subject: Karwa Chauth Celebrations in India [print this page] The north Indian community settled either in India and other parts of the world celebrate Karwa Chauth. Karwachauth is a festival that asks us to believe in and celebrate the institution of marriage. All married Hindu women observe a fast that ensures the well-being and longevity of their husbands on this day.
Karva Chauth Celebrations
Karvachauth, the day for fasting has become bigger and the celebrations more elaborate with each passing day. Although the Halwais, the Mehendi and Churiwallis have always been busy on this auspicious day. But joining the bandwagon in recent times are the beauty parlour owners, the event managers and the restaurant owners. Various clubs organize special events on this festive day with stalls, tambola and even dance competitions. With so much feasting and fun added to it, there could not be a better fasting occasion than this one.
A Typical Karva Chauth Day
On this day women get up before sunrise. They worship Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya and the moon. Gods blessings are invoked for longevity and prosperity of their husbands and children. Mothers-in-law give their daughters-in-law food called 'Sargi' to eat before sunrise, as the fast starts before sunrise and ends only after worshiping the moon at night.
Before evening, the married woman receives the baya or a basket full of goodies from her mother, which is meant for the mother-in-law. The basket contains sweets, mathadi, fruits and a sari. In the evenings, the women dress up in their best finery. After dressing up, she receives Karva Chauth gifts from her mother-in-law. Before the sun sets, the puja chowk is beautifully decorated and a small platform is prepared against a wall. On this, the image of Gauri Mata or Goddess Parvati is placed. In the olden days, this image was made of cow-dung.
The Karwa Chauth Puja
The women sit around this image with their bayas. Each woman also places a karva or a pitcher full of water and seven pieces of pua in front of her. It is adorned with kharia, aipun and a little roli. A red thread is tied around the karva. At the beginning of the puja, women apply the roli teeka to Goddess Gauri and also to themselves. With the thumb and the third finger of the right hand, water is sprinkled on the image of the goddess. The same procedure is repeated with aipun and roli. Lastly, rice is showered on the image.
An elderly woman of the family narrates the legend of Karva Chauth. The women then pray for the long life and welfare of their husbands. While chanting the prayers, they pass their bayas from one to another. The wait for the moon rise begins after sunset, and as soon as the moon is sighted, prayers are offered to the moon. The fasting women first observe the moon through a sieve and then break their fast. The first sip of water and the first morsel of food is to be offered by the husband. This is followed by a grand feast for all.
