Karwa Chauth is a highly cherished festival mainly observed in the northern parts of India. In this beautiful ceremony, married women fast from dawn till moonrise praying for the well-being and long life of their husbands. This is a highly special festive occasion for women, full of rituals and joyfulness, during which women dress in gorgeous traditional outfits- - mostly red- - and adorn themselves with elegant
mehndi
patterns, and jewelry.
This year, Karwa Chauth is going to be celebrated on 20th October 2024- - that is on the fourth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik, as per the Hindu calendar. This auspicious day is filled with notable stories, songs, and prayers to Goddess Parvati, along with Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh, and it's essential to understand the dos and don'ts that go along with the fast for its complete celebration.
These tips and suggestions are curated carefully as per the data presented by various online media sources as well as according to the Hindu culture and traditions. Following these guidelines can make this experience more fruitful, ensuring the meaning and joyfulness of the festival for everyone participating.
The ritual of Sargi
Sargi is a special meal eaten before dawn by women who fast on Karwa Chauth; it is usually prepared by their mother-in-law. This meal should ideally include fruits, stuffed parathas, sweets like pheni or meethi seviyan, dry fruits, and drinks like coconut water or juice. Sargi not only provides energy for the day but also represents the love and blessings between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, helping to strengthen family bonds. It’s more than just food; it’s a meaningful tradition that connects women to their families during the fast.
Dress in auspicious colours
Karwa Chauth is a day full of religious values. Women are suggested to wear bright and auspicious colours like red, green, orange, pink, and maroon. These colours symbolise love, joy, and prosperity, and by dressing in these colours, you are believed to connect with the positive energies of the day and honour the sacredness of the fast.
Apply mehndi on hands and feet
Applying mehendi on the day of Karwa Chauth is of immense significance. It symbolises love and deep devotion towards your partner. According to tradition, women are supposed to apply it on the hands as well as the feet, based on the belief that the darker the stain it leaves behind, the deeper the bond formed between couples.
Participate in the recital of Karwa Chauth Katha
One of the major rituals of Karwa Chauth is the recitation of the Karwa Chauth Katha, a sacred story dedicated to the goddess Karwa Mata. It is most commonly done by a group of women who are present together, thus fostering a sense of community. The Katha tells the importance of the fast and points out the very importance of the blessings for one's husband's longevity in her life.
Prepare Sattvik foods
Sattvik food
should be prepared and offered first to Lord Ganesha, and then to Karwa Mata. Sattvik food is light, nutritious, and free from garlic and onions which are considered Tamsic as per Ayurveda. Traditional dishes prepared are puris, halwa, kheer, and sabzi. These are consumed after breaking the fast, in celebration of completing the vrat.
Wait for the moonrise to break your fast
One such important moment in this celebration of Karwa Chauth is the sighting of the moon. Women have to wait for the moon to rise to break their fast. After the moon is sighted, prayers are offered, a puja of the moon and the husband is done by the woman, and the fast is broken by sipping water by the hand of their husband. Later, the day's first meal is consumed, symbolising the end of fasting.
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