwa Chauth observed by Indian women is the most difficult fast for the long life and prosperity of their husbands. On the festive day, married women wears special clothes usually red or pink saree/suit. They adorn themselves with best jewelry, colorful bangles, bindi and apply mehandi designs on both palms. In the evening, they worship Ahiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya and a Kalash or Karwa filled with sweets.
Significance of 'Sargi' & 'Baya'
In some regions, women begin their day by consuming food called 'Sargi' given by their mother-in-law to eat before sunrise. They receive 'Baya' or a basket containing sweets, fruits and saree meant for mother-in-laws in the evening. Then, women from the neighbourhood gather at a commonplace to worship Goddess Gauri and an elderly woman of family narrates the story of Karva Chauth. After that, they all wait for the moon rise. Once the moon appears, they offer water and break their fast by seeing their husband through sieve.
The festival of Karwa Chauth is a day to keep fast by the married women for their husband. They keep the to pray for the welfare and long life of their husbands. The festival brings married women more closer to their Mother-in-laws. Like all other Indian festivals, Karwachauth is also marked by gathering of friends and relatives and enjoying delicious sweets and foods. All the decorations, jewelry, heena and joyous atmosphere signifies the splendor and happiness of a married life.
Exchange of Karwa Chauth Gifts
Apart from all these, any Indian festival is never compete without exchange of Gifts. After performing all the rituals, women receives expensive and unique gifts from their husbands. The market offers a wide array of Karwa Chauth Gifts to lure your wives on this special day. Sending Gifts on this occasion is a way to convey that you love and care for her. This shows the glorifying face of Karvachauth.
The festival of Karwa Chauth is a very traditional festival which is being celebrated in the form of fast since ages. All the married women observe fast on this day and pray for the prosperity and longevity of their husbands. The fast kept by women signifies utmost love and devotion of a wife to her husband.